A father-daughter team of acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists opened Kalispell Collective in downtown Kalispell with the goal of providing compassionate, patient-centered care to the community.
Kalispell Collective is comprised of three entities: Jin Shen Healing Arts, an acupuncture clinic, Ancient Ways Apothecary, which offers herbal treatments, and COZY Kalispell, which offers an herbal footbath experience. James and Devin Berry designed Kalispell Collective to be a space where community members and wellness-focused providers can collaborate, grow, and heal together.
Although James and Devin have similar values and goals for Kalispell Collective, their journey into the world of Chinese medicine is unique.
“I’ve been playing softball since I was little and had some injuries that Western medicine couldn’t fix,” Devin said. “My injury never healed and acupuncture was one of the last resorts we could try, so I had some acupuncture and my injury never became an issue again. It became part of my health regimen.”
With experience in massage and Qi Gong, which incorporates the body, breath, and movement, James saw the life-changing effect acupuncture was having on his daughter.
“When Devin was undergoing treatment, I could see it being very effective for her pain,” James said. “I decided to dedicate myself to studying medical traditions and learned that the Five Elements tradition is a more classical approach to Chinese medicine.”
Devin discovered the Five Elements theory of Chinese medicine while undergoing acupuncture in preparation for shoulder surgery while in college.
“My first experience with the five elements that we practice here changed my whole world. I remember lying on the table and feeling lighter and suddenly everything became brighter. “Many elements of my life began to change,” Devin said. “I didn’t necessarily want to study in school and there were so many other things I discovered. The next thing I knew, I was thinking about applying to acupuncture school.”
James and Devin explained that Five Element Theory is rooted in nature and incorporates the elements of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal into its practice. After passing four national certification exams and becoming certified, James and Devin moved to South Carolina where he practiced for 10 years.
“We do a lot of work on trauma recovery for people,” James said. “It’s so rewarding to see the lights come back on and see them connect with themselves, find joy and hope again, see their anxiety and depression go away, overcome their grief and bounce back from what life has thrown at them. .”
With the goal of giving back to their community, James and Devin offer free monthly acupuncture clinics and yoga to veterans, first responders, and their spouses, as well as gut health, herbal, and mental health services. We hold free wellness talks every month on health and other topics. The general public should participate.
“We introduce people to a different way of thinking about their health, or we help them find a new tea or the yoga space they’re looking for,” says James. “We respect the uniqueness of people.”
James’ partner, Sarah Schmidt, a nurse, is also heavily involved in event planning and hosts a monthly Sip and Soak.
“Sarah enjoys making the teas we sell here and leads Sip and Soaks where people sample teas and end the night by soaking their feet. If you happen to be here while you’re there, she’ll have a chat and give you a cup of tea,” James said with a laugh.
When the father-daughter team moved to the Flathead Valley, they had seven tea blends that they had brought with them from South Carolina, but they wanted to make more.
“So we went on this journey to blend more and cherry-pick some things and see what people liked,” Devin said. “We continue to look for things that match the specific flavor profile that people are looking for and now have over 30 different blends. We also have several for new and expectant moms. I prepare teas and try different blends.”
In addition to tea, James and Devin are also working on developing over-the-counter herbal supplements for the treatment and prevention of common illnesses such as colds and flu. Belize encourages customers to ask questions and use Kalispell Her Collective as a local resource to help them make the best decisions for their health.
They have doctorates in Chinese medicine, which brings a different perspective to health, James notes.
“Our practice is different than going somewhere, picking something off a shelf, and actually getting instruction,” James said. “It’s great to solve some of the cases where some doctors said, ‘This is exactly what’s going to happen.’ We spent years doing this research and then years in practice. The advice we offer is based on our experience and knowledge.”
Kalispell Collective is located at 149 South Main Street in Kalispell and is open seven days a week. For more information, visit thekalispellcollective.com, email info@kalispellcollective.com or call 406-309-3483.
Reporter Summer Zalesky can be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.
