Classical Chinese Herbalism
Applying classical principles in modern clinical practice
Online
14 weeks, approx. 18 teaching hours
Begins February 2027
£775
Registration details coming soon.
Building on the physiological and diagnostic framework established in Holistic Physiology & Diagnosis, this course develops a methodical approach to Chinese herbal medicine based on, but not limited to, the methods and formulas of the Shang Han Lun and Jing Gui Yao Lue. Rather than studying these classical texts line by line, we draw from them the methods and formulas most relevant to modern clinical practice, learning to design and modify individualised formulas for common clinical concerns, including complex chronic conditions.
This is the second stage of the Academy's Training Pathway. Holistic Physiology & Diagnosis is a prerequisite.
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Classical Chinese Herbalism is designed for practitioners of Chinese and East Asian medicine who wish to develop a methodical, principle-based approach to Chinese herbal medicine.
Completion of Holistic Physiology & Diagnosis is required before joining this course, ensuring that all students share the physiological and diagnostic framework on which the herbal approach is built.
The course can complement other training in Chinese herbal medicine and may be taken before, during or after that training.
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The course includes approximately 18 hours of teaching, combining recorded material with live online classes and case-based learning.
Recorded teaching
Study the core teaching at your own pace, from materia medica and formula design to the application of herbal medicine in clinical practice.
Live classes
Review and discuss the teaching, work through clinical cases and explore questions arising from its application in practice.
Students will also have an opportunity to bring one case from their own practice for discussion during the programme.
Access: Recordings and course materials will remain available until 31 August 2027.
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Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion stating the number of teaching hours completed. Eligibility for Continuing Professional Development recognition will depend on the requirements of your professional association.
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TBC
“The first time I was introduced to Marina’s Circle teachings, I fell in love with the system. It’s simple and genius - using a limited number of herbs to great effect. Instead of drowning, I finally felt like I was sailing.”
Why This Training
Chinese herbal medicine offers an extensive body of knowledge: hundreds of herbs, classical and modern formulas, and many different approaches to prescribing. Without a coherent method for applying this knowledge, practice can easily become dependent on memorising herbs, formulas and indications.
This course takes a different approach. We begin with a relatively small and carefully selected materia medica and develop a way of thinking about herbs, formula design and modification that is grounded in understanding and logic.
The aim is not to accumulate more herbs and formulas, but to develop a methodical approach that can be applied across different clinical presentations while allowing treatment to remain individualised to each patient.
Programme Outline
Core Foundations
Study a focused materia medica, core classical methods and base formulas, and the principles of formula design and modification.
Advanced Application
Build on the core methods with specialty herbs and principles of formula design for particular clinical scenarios and complex chronic conditions.
Practical Learning
Review and discuss how theory is applied in practice through the teacher's and your own case studies, covering diagnosis, treatment strategy and herbal treatment.
“I am looking at my patients through a clearer lens... There is no ambiguity in this method; it’s precise, beautiful, bespoke medicine.”
“This system makes the complexity of the Shang Han Lun classic simple… It is the Taiji of herbal medicine: simple & efficient, fluid & direct.”
“Marina has a respectful, dedicated, meticulous and pedagogical way of conveying a beautiful system of Classical Chinese herbal medicine.”
About The Approach
The herbal approach taught at the Academy has been shaped by Marina Danilova's study of Classical Chinese medicine, particularly the Shang Han Lun, the teachings of Zheng Qin'an, and the Hunyuan tradition.
It uses a relatively small and carefully selected materia medica, with formulas designed and modified through understanding and logic rather than memorised prescriptions.
Classical knowledge is brought together with Marina's clinical experience and, where useful, contemporary biomedical research to provide a practical framework for applying Chinese herbal medicine in modern clinical practice.
Classical Chinese Herbalism
Online
14 weeks, approx. 18 teaching hours
Begins February 2027
£775
Registration details coming soon.
Previous in the pathway: Holistic Physiology & Diagnosis →
Next in the pathway: Group Mentorship (details coming soon) →