First-of-Its-Kind Mind-Body Healing Center Opens at Sheba for Trauma Recovery in Nature

A new therapeutic center, called The Fifth Element, has opened at Sheba’s Rehabilitation Hospital, offering an innovative nature-based approach to treating trauma, stress-related conditions, and emotional recovery.

Established through the initiative of businessman and philanthropist Udi Angel and made possible through the generous support of XT Holdings, jointly owned by Udi Angel and Idan Ofer, the center was created in response to the unprecedented mental health challenges facing Israeli society since October 2023. Its goal is not only to provide comprehensive trauma care, but also to improve patient engagement and reduce dropout rates from treatment.

Located within Sheba’s rehabilitation campus and surrounded by nature, The Fifth Element serves individuals coping with trauma, prolonged stress, grief, combined physical and psychological injuries, emotional regulation challenges, burnout, bereaved families, families of injured individuals, and hospitalized patients.

The program is based on an integrative model that combines five core elements:

• Mind-body therapeutic practices
• Emotional regulation and resilience-building skills
• Community and peer support
• Healing in nature
• Rehabilitation and reintegration into daily life, education, and employment

Treatment is delivered in supportive group settings and tailored to the needs of each participant. The model combines evidence-based psychological care with complementary approaches, including trauma-sensitive yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, movement therapy, art therapy, and music therapy, alongside support from professionals in mental health, rehabilitation, and integrative medicine.

Addressing a Major Challenge in Trauma Care

One of the center’s primary objectives is to tackle a well-documented challenge in trauma treatment: patient dropout. Traditional psychotherapy programs often experience significant dropout rates, particularly among combat veterans and individuals with severe trauma, due to the difficulty of repeatedly confronting traumatic experiences.

To address this, The Fifth Element offers an integrative day-treatment model designed to expand patients’ capacity to process stress while maintaining a sense of safety and stability. The program combines:

• Nature-based therapeutic interventions in Sheba’s eucalyptus grove
• Somatic and body-based regulation practices, including trauma-sensitive yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, acupuncture, shiatsu, and reflexology
• Evidence-based trauma-focused psychotherapy led by psychologists and social workers
• Peer-group support and therapeutic activities such as music, gardening, woodworking, and sound healing
• Functional rehabilitation programs focused on restoring family, social, educational, and professional engagement
• Dedicated support groups for spouses and family members

In addition, Sheba is developing resilience programs for healthcare professionals and caregivers coping with ongoing stress and trauma, as well as workshops for organizations.

Leadership Perspectives

Hadar Amir, Director of The Fifth Element at Sheba, said:

“The Fifth Element was born from the understanding that trauma recovery requires a space that connects body, mind, nature, and community, while maintaining the highest professional, research-based, and clinical standards. Being part of a leading medical center like Sheba allows us to create a healing environment that is both deeply human and clinically rigorous.”

Udi Angel, Founder of The Fifth Element Network, said:

“After October 7, it became clear that we were facing a national trauma that required treatment of both body and mind. What began as a small initiative supporting survivors and evacuees has grown into a broader network designed to help thousands of Israelis recover and return to daily life. They protected us; now it is our turn to support them.”

Idan Ofer added:

“The Fifth Element reflects our deep commitment to supporting those living with the effects of trauma and strengthening the resilience of Israeli society. We are proud to help establish an innovative model that has the potential to set a new standard in mental and physical rehabilitation.”

Prof. Amitai Ziv, Director of Sheba’s Integrated Rehabilitation Hospital, said:

“Our goal is to continuously push beyond conventional boundaries and develop holistic approaches that support healing and growth following crises. The Fifth Element represents another important step in providing the most comprehensive and advanced care possible for individuals rebuilding their lives.”

About The Fifth Element Network

The Fifth Element Network was established shortly after October 7 by Udi Angel together with social entrepreneur Tamir Samurai. The first center opened in Eilat and has since provided care to approximately 6,000 individuals, including combat veterans, survivors of the Nova festival attack, families of hostages, bereaved families, and evacuees.

About XT Holdings

XT Holdings is a privately owned international holding group jointly owned by Udi Angel and Idan Ofer. The company combines global business operations, technology investments, entrepreneurship, and philanthropic initiatives, with a focus on creating long-term social impact alongside business growth.