The 4 Elements Relaxation Technique

Dr. Charlie Tyack guides through the 4 elements meditation, part of Elan Shapiro and Brurit Laub’s EMDR for Recent Traumatic Events Protocol (R-TEP).

Video Description

The 4 elements is a relaxation technique that is super easy to remember and to use. It was published as part of Elan Shapiro & Brurit Laub’s EMDR for recent traumatic events intervention is the main stress-reduction exercise, but it works well in lots of other situations. You can take your time with it or run through it relatively quickly in order to ground yourself. You might find that different parts work better for you at different times, and that the more you practice it, the easier it becomes.

There’s 4 stages, working from the ground upwards –

• EARTH – grounding and checking in with the here-and-now
• AIR – noticing your breath and using your favourite breathing exercise
• WATER – focussing on producing more saliva to help the body switch to its relaxed (parasympathetic) mode
• FIRE – firing up your imagination to go to an imaginary safe or neutral place

Video Access

Open Access

Tyack, C. (2024, Dec 11). Easy Relaxation – the 4 elements. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFGPM0n6qvI