Introduction
While exploring the root of hypnosis, one discovers that the earliest reference to psychotherapy and hypnosis is probably the reference to Mantra Vidya mentioned in the Atharva Veda. Mantra Vidya, as we know, was the primary technique for manas chikitsa, which relied on the meaning and vibration of sounds. It used 5 types of therapies out of which 3 (Sankalpa, Sandesha, and samavashikarana) were related to hypnotherapy.
While examining our Shastras, we discover that there are various areas where therapy, specifically hypnotherapy can be effectively applied through the science and art of hypnosis, especially in the application of areas like, Vedantic and Upanishadic principles, Buddhist philosophy, Kashmir Shaivism, the concepts of Panchakoshas, Chakra and Kundalini system, etc. In this article, we will focus on one such interesting concept – the concept of Panchamahabutas, the 5 elements of our being, and how they can be applied by New Age hypnotherapists.
At the outset, it is worthwhile to mention that, unlike the Western approach, New Age hypnosis does not subscribe to any strict and specific rules, dogmas, forms, and structures. The Sanatan tradition treats each individual as unique and as therapists, it becomes imperative to discover one’s Swabhav and Swadharma. The prognosis and the treatment are approached through intuitive insight and not through preconditioned and structured learning. While knowledge and experience add armory and help one develop insight, one should be mindful that the learning and conditioning are not hijacked in the therapy room.
Thus, the knowledge in the article is not prescriptive or directive. Hypnotherapy being an experiential process, no amount of theorizing can adequately supplement the individualized understanding of the concepts through the correct practice of – shravan (active listening), manan (introspection) and nidhidhyasan (experiential understanding).
Finally, although there is mention about various forms of hypnotherapy and certain concepts from our Shastras, it is beyond the scope of this article to explain them.
Introducing the 5 elements
The Panchamahabutas or the 5 elements of nature in the order of their origin are Aakash or ether, Vayu or wind, Agni or fire, Apa (jal) or the water, and finally, Prithvi or the earth element. Some cultures like the Chinese also deal with other elements like metal and wood but we will restrict our discussion to the Ayurveda approach to Panchamahabutas only. The Upanishads assert that the creation was, in the beginning, a formless entity, that is both discrete and indiscreet existing originally in a very balanced and harmonious state.
Nature, it seems follows the order of the five elements in which they were created. We understand that Aakash produces Vayu which produces Agni that produces Apa and Apa produces Prithvi.
It is also said that the 5 elements have distinct characteristics and it also borrows the characteristics of the elements in the previous order. Aakash or ether is represented by sound – Naad, the eternal source of all creation. The next element, Vayu or wind is represented by touch and it also contains the elements of Aakash, that is sound. The characteristics of Agni or fire are colour or sight which is coupled with touch and sound, as well. Likewise, Apa or water is a chief characteristic of taste, which has, in addition, colour, touch, or sound. Finally, Prithvi represents smell. It also contains taste, colour, touch, and sound. All we see in the universe is also within us – the same elements – Jo pindey ohi brahmandey.
The concept of Panchamahabutas in Ayurveda relates to the constitution of an individual and the nature of disease to restore balance and good health. This concept is present in both Samkhya and Yoga but we will limit our understanding to Ayurveda only.
Aakash: Also known as Vyom or Shunya, Aakash represents the formless, boundless, serene, pure space with its emptiness and potential boundless nature. This space is linked to higher wisdom, and knowledge, and is the foundation of spirituality. Greg Braden calls this the ‘Divine Matrix’. The space that envelopes the entire universe is also the same that permeates within us and into every cell of our being. It is felt in our nostrils, mouth, ears, throat, lungs, and the stomach. It is represented by the Sahasrar chakra. The deity is Ishwara. It is this space that connects us – that provides the feeling and experience of oneness.The inducing of the space element is therapeutic as we all feel an immediate connection to everything around us. Hypnotherapy, utilizing the Vedantic and Upanishadic principles assists one to connect to the higher essence of one’s being and, renders one a transformative, transcendental, and meditative experience – the realization of the Turiya. Thus, Aakash or Ether is related to spiritual and mystical experiences and is also related to occult and paranormal experiences achieved in New Age hypnotherapy.
Wind or Vayu: Vayu represents communication, breath, lightness, and intellect. It signifies the flow of prana in our bodies. It resides as the Anahata chakra or the heart center. The deity in Hindu mythology that represents the wind element is Pavanputra, Hanuman. In our body, Vayu is responsible for all movements including expansion, contraction, and suppression, and is the source of love and compassion. Wind or Vayu is represented by touch and sound. This is utilized in trance induction and hypnotherapy by visual imagination utilized in Indirect hypnosis.
