The 5 Element Map elegantly describes the human experience in health and disharmony. Each element is associated with mental, emotional, spiritual and physical qualities. The 5 Element map shows where disharmony may lie as well as what is needed to get back in balance. In this workshop, we focus on Wood and Fire. We will expand the associations to include developmental psychology, the functional expression of Anger and Joy and the resonant skill from Hakomi (Mindfulness-Based Experiential Psychology)—Tracking, Contact and Directing Awareness. We will dive into the Wood and Fire Element in an embodied, experiential way with meditations, lectures, partner exercises, practice sessions and demos.

After this workshop, on a personal level, students will deepen their relationship with self through an embodied understanding of the Wood and Fire Element. On a professional level, students will expand their diagnostic skills (Wood and Fire Element psycho-spiritual associations) and the practical skill of nonjudgmental observation, loving presence and establishing a safe therapeutic container with present-moment relational skills.

This workshop is the second in a series of three, each exploring the Five Elements and introducing foundational skills from Hakomi somatic psychology and mindfulness. The first workshop covers foundational principles of somatic psychology, Mindfulness and the element of Water. The second workshop focuses on basic skills from Hakomi somatic psychology, creating a therapeutic alliance, and the Element of Wood and Fire. The third workshop covers Earth and Metal and lectures on the healing process. Each workshop can be taken independently or as a series. Taken as a series, each workshop builds on the next and provides a way of working directly with the patient’s Qi in collaboration and mindfulness. Application of these theories and skills with acupuncture will be demonstrated along with time for student practice.

*PRC diploma students will receive 1 ACU/OM academic credit for this workshop.