Welcome
to the
Worsley Institute (WI)™
Autumn Newsletter
In this issue: - Video: J.R. Worsley describing Autumn
- The Worsley Institute Service to the Earth (WiSE)℠ Way: Autumn's Gifts: What to Leave & What to Keep
- Opportunity to Support WI™
- WI™ Community News
- Conversations with Judy Worsley
- Upcoming Trainings and Events
Video of J.R. Worsley describing Autumn
Autumn’s Gifts: What to Leave & What to KeepDuring this time of refinement, clarity, and purposeful release, the trees shed their leaves in a final display of color, composting upon the ground; nature returns essential minerals to the earth. In this time of turning inward, Metal, the element associated with Autumn, can be seen as our capacity to recognize true value and to let go of what has served its purpose. In harmony, Metal brings inspiration, quality, and the quiet strength to release without clinging; out of balance, it may show up as holding on too tightly or feeling emptied of meaning. Knowing what to cut back, what to leave, and what to transform is also reflected in caring for a healthy garden.
Pruning, Roots, and the Art of Letting Go
Pruning in Autumn can feel brutal. Cutting perennials or shrubs down toward the ground seems harsh after a season of growth and fullness. Yet this cutting is not destruction – it is refinement. By removing spent top growth, we protect the plant from winter damage, reduce disease carry-over, and direct energy into the roots. Leaving the roots intact is essential. They continue to feed soil life, hold structure against erosion, and store the vitality that will rise again in Spring. In the same spirit, many gardeners now leave some seed heads standing through Winter, thereby feeding birds, offering structure and beauty, and allowing plants to reseed naturally where they belong. The soil itself is protected with a light layer of leaves or unfinished compost – never left bare.
Composting: Transforming What We Let Go
Composting is the practical alchemy of Metal - turning what is finished into nourishment. Two elegant traditions offer deep guidance:
1. The Japanese method, known as Bokashi, uses anaerobic fermentation. Kitchen scraps (including meat and dairy) are layered in a sealed bucket with bran inoculated with Effective Microorganisms (EM). In two to four weeks, the material ferments rather than decomposes, producing a nutrient-rich pre-compost and a liquid fertilizer. The fermented matter is then buried in soil or added to a conventional pile, where it finishes quickly and inoculates the earth with beneficial life. It is compact, low-odor, and ideal for smaller spaces.
2. The Korean approach, refined in Korean Natural Farming, works with indigenous microorganisms (IMO) captured from local forest floors. Cooked rice is placed in undisturbed leaf litter to collect native fungi and bacteria which are then multiplied through successive fermentations with brown sugar and bran. These living cultures are used to inoculate compost piles or soil, accelerating breakdown and building a microbial community uniquely adapted to your location. The method honors fermentation traditions long present in Korean culture and emphasizes working with the life already present in the land rather than importing it.
Both systems transform what we release – spent plants, kitchen scraps, autumn leaves – into rich, living, fertile matter. They embody Metal’s gift: the ability to refine, release, and return value to the whole.
In the garden and in life, Autumn teaches the same quiet lesson. We cut back what is finished, leave roots and seeds that still serve, protect the soil that holds the future, and compost what can become new life. May this season bring clarity in what to keep, courage in what to let go, and the quiet satisfaction of transforming the rest into something that nourishes.
Share your fall garden reflections, pruning insights, or composting experiences by emailing admin@worsleyinstitute.com. We would love to feature them in future newsletters or WiSE℠ sections.
Opportunity to Support WI™The Worsley Institute™, in collaboration with Worsley Inc., is updating a documentary on the life and legacy of Professor J.R. Worsley. Shortly after JR’s death, Michael Munroe produced a film about his life. More than 25 years later, we are taking a fresh look at the project, focusing on the many ways in which his legacy endures and flourishes.
We anticipate sharing the film internationally, reflecting the Institute’s growth, including programs in the UK, USA, and China, which draw participants from around the world. The film will also be an excellent resource for patients seeking to learn more about this “Way of Life” (J.R. Worsley).
You have an exciting opportunity to make a charitable donation that WI™ can apply towards supporting this film and other WI™ projects.
During this fund drive, two generous donors have offered to match every dollar donated until the end of 2026, up to a total of $20,000.
The Worsley Institute™ is a 501(c)(3) organization; your gift may be tax-deductible in the United States.
Become a permanent part of the legacy.