Fire: Fire represents colour, touch, and sound. It also represented the fire in our belly, driving our actions, will, and determinism. Fire symbolizes transformation, energy, passion, heat, power, etc. This element resides in the Manipur chakra and is represented by the deity, Lord Shiva. In the human body, this fire is present in hunger, thirst, and sleep. Cognitive Behaviour Hypnotherapy is effective in igniting this fire element in an individual.
Water: Water represents fluidity, emotional cleansing, adaptability, and feminine energy. It occupies more than two-thirds of the earth’s constitution and the same proportion goes about in our bodies too with its existence as blood, saliva, urine, semen, and sweat. It works through various hormones and lends balance and harmony within and without. Water is represented by the Svadhisthan Chakra and the deity residing here is Lord Vishnu. Water has the characteristic of taste in addition to the earlier characteristics of colour, touch, and sound. The water element in an individual is best expressed through the arousal of one’s emotional content and is enriched through Compassionate Ericksonian Hypnotherapy.
Earth: Earth or Prithvi represents solidity, stability, and grounding. In our bodies, all the physical structures like bones, flesh, skin, tissues, nails, and hair represent the earth element. Earth also carries all the sensory experiences of smell, taste, sight, touch, and hearing. Earth is represented by Muladhar chakra or the root chakra and the deity is Brahma. Earth represents the Body and is the foundation of our existence allowing the soul to delight in the tangible world with strength, agility, health, and vibrancy. In Indirect hypnosis, the earth element is strengthened through various relaxation techniques, like PMR, biofeedback, breath awareness, etc., and is used during trance induction and therapy.
Harmonizing of the 5 elements
From the Upanishads, we know that the divine, a sense of who we are is made of delight (ananda). With the help of the 5 instruments of the soul (mind, heart, vital, senses, and body) we will now explore the Panchamahabutas or 5 elements (Earth, wind, fire, water, and ether). Each of the instruments has a home element and an opposing element. Thus, the home elements of the mind are air, the heart is water, the vital is fire, the senses are again water (rasa), and finally, the body is the earth. Now, we know that water and fire along with air and earth are opposing elements. Thus, the opposing elements of the mind are earth, the heart is fire, the vital is water, the senses are fire, and finally, the body is air.
Each of our beings can experience excess or scarcity of its home element – water, air, earth, or fire. To bring an instrument back from the excess state to the balanced state, all we need is to bring in more of the opposing element of the instrument. Likewise, bringing an instrument from scarcity to its balanced state will require more of its supporting home element.
Our inherent nature is satchitananda. This essence of ananda or bliss is balance, harmony, synthesis, and integration at all levels of the soul’s being. Our Shastras use terms like sthithipranya and chittavrittinirodha, crudely translated in English, as states achieved through equipoise at the level of body and equanimity at the level of the mind. The harmonizing principle of the elements is known as Bhuta siddhi or mastery through constant practice and purification. Although this balancing may appear like a mathematical formula that can be used to find the apt solution depending on the inner state that we are experiencing, as therapists, we need to be mindful about the efficacy of its usage blindly without careful consideration of one’s innate Swabhav and Swadharma.
The purpose of healing and psychotherapy is to restore the sense of peace and harmony based on the 5 elements. Very generically, the water element represents the emotional aspect of our being, fire represents being assertive and positive, the earth is being grounded or practical and finally, air represents the creative and spiritual aspects of us. As hypnotherapists, we need to relate to the imbalance of the elements in an individual through mindful observation. And how do we achieve this? Both the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra focus on the need for practice (abhyasena) and humility (vairagya) to inculcate a sense of harmony within ourselves first, as therapists before attempting therapy on others to be truly effective.
It is only when our mind is in a state of receptivity and devoid of any past conditioning that we will be able to design individual and customized therapy for others. Very generically, when one is anxious or overwhelmed there is an imbalance in the air element that can be supplanted by the practice of deep breathing, engaging with nature, and calmer activities. When one feels stagnated or de-motivated, it indicates an imbalance of earth elements that can be supplemented by regular exercise, using grounding foods in diets, etc. Again, when one is restless and encounters troubled sleep, it represents an imbalance of the fire element, and in such cases, the practice of yoga, meditation, and consumption of cold foods help.
