In ancient China, ‘as above, so below,’ was more than philosophy, it was a medical paradigm. The rhythms and cycles observed externally are also found internally, and these ancient healers defined the natural world by the elements of Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. Based on their observations and living attuned with nature, they linked each element to a host of things, including season, emotion, color, sound, and body organ system. This medical paradigm defined the balance of these elements within our bodies as the key to guiding the body back to its original, natural state of health.

J.R. Worsley, a British acupuncturist, is credited with introducing the Five-Element style of acupuncture to the West. His journey into acupuncture began in the mid-20th century and led him to study in various countries, including Singapore, Taiwan, and Korea. It was during his time in these Asian nations that he encountered the traditional teachings of Five-Element Acupuncture, which he later brought back and adapted for Western practitioners. This adapted style is referred to as Worsley or Classical Five-Element Acupuncture.

Worsley emphasized the psychological and spiritual aspects of the practice, advocating a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment. By understanding a person's core elemental constitution —be it Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water—one could address the root causes of physical and emotional imbalances.

Compared to Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments (TCM), usually there are fewer acupuncture points chosen and needled to more intentionally direct energy and hold space for integration between points. Treatments will generally include the use of Moxabustion therapy, Artemesia Vulgaris Latiflora, also known as mugwort. The mugwort is dried, shaped into tiny cones, and ignited over the skin prior to needling. The use of Moxibustion (moxa) therapy helps to warm and move the flow of Qi in the body as well as strengthen the blood. Moxa will feel warm and nourishing, inducing a deeper state of relaxation.

Unlike most other style of acupuncture, the practitioner stays in the room for the full duration of the session acting as a pure sensory receiver in a state of emptiness, maintaining focus solely on the patient. This sacred space allows patients to feel secure enough to reveal their deeper needs. The practitioner observes and reverently listens in order to adjust treatment based on the patient's energetic, emotional, or physical response.

Classical Five-Element Acupuncture is particularly effective for emotional and mental health issues, hormonal imbalances, and chronic conditions related to organ dysfunction. This includes anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, digestive disorders, menstrual irregularities, and chronic pain conditions, among others. Its holistic approach makes it an excellent choice for those seeking physical relief as well as emotional and spiritual balance.

五行  – WU XING 

Wu Xing literally means moving star and describes the five types of Qi (energy, prana, life force) cycles through various stages of transformation. As yin and yang continuously adjust to one another. transforming into one another in an infinite dance of harmony, they tend to do so in a predictable pattern.

Wu Xing is widely translated as five elements, not to be confused with the Western system of the four elements. The classical Greek elements are concerned with substances and qualities, whereas the Chinese elements are describing processes and changes. Other common translations talk about the five phases of transformation or the cycle of the elements. 

The five elements are described as followed:

• Water (水 shui) is associated with the potential of new life hidden in the dark ground beneath the snows of winter. The Kidneys + Urinary Bladder correlate to the Water element.

• Wood (木 mu) is associated with the exuberance of new growth as it shoots up from the earth in the spring. The Liver + Gallbladder correlate to the Wood element.

• Fire (火 ho) is associated with the process of maturation that takes place under the warmth of the summer sun. The Heart + Small Intestine and the Pericardium + Triple Burner correlate to the Fire element.

• Earth (土 tu) is associated with ripening of grains in the yellow fields of late summer. The Spleen + Stomach correlate to the Earth element.

• Metal (金 jin) is associated with the harvest of autumn and the storage of seed for next years planting and a new cycle. The Lungs + Large Intestine correlate to the Metal element.

Classical Five-Element Acupuncture utilizes the "Spirits of the Points" which are the unique, poetic, and spiritual gifts or functions associated with each acupuncture point, as translated from their traditional name. The Spirit of the Points reflects the medicine of the acupuncture point beyond physiological function, symptom management and first aid. These point names, often translated from ancient Chinese imagery, reflect their ability to treat the "soul" or "spirit" (Shen) of a patient, addressing issues like anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and loss of purpose.