Donors who make an unrestricted gift of $500 or more will be acknowledged in the film credits according to their level of giving, unless they prefer to remain anonymous. Recognition levels are based on the donor’s contribution before matching funds are applied.
Bronze: $500–$2,499 Silver: $2,500–$4,999 Gold: $5,000–$9,999 Platinum: $10,000 or more
All donations, regardless of amount, are gratefully accepted.
Video of Judy Worsley Arriving in China for WIT Tao China℠ WIT Tao China℠ Class 1, Suzhou, China, 5th of September - 13th of September 2026
Message from Judy Worsley: "Janet Darby and I arrived from London yesterday (Monday 7th September 2026). We had planned a free day to acclimate from travel and the time change before Wednesday’s meeting to prep for the WIT Tao China℠ Clinical Consultations scheduled to start Thursday. I couldn't resist diving in today (Tuesday) to see this fantastic team leading the WIT Tao China℠ Class 1 in their first clinical session. Absolutely fabulous! Patients and Hai Bo Cheng Shanghai (HBC), headed by Freda and her company team hosting WI™, are all thrilled with this clinical session conducted to a stellar level.
Our team consists of Eric Hartmann, Janet Darby, David Berkshire, Maria Hicks, Jin Li, and Stella Jiang. President Annette Sessions was unable to be present in China but is fully engaged in leadership. Martin Allbright, another lead teacher, contributed to this program but could not be here with us. This team is doing the best job ever. And what a job indeed!
JR and I could not be prouder to see the lineage entrusted to him by his teachers, which he in turn entrusted to only the Worsley Institute™ and me, being practised with such pristine integrity, excellence, and respect. I bow to all involved."  Video of WIT Tao China℠ Class 1 Clinical WIT Tao China℠ Class 1 Clinical
From the 5th to the 8th of September, the WIT Tao China℠ Class 1 students saw 46 patients for a Traditional Diagnosis and initial treatment. From the 10th to the 13th of September, Judy Worsley saw a number of these patients for Clinical Consultation.
WIT Tao China℠ Participants' Experiences: "My experience in this clinical training far exceeded my initial expectations. Before coming to Suzhou, like many of my fellow students, I felt a mixture of intense anticipation about entering clinical practice and nervousness and uncertainty about the unknown.
With so many clinical cases and limited space in the clinic, I initially imagined that coordinating the entire process would be an extremely complicated undertaking.
However, once the course began, I quickly realized that the teachers had already made remarkably detailed and thoughtful arrangements. Every aspect—from patient interviews to diagnosis and treatment—was organized in a clear and orderly manner, while the privacy and dignity of every patient were carefully protected. This made me feel incredibly reassured.
During the hands-on clinical work, each treatment group consisted of three members. We worked together with friendship, cooperation, and a strong sense of teamwork. The teachers carefully supervised every step, personally demonstrating techniques and guiding us as we worked toward one shared goal: to provide every patient with the highest possible standard of care.
What touched me most was hearing my patients say that they felt significant benefits from the treatments. They commented that the warmth and professionalism demonstrated by the teachers and students were something they rarely experienced elsewhere.
This was not merely recognition of our technical skills. More importantly, it was the highest affirmation of our willingness to truly listen, to care sincerely, and to accompany our patients with genuine compassion."
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"The four days of clinical observation and hands-on learning left me deeply moved and profoundly impressed. This was not only the most meaningful clinical experience I have had since beginning my study of Chinese Medicine; it was also a profound transformation of the soul—from technique to the Dao.
In previous clinical observation experiences, the usual approach was largely “the teacher performs while the student watches.” In that situation, due to practical limitations, it is difficult for students to participate fully in every stage of diagnosis and treatment.
This time, however, the WIT Tao clinical training provided step-by-step guidance throughout the entire process—from patient interviewing, diagnosis, and treatment to everyday communication with patients. Under the teachers' guidance, my initial nervousness and uncertainty quickly transformed into a grounded sense of focus and confidence as I concentrated on doing each step well.
The theoretical knowledge I had accumulated over the past two years suddenly became real, tangible, and alive.
Since I began studying Five-Element Acupuncture in 2019, the concept of possession had always been somewhat abstract and difficult for me to fully understand. During this clinical training, however, I had the opportunity to closely observe a patient being treated by a fellow student under supervision.