Let us now examine the instruments of the soul (mind, heart, vital, senses, and body) about Panchamahabutas and its relevance to New Age Hypnotherapy.
The Mind: Element Air
The function of the mind is thought and the associated delight state of the soul is clarity.
If there is an excess of the home element of air it results in overthinking causing headaches and other problems. Headache signifies an overworked mind, constantly engaged and restless. In such a case, it would be pertinent to redirect the energy to quieten the mind and promote relaxation. To balance the excess of the air element, we need to balance it with the opposing, earth element. Grounding activities like gardening, brooming, de-cluttering, organizing, getting a foot massage, cooking, and cleaning are antidotes.
In case, the air elements are scarce, it results in hazy confused thinking. In such a case, we need to supplement with more of the air element in one. While journaling and pranayama can be helpful for most people, for some it may induce rumination also. Instances of writing a letter to the guru or guide, or meditating under the sky can help one to get more of the air element. While various forms of meditation can help provide sufficient air, one should be very careful as traditional meditation may sometimes intensify mental restlessness in some, if not approached correctly.
The use in hypnotherapy: In case of excess air, inducing the earth element through imaginal visualization of activities like gardening, organizing, etc. can be helpful through Indirect Hypnosis. Likewise, in case of scarcity of air element inducing more of air element through post-hypnotic suggestion and tasking – journal writing have
Heart: Element Water
The associated function of the heart as emotion and the soul’s delight state is Love. Technically, water represents indulgence, compulsion, addiction, and obsession and water sticks with the elements of earth or habits causing over-dependence.
An excess of the water element can lead to one becoming very sensitive, emotional, or prone to sadness and melancholy leading to depression. To counter it we need to balance the opposing elements of water, fire, or the inner sunlight to counter dullness. Sunlight is a simple and powerful way to bring the fire element into us. The practice of being in sunlight, developing willpower, and helping one to avoid being too emotional are ways to induce the fire element. Emotional people find it difficult to contain their emotions and the job of a therapist is to assist one in setting boundaries to counter depression.
A scarcity of the element of water gives rise to feelings of indifference and dislike and may cause an emotional shutdown in one. This has to be supplemented by more of the water element which may come through the practice in art, music, poetry, or other hobbies. Reconnecting with the source through understanding one’s Swabhav and swadharma is the only way. When we are hurt, we close ourselves, especially to people who we are emotionally connected to in close relationships. When the heart shuts off it is wise not to force a mental connection, but to form a connection with the source – the divine within. True healing comes from aligning with the divine and is very effective for those who believe in the supreme divine.
How to use in hypnotherapy: In case of excess water, the induction of the fire element, like being in the sun through imaginal visualization in Indirect hypnosis is generally very effective. In case of scarcity of water elements, the induction of more water elements like engagement in creative art and hobbies by practicing Compassionate Ericksonian hypnotherapy can be truly transforming.
Vital: Element Fire
The associated function of the Vital is ambition and the soul’s delight is in Power.
The excess of the fire element causes anger in one which can be counterbalanced by the opposing element, water. According to Shri Aurobindo, anger is a combination of force, bad will, and an unmet need or inner aspiration (not desire). It arises when there is force coupled with unfavorable intentions — whether directed at ourselves or others, expressed or suppressed. Therapeutically, anger is also nature’s way of communicating something we’ve ignored or overlooked, usually an unmet need or aspiration If we can let go of bad will and use the energy of anger to address this unmet need, we get to transform anger into something very constructive. For psychotherapists, it is worthwhile to note that often, anger and sorrow are intertwined. Too much sadness can lead to anger and sometimes anger itself arises from an inner need we’ve failed to acknowledge. As spiritual seekers and therapists, we tend to suppress anger, believing it inappropriate. If we don’t listen to it, it intensifies and eventually manifests as emotional breakdowns. Anger shouldn’t be suppressed — it’s essential to acknowledge it, understand its message, and use it as a guide to fulfill our deeper needs. Thus, anger holds valuable information. To restore balance, when there’s too much fire, we need water. Drinking water, taking a cool bath, or sweating while running can help cool the body physically for most people. Therapeutically, practicing empathy helps to harmonize the excess of fire elements in one.
If the fire element is scarce in one, it results in low vitality and low spirits. In such cases, it has to be supplemented by more of the fire element in the belly, through activities like motivational goal-setting and reigniting passions to create energy and drive. It is worthwhile to gradually activate the fire within by taking small baby steps and building momentum without being overwhelmed and making dramatic changes all at once. As therapists, we should be mindful that sudden, massive shifts, like setting extreme goals, can overwhelm us and the key is consistency and patience.
