Institute of Chinese Herbology - Learn More About our Comprehensive Herbalist Training

Program One - Comprehensive Herbalist Training

Program Two - Advanced Herbalist Training

Program Three - Certified Herbalist Training


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Comprehensive Herbalist Training - Courses description

SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION TO CHINESE MEDICINE [back]
Five Classes, 12 hours
The fundamental concepts of traditional Chinese medicine are presented, including causes of disease, patterns of disharmony, and an introduction to diagnostic methods including questioning the patient and reading the tongue and pulse. This course establishes the foundation for studying Chinese herbology.

	CLASS 1:	Theory of Disease; Contrast of Eastern and Western Perspectives; Hot and Cold, Excess and Deficiency; Six Evils
	CLASS 2:	The Functions of the Organs in Chinese Medicine; The Fundamental Processes of Chi, Blood and Body Fluids; The Emotions in Chinese Medicine
	CLASS 3:	Chi, Blood, Yin and Yang; Introduction to the Pulses
	CLASS 4:	Dysfunctions of the Organs; Patterns of Disease; Guides and Charts to Studying Chinese Medicine
	CLASS 5:	Introduction to Diagnosis; Procedures and Methods of Questioning; Tongue Diagnosis; Questions and Review

INTRODUCTION TO CHINESE HERBOLOGY [back]
Eight Classes, 18 hours
A survey of the important herbs and formulas, emphasizing their properties and therapeutic uses. Includes terminology, methods of making teas, legal aspects of practicing herbology, and samples of over 60 herbs.

	CLASS 1:	Introduction to Chinese Herbs; Terminology and Naming Systems, Properties, Taste, Functions; Categories of Herbs; Herbs and Formulas that Tonify Chi
	CLASS 2:	Books and References for the Study of Chinese Herbology; Categories of Herbs; Herbs and Formulas that Regulate Chi; Additional Chi and Spleen Tonic Formulas; Legal Aspects of Practicing Herbology
	CLASS 3:	Categories of Herbs; Herbs and Formulas that Regulate and Harmonize Liver Chi
	CLASS 4:	Preparation of Formulas; Dosages; Methods of Making Teas; Herbs and Formulas that Tonify Blood
	CLASS 5:	Classification of Herbal Formulas; Construction of Herbal Formulas; Herbs and Formulas for Regulating Blood
	CLASS 6:	Herbs and Formulas for External Wind Cold (Colds/Flus)
	CLASS 7:	Additional Herbs and Formulas for External Wind Cold
	CLASS 8:	Herbs and Formulas for External Wind Heat (Colds/Flus)

SECTION 2
THE ART OF DIAGNOSIS [back]
Five Classes, 12 hours
An in-depth presentation of the primary methods of diagnosis-reading the tongue, pulse and face, plus verbal questioning. Also serves as an introduction to case analysis.

	CLASS 1:	Format for Interviewing a Client; Case Analysis
	CLASS 2-5:	Verbal Questioning; Differential Diagnosis; Signs and Symptoms; Observation - Tongue, Pulse and Face

KEY CONCEPTS OF CHINESE HERBOLOGY [back]
Five Classes, 12 hours
Three key concepts are presented: Root and Branch, Stages of Disease, and Transformations of Chi. Most classes include herbs and formulas.

	CLASS 1,2:	Root and Branch (a discussion of the key principles that underlie the use of tonic and clearing herbs and formulas)
	CLASS 3,4:	Six Stages of Cold (Shang Han Lun) Model of Disease; Four Phases (Levels) of Heat
	CLASS 5:	Transformations of Chi (a discussion of the major Chi processes in the body)

THERAPEUTIC PRINCIPLES OF CHINESE HERBOLOGY [back]
Eleven Classes, 27 hours
A thorough presentation of the important therapeutic principles of Chinese Herbology. Each class covers a group of related herbs, formulas, disease complexes and associated symptoms and signs. All previously discussed herbs are reviewed and approximately 100 new herbs are introduced. Includes new samples.

	CLASS 1:	Clearing Heat and Fire; Herbs and Formulas
	CLASS 2,3:	Dryness, Yin Deficiency, Deficiency Fire; Herbs and Formulas for Tonifying Yin and Clearing Deficiency Fire. Kidney Yang Tonics
	CLASS 4:	Relieving the Exterior (Colds/ Flus); New Herbs and Formulas
	CLASS 5:	Dispersing Wind and Damp; Relieving Bi Syndromes (Painful Obstructions, e.g., Arthritis); Herbs and Formulas
	CLASS 6:	Clearing Wetness; Wetness in the Three Burners; Diuretic Herbs (herbs that promote the flow of water and permeate wetness) and Formulas
	CLASS 7,8:	Drying Wetness; Regulating Chi; Relieve Congestion; Herbs and Formulas
	CLASS 9:	Vitalizing Blood; New Herbs and Formulas
	CLASS 10:	Resolving Phlegm; Stopping Coughing; Herbs and formulas
	CLASS 11:	Miscellaneous Yang, Shen (Spirit), Heart, and Chi Herbs and Formulas

SECTION 3
HERBAL THERAPIES FOR ORGAN DYSFUNCTIONS [back]
Thirteen Classes, 32 hours
Herbal therapies for the six major classifications of organ dysfunctions are presented: Lungs, Spleen, Liver, Heart, Kidney and Gynecological. Guidebook to Chinese Herbal Formulas is provided and used with this class.

	CLASS 1,2,3:	Disharmonies of the Lungs; Lung Ailments, External Wind Diseases
	CLASS 4,5,6:	Spleen and Stomach Disharmonies; Abdominal and Digestive Disturbances
	CLASS 7,8,9:	Liver Disharmonies; Problems Relating to Liver; Heat and Chi Stagnations
	CLASS 10:	Heart Imbalances
	CLASS 11:	Kidney Dysfunctions
	CLASS 12,13:	Gynecological Problems

CLINICAL CASE STUDIES [back]
One Combined Class, 10 hours
Selected case studies from the Residence Clinical Classes that illustrate the process of interviewing clients, developing a diagnosis and formulating herbal remedies.

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? [back]
One Class, 2 hours
A discussion of career opportunities and requirements, how to use the Institute for ongoing education and support, ways to continue your study at home, and beginning to set up your practice.