I witnessed a remarkable transformation before and after the Internal Dragons treatment: the patient shifted from a state of confusion and fear into one of calmness and stability, both physically and emotionally. Listening to the patient describe the bodily sensations experienced while the needles were retained, I gained, for the first time, a direct and profound understanding of what “attachment” could mean within this framework. I was deeply struck by the extraordinary power of this acupuncture method.
The greatest surprise of this training came when Judy opened the clinical consultation session ahead of schedule.
During the case review, Judy revealed the key in one simple word: “Truth”.
At the consultation, I witnessed firsthand how Judy’s sincerity could reach directly into a patient’s heart. One patient whom our team had interviewed for an entire hour, without being able to reach the deeper emotional issues beneath the surface, voluntarily disclosed an extremely private and intimate emotional situation after spending only a little more than ten minutes with Judy.
It is easy to speak about truth, but to truly live and interact with others from a place of authenticity and genuine sincerity requires an extraordinary level of inner cultivation.
When a practitioner’s heart becomes sufficiently pure and sincere, they can transcend the barriers of language and reach directly into the deepest part of a patient’s being."  Video of WIT Tao China℠ Exchange Meeting WIT Tao China℠ Exchange Meeting
From the 15th to the 18th of September 2026, Hai Bo Cheng Shanghai, in partnership with the Worsley Institute (WI)™, hosted an introductory course in Worsley Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ at the Wujiang Hotel in Suzhou, China. Students from across East Asia gathered to experience the teachings Professor J.R. Worsley brought to the West, now returning to China under the leadership of his sole chosen successor, Judy Worsley.
Ahead of the Exchange Meeting, the Worsley Institute™ hosted Liu Lihong and his wife, Lin, for dinner on the 13th of September 2026 in honor of JR's birthday, which falls on the 14th of September.
A Participant's WIT Tao China℠ Exchange Meeting Experience: "Though it was only a 4-day seminar, it was replete with illuminating insights. The discourse on body, mind, and spirit made a lasting impression on me. I have come to understand that body, mind, and spirit, though layered, are intrinsically unified.
In addition, Judy's demonstration of consultation was thorough yet natural. From a therapist's vantage point, she shared numerous practical clinical tips, which were highly inspiring.
Most importantly, her understanding of Nature and the unity of the Twelve Officials is not confined to treatment protocols. Over these days, I have witnessed how she weaves this wisdom into her daily life and very being. She sets a living example. With continual self-refinement, it is truly possible to live by these principles and make this way of life a tangible reality."  WIT Tao China℠ Class 2 Group Photo WIT Tao China℠ Class 2
From the 19th to the 27th of September 2026, WIT Tao China℠ Class 2 attended its second in-person intensive. Judy Worsley's surprise visit on opening day was a highlight for the students. During the program, the class focused on point location, pulse practice, other clinical skills, and the theory of Worsley Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™. WIT Tao China℠ is the only training program in China authorized by J.R. Worsley to teach his work.
Conversations with Judy WorsleyIn the video above, filmed on the 25th of July 2026 at Church Hill Farm—her home with JR in England—Judy Becker Worsley speaks about lineage, mentorship, the Spirit of the Points, and more. Woven into the video is a section on JR’s meticulous succession planning in 1997, filmed at an Open Seminar in London on the 26th of July 2026.
Upcoming Trainings and Events:The Worsley Institute (WI)™ and Worsley Inc. are planning a 4-night retreat in Mexico in November 2027. Led by Judy Worsley, the retreat will bring together students and practitioners for a program filled with learning in a relaxed coastal setting. Further details will be released soon. 2026 October 17 - 18: WIT UK℠ Consultation Days, Kemerton, Gloucestershire, UK info@worsleyinstitute.uk (Waiting list only)
2027 January: LIT℠ Online Session — Click Here February 27 - March 7: WIT Tao China℠ Class 2, Session #3 of 6, Suzhou, China zhulei@shhbc.com.cn
March 13 - 21: WIT Tao China℠ Class 1, Session #5 of 6, Suzhou, China zhulei@shhbc.com.cn
April: Commencement of the Worsley Institute Training (WIT) UK℠ info@worsleyinstitute.uk
April: Commencement of the Worsley Institute Training (WIT) PNW℠ admin@worsleyinstitute.com
If you are interested in an event that has reached capacity, please email admin@worsleyinstitute.com to be added to the waiting list. We will contact you if space becomes available.
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