Working with Kara would be healing and supportive if you are experiencing or seeking any of the following:

BODY

• Systemic Inflammation  

• Illness: chronic and acute

• Headaches 

• Chronic pain 

• Immune resiliency

• Women’s Health: endocrine support for hormonal balance, fertility support, and menopausal support 

• Sleep hygiene: night sweats, waking up feeling tired  

• Fatigued and low energy

• Digestive dysfunction: IBS, diarrhea, constipation, bloating

MIND + EMOTIONAL

• Stress, anxiety, depression, instability, uncertainty

• Persistent anger & frustration

• Grief or loneliness

• Persistent fear

• Unprocessed or repressed emotions

• Poor boundaries

• Limiting belief systems  

• Self sabotaging patterns

• Overwhelm, repetitive thoughts, overthinking

• Hyperactivity

• Dissociation

• Sleep disorders

• Trauma & PTSD

SPIRIT

• Experiencing life transition and thresholds: new beginnings, end of life transition, loss

• A yearning for wholeness + authentic alignment: self-worth, self-cultivation

• Desire to take inspired action: realize and actualize dreams  

• Disconnected from soul, direction, life path or purpose

• Seeking deeper relationships

• Personal growth

• In the initial cleansing and restoring stages, symptoms and responses may temporarily surface as your systems cleanse. This response, referred to as a “healing crisis” will not linger and is a positive sign as this indicates engagement and healing.

• Clear, reset, revitalized, refreshed, connected 

• Open hearted

• Balanced and in flow  

• Lighter, like life is more doable  

• Regenerated and energized

• Meaningful purpose  

• Stable

As unique individuals the way our energy responds to treatment varies. Many differing factors determine how often people receive treatments. Depending on what is bringing one in for treatment, it is necessary to begin by developing a baseline of balanced energy.  This typically requires 4-6 weekly treatments. Once a baseline of balanced energy is integrated in the system, it will vary widely how often someone chooses to come for maintenance and prevention.  For example, some people may come once a week, others once or twice a month, or every few months, and others will come seasonally. 

Please drink a healthy amount of pure water, eat a substantial meal 2 hours before, and refrain from intense exercise and hot/cold therapies for the rest of the day. It may feel supportive to have a quiet evening with limited social engagement after the session. Please contact me with any specific questions.

We kindly request that all cancellations be made no later than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.   Cancellations within the 24 hour window and no shows will be charged for their session. Only in cases of emergency will refunds be granted for late cancellations.  Please email hello@sunmooncollective.com with any questions and in cases of emergency.

By appointment only. We accept same-day appointments, so please check our booking site — you may get lucky! 

We sell a variety of incense, oils, diffusers and ceramic holders rooted in tradition and handmade in Japan. We also sell a carefully curated selection of organic teas, lifestyle products and supplements.

Absolutely. Email hello@sunmooncollective.com to schedule a 30 minute shopping appointment. We’ll make you a cup of tea.

We are located inside Nurture ⨳ The Wellcare Marketplace

2949 Federal Blvd
Suite 218C
Denver, CO 80211

Take the stairs or elevator up to the second floor. You’ll find us in Suite 218C (just past Dew Salon). Our glass door is adorned with our business name and logo.

There is a small parking lot at the front entrance of Nurture and Accessible Parking is available by the front entrance. Additional parking can be found in the North Lot (left facing parking lot between Nurture and the Church) and in the Alley Parking Lot behind the building. Street parking is usually available on Grove Street and you'll walk through the Alley Parking Lot to enter to building.

Please review the designated lot availability below carefully.

North Lot - North (Nurture side): Monday to Saturday: 6am - 7pm, Sunday: 1pm - 7pm

North Lot - South (Church side): Monday to Friday: 6am - 7pm, Saturday: 7am - 3pm, Sunday: 1pm - 7pm

Alley Parking Lot: Monday to Sunday: 6am - 10pm

There’s a comfortable rocking chair just outside our door. Have a seat and relax. We will open the door to welcome you in!