Holistic Physiology and Diagnosis

Learning to see life and the body as a whole

  • Online

  • 4 weeks, approx. 6 teaching hours

  • Begins January 2027

  • £225

Registration details coming soon.

circle with Fire and Water trigrams

Using the Six Conformations, the three Yang and three Yin, as a framework for understanding life and human physiology, this course develops a coherent and methodical approach to understanding health, interpreting disharmony and structuring diagnosis.

This is the first stage of the Academy's Training Pathway and a prerequisite for Classical Chinese Herbalism. It can also be taken independently.

View the full Training Pathway →

Why This Training

Chinese medicine offers us a rich body of theories, diagnostic systems and clinical methods. Yet without a coherent understanding of the principle that connects them, knowledge can remain fragmented and difficult to apply consistently in practice.

This course returns to the foundations: how Classical Chinese medicine understands life and the human body. From these foundations, we develop a structured way of understanding physiology in health and diagnosing disharmony.

The aim is not to add another theory, but to establish a coherent framework through which existing and future knowledge can be understood, organised and applied methodically.

I believe that successful practice starts with a deep understanding of the foundational principle.
— Marina Danilova

What You Will Study


Life & the Human Body

Explore the Six Conformations, the three Yang and three Yin, as a framework for understanding life and the physiology of the human body, drawing on the Nei Jing and their further development by Zhang Zhongjing.


Health & Disharmony

Establish a solid model of health as the basis for truly holistic, personalised care. Learn to interpret signs and symptoms as windows into disharmony of the whole.


Diagnosis & Strategies

Develop a structured approach to clinical intake and learn to ask questions with purpose. Arrive at a holistic diagnosis that allows you to create effective treatment strategy from the outset, without resorting to trial and error.

The circular physiology can be applied to all aspects of life and has given me profound understanding of physiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment methods.
— Sandee Lippiatt, Australia
...expresses the essence of the complex theory in an accessible way.
— Sharon Weinzenbaum, US
... emphasises a holistic and strategic approach