professional education

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE CERTIFICATION

  • January 2026 - June 2027

  • 18 months split into 3 steps

  • Mentor–apprentice teaching, online

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Chinese Herbal Medicine Certification with Marina Danilova

Watch Marina’s introduction to her Chinese Herbal Medicine Certification programme.

Learn to apply herbs with clarity - and elevate your impact as a Chinese medicine practitioner.

This comprehensive certification pathway is designed for practitioners already qualified in TCM or East Asian medicine who wish to expand their therapeutic repertoire to include Chinese herbal medicine.

Whether or not you have prior experience with herbs, this practical training will enable you to prescribe personalised herbal medicine with clarity, structure, and consistent clinical outcomes.

Step by step - from essential foundations and holistic diagnosis to the art of herbal therapy - you will build a systematic understanding that’s directly applicable to your clinical practice.

The programme is structured in three steps, allowing you to tailor your level of commitment. You begin with the Classical Foundations, which in itself provides the knowledge and skills to start safely integrating herbs into your practice.

Please note: the January 2026 intake will be the final time this certification is delivered in its current form. For those considering joining, this cohort represents the last opportunity to complete the programme and qualify as a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner.

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  • Programme Fees (2026/27)

    • Step 1 – Classical Foundations: £995 (payable before January 1, 2026)

    • Step 2 – Advanced Application: £995 (payable before September 1, 2026)

    • Step 3 – Practicum & Examination: £555 (payable before March 1, 2027)

    Total fee for full Practitioner Certification (Steps 1–3): £2,545

  • This programme is designed for:

    • Practitioners of acupuncture, tuina, and other modalities of Chinese/East Asian medicine.

    • Final-year students in these modalities who are ready to extend their practice into herbal medicine.

    • Practitioners already qualified in Chinese herbal medicine who are seeking a structured, streamlined, and practical approach to applying classical Chinese herbalism in modern clinical practice.

  • Your learning will be guided in a mentor–apprentice style, combining structured teaching with close support:

    • Interactive teaching – recorded lectures and live sessions with opportunities for direct questions and discussion.

    • Case-based learning – teacher’s case studies, group reviews, and feedback on your own cases.

    • Peer-to-peer exchange – connect with colleagues in a small group setting, sharing insights and learning from one another.

    • Ongoing mentorship – continuous support and dialogue in the live classes and group forum.

  • Programme Calendar with the class schedule and assignments deadlines is shared with the participants 6 weeks before the start date of each Step.

  • The Practitioner Certification granted by the Academy validates the knowledge and skills required for safe herbal practice.

    This training programme is approved by Balens Ltd. Their policies cover certified graduates who are UK residents or have a business based in the UK, enabling them to practise herbal medicine in the UK, Ireland, and worldwide (excluding the USA and Canada).

    Graduates residing outside the UK may apply through Balens’ European department (where applicable) or must secure local professional cover.

    The Academy cannot guarantee recognition of this certification by statutory regulatory bodies or other authorities. It remains the responsibility of each student to confirm whether the certification entitles them to professional practice in their country or region.

Marina’s teaching makes the complexity of the Shang Han Lun classic simple. This school of thought is something that will stick with you. It is the Taiji of herbal medicine: Simple & Efficient, Fluid & Direct.

Shae O’Dowd, Australia

The programme is designed in three progressive steps, guiding you from essential foundations to advanced clinical application, and culminating in supervised practice and certification.

Step 1.


Classical Foundations

January - May 2026

Learn to apply the principles of classical Chinese medicine to establish a holistic understanding of life and the human body, and build a structured, logical approach to diagnosis and herbal treatment.

Step 2.


Advanced Application

September 2026 - February 2027

Develop your ability to diagnose and treat complex chronic conditions by combining the wisdom of classical Chinese herbalism with practical case-based learning and modern biomedical insights.


Practicum & Exam

March - June 2027

Consolidate learning, demonstrate competence, and prepare for confident, independent clinical practice. Conclude with the written project and the final exam.

Step 3.

Download The Syllabus

The Syllabus offers a detailed look inside the programme, including:

  • Step-by-step programme structure and objectives

  • Entry requirements

  • Certification paths and criteria

  • Price and payment options

  • Next steps

DOWNLOAD THE SYLLABUS 26/27

What Practitioners Say About Learning with Marina

Marina Danilova headshot Chinese Herbal Medicine Certification

“The objective of teaching to me is to help you discover the timeless truth inherent in the ancient wisdom. To turn on a light on ways of practicing medicine you may not have known were possible. To make you fall back in love with our profession and feel empowered with clear application of our tools. To be your guide through the magical world of medicinal plants. To provide an enjoyable learning experience along the way. To inspire to dedicate our lives to the well-being of the world."

MARINA DANILOVA
academy founder and teacher

Chinese herbal medicine can feel like a vast ocean. Studying herb by herb, it’s easy to feel like you're drowning in a beautiful sea.

The first time I was introduced to Marina’s herbal teachings and the Circle, 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.

Jana Särman, Sweden

FAQs

Get answers to your questions.

  • You will need to allocate time to watch the recorded lectures, attend the live classes and work on your assignments. This takes 2-4 hours a week on average.

  • All live classes are recorded and available for replay. To qualify for the certification, you are expected to participate in the live classes. The exception applies if you cannot join because of your time zone, and needs to be agreed in advance.

  • This is not a requirement. However you will need to submit clinical cases as part of your practical assignments.

  • To get certified you will need to meet all of the following requirements:

    • have a prior qualification in TCM / East Asian medicine;

    • join at least 80% of live classes;

    • complete your assignments on time;

    • have your assignments “Accepted”;

    • submit the final written project;

    • pass the final exam.

  • Two options are available:

    Practitioner Certification

    • For practitioners without prior qualification in Chinese Herbal Medicine.

    • Requires completion of the full three-step programme (Classical Foundations, Advanced Application, Practicum & Examination).

    • Grants certification as a Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner, with eligibility for professional insurance (UK/Ireland, subject to provider terms).

    Continuing Education Certificate

    • For practitioners already qualified in Chinese Herbal Medicine.

    • You may choose to complete Step 1 (Classical Foundations) and Step 2 (Advanced Application).

    • On completion, you will receive a Certificate of Successful Completion, stating the number of class hours completed.

working desk with a laptop, ipad and stethoscope Chinese Herbal Medicine Certification

Chinese Herbal Medicine Certification Enrolment Process

  1. Submit your application online – complete the Application Form.

  2. Application review – we’ll review your submission and respond within five business days.

  3. Interview (if applicable) – a short interview may be arranged to discuss your background and readiness for the programme.

  4. Confirmation – once your place is approved, you’ll receive an Acceptance Letter and Invoice.

  5. Payment – tuition fees are paid securely by card.

Application Form