Workshop Information
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 Earth and Metal and expand the associations to include developmental psychology, the functional expression of Empathy/Compassion and Sadness/Grief as well as the resonant skill from Hakomi (Mindfulness-Based Experiential Psychology)—providing and assessing the patient’s ability to internalize the therapeutic intervention. We will dive into the Earth and Metal Elements 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 Earth and Metal Element. On a professional level, students will expand their diagnostic skills (Earth and Metal Element psycho-spiritual associations) and the practical skill of providing the necessary intervention and assessing whether the client can assimilate it.
This workshop is the third and final session in a three-part series exploring the Five Elements and introducing foundational skills from Hakomi somatic psychology and mindfulness. While it builds on concepts introduced in the earlier Water and Wood & Fire workshops, it is designed so that students may attend it on its own without having completed the previous sessions. Application of these skills with acupuncture will be demonstrated, with dedicated time for supervised practice.
*PRC diploma students will receive 1 ACU/OM academic credit for this workshop.
Workshop Instructor
A healer, Rupesh has been in private practice for over 20 years combining the wisdom of Chinese medicine (acupuncture and herbs) with Hakomi (mindfulness-based somatic psychology). His goal is to treat the whole person, relieving suffering in body and mind while empowering his patients to leave with a greater knowledge of self and tools to continue the healing beyond the treatment room.
As an educator, Rupesh taught at AOMA School of Integrative Medicine for over 20 years in various courses in acupuncture and herbology. His specialty course was presenting the innovative combination of somatic psychology with acupuncture. Rupesh has been a Teacher for the Hakomi Institute for over 10 years presenting in weekend workshops as well as 2-year comprehensive trainings.
After 30 years in Austin, Texas, Rupesh recently relocated to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island where he lives by the Salish Sea with his wife and son.
Workshop Prerequisites
ACU113/114 Techniques & Therapeutics, OM231 Five Elements
Workshop Dates
Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4, 2026, 9:00am-5:00pm PT
Workshop Format
On Campus
Workshop Tuition
Regular – $325 (Early Bird – $300, until September 1)
Students – $300 (Early Bird – $275, until September 1)
PRC Alumni – $310 (Early Bird – $285, until September 1)
Withdrawal Policy
For workshop withdrawals submitted in writing 30 days or more before the start of the workshop, registrants will receive a full tuition refund less a $40 non-refundable registration fee. For workshop withdrawals submitted in writing more than 14 days but less than 30 days before the start of the workshop, registrants will receive a 50% tuition refund. Without exception, no refunds will be given for withdrawals less than 14 days before the start of the workshop.