How to use in hypnotherapy: In case of excess fire elements, the induction of the earth element is empowered through empathy utilizing Mindfulness-Based hypnotherapy. Likewise, in case of scarcity of fire element, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can be utilized effectively.
Senses: Element Rasa or water
The associated function of the senses is various forms of experiences and the delightful state of the soul is enjoyment.
The excess of the water element leads to indulgence in sensory pleasures, such as a heightened focus on taste and other sensual experiences. Indulgence often happens when we avoid change, especially in the lower aspects of our nature that resist transformation. One may notice that the real challenge comes when indulgence is tied to emotional hurt originating in the past. In such cases, as therapists, our job is not to control indulgence at the surface level but to go deep at the roots.
When there is an excess of water elements leading to indulgence in sensory pleasure, we introduce fire to restore balance. Sunlight has a role in addressing unhealthy habits or addictions. The healing practice is blissipline, which is the practice of self-regulation rooted in the sense of inner joy and aspiration, rather than societal expectations. It’s about controlling indulgence while enjoying life’s pleasures in moderation. Thus, cultivating sacredness is going beyond indulgence.
The scarcity of water elements leads to dullness, inactivity, and disengagement with sensory experiences or numbness. Thus, if the water element is scarce in one’s senses, it has to be supplemented by more water – by bringing in the rasa element in one’s life. To awaken dull senses and invite more Rasa or essence, one of the most effective practices is engaging with nature. Cultivating beauty in the surroundings— paying attention to the details and infusing even small, everyday things with harmony and grace helps one to reconnect. It not only enhances the environment but also refines the senses, deepening one’s awareness and appreciation.
How to use in hypnotherapy: In case of excess of the water element in the senses, more fire element is induced through the inculcating discipline of Blissipline through Mindfulness-based hypnotherapy. To understand the root of a problem, hypnotherapists often use Regression therapy also. In case of scarcity of the water element, the senses need more of the rasa element or water element achieved through visual imagination in Compassionate Ericksonian hypnotherapy.
Body: Element Earth
The soul’s delight through the body is health.
The excess of water in the body makes one Tamasic which is characterized by lethargy and inertia. In such cases, exercise helps. One needs to therapeutically balance tamas by bringing in more air elements. Simple practices like regular exercise, deep breathing, and spending time in a ventilated space or in a natural environment can infuse vitality and lightness. This can effectively balance Tamasic nature with the qualities of air.
When the earth elements are scarce, it needs to be supplemented by more earth elements. The body becomes Rajasic, characterized by restlessness and hyperactivity. Rest is appropriate in such cases. This is not limited to sleep at night but it extends to how one approaches activities throughout the day. Mindfulness practice helps cultivate restfulness, even while engaging in daily activities helps ground excessive restlessness or a Rajasic nature and restores equilibrium to the body.
How to use in hypnotherapy: When there is an excess of earth elements in the body it has to be supplemented by more earth elements through exercise in visual imagination utilized through Indirect Hypnosis. In case of scarcity of earth elements, it has to be supplemented by more earth elements, in the form of rest, PMR, and other forms of relaxation, breathing awareness, Yoga Nidra, etc., utilized in Mindfulness-based Hypnotherapy.
Conclusion:
The Western approach to hypnosis believes in access to the subconscious by bypassing the rational faculties of the mind. Shri Aurobindo separates this into the sub-conscient and the inconscient. The traditional Eastern approach is that hypnosis also accesses the higher faculties of the mind and helps one to experience the mystical and the supernatural as well as the occult and the paranormal by transcending the mind.
Hypnosis is thus a gateway to the superconscient. The access is through silence and stillness at all the levels of our being – physical, mental, the vital. This silence, however, cannot be contrived or forced but allowed to flower naturally. What is required is passive awareness or what J. Krishnamurti terms as “Just awareness”, meaning without having any object or conditioning of awareness. All our conditioning is a barrier to entering the realm of this gateway of silence and New-Age hypnosis is a powerful tool that assists in removing this conditioning through intuitive, explorative and transcendental experience. Also, while dream analysis, dhyana, and Yoga Nidra are effective instruments, hypnosis has been proven to be one of the most powerful tools for accessing this portal of existence and it appeals more closely to the Indian psyche.