In the five element approach to traditional Chinese medicine, each element — wood, fire, earth, metal, water — represents a distinct form of energy, also known as Qi; energy said to be vital to continual health and flow of nature.  

It’s an approach to medicine that connects physical well-being with the mental, according to James Berry, a doctor of Chinese medicine and co-owner of Jing Shen Healing Arts and Middle Path CrossFit in Kalispell.  

The father-daughter-owned Chinese medicine clinic is dedicated to traditional healing arts, James, 52, said.  

“Usually, people come in the door for something physical, but we really want to help people feel joy,” he said. “It turns into a medicine about keeping people healthy, but not just physically.”  

The two businesses, owned by James and his daughter, Devynne Berry, offer CrossFit classes, acupuncture therapy, traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, cupping therapy, a large array of teas and more. Each session is personally tailored to the individual and the symptoms they are experiencing.  

Originally from Illinois, James lived in Florida and ran a massage clinic for five years. While in Florida he ended up at a Qisong conference, a Chinese meditative practice, and something just clicked, he said, leading him to find Chinese medicine.  

Both James and Devynne attended the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Florida before opening a clinic in South Carolina, where they stayed for a decade. They moved to Kalispell after the pandemic and opened their first clinic in the valley, located on Main Street.  

The pair also obtained their doctorates in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. 

In April of this year, they moved to their current location, located on the corner of Second Street and Third Avenue, with a gym, multiple consultation and therapy rooms and a plethora of Chinese herbs gracing their back wall. 

Devynne, 31, is a former college athlete who was pursuing exercise science. After a few stubborn injuries that she couldn’t get right with Western medicine, she began acupuncture therapy, ultimately leading to the five-element approach. 

“The first treatments I had in the five-element style changed the way I see the world,” Devynne said, reflecting on her path into the practice. 

From migraines to digestive issues to grief to prevention and maintenance, the approach of Jing Shen and Middle Path intends to be personalized and effective to combine physical wellbeing with mental wellbeing, Devynne said.  

“It helps connect you to feeling whole,” she said.  

After obtaining their herbal certifications, the pair boast a full wall of medicinal Chinese herbs. Depending on a person’s wants or symptoms, the duo will hand create a formula catered to helping.  

It could include Suan Zao Ren, which Devynne called “a hug and smile for people’s hearts,” or Shi Chang Pu, an herb known to help with clarity.  

Alongside the medicinal practices, the shops boast a range of CrossFit classes open to all people. Devynne began doing CrossFit in 2019 and got her coaching certification in 2020. The work they do on the medicinal side and the physical side are similar, Devynne said, just using different tools. 

Western medicine is important as well, James said. His partner, Sarah Schmidt, who operates the store alongside Devynne and James, is in her last year of school to become a nurse practitioner.  They look forward to expanding their work in an Eastern and Western combined approach.  

Schmidt also has a doctorate in rural and indigenous health from Montana State University.  

Jing Shen and Middle Path often host community events or catered events, including a monthly tea tasting, programs specific to veterans, personalized consultations and a free first CrossFit class. 

The store, located at 322 Second St. W. in Kalispell, is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is appointment only during the week. To learn more about Chinese medicine or schedule a consultation, Jing Shen can be reached at 406-309-3483. To inquire about CrossFit, Middle Path can be reached at 406-309-6203.  

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.

    Middle Path Crossfit and Jing Shen Healing Arts in Kalispell offer a wide range of teas and medicinal teas. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
 Kate Heston   

    A room inside Jing Shen Healing Arts in Kalispell. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
 Kate Heston   

    A training room, where some CrossFit classes occur, at Middle Path Crossfit in Kalispell. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
 Kate Heston   

    Middle Path Crossfit and Jing Shen Healing Arts in Kalispell offer a wide range of teas and medicinal teas. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
 Kate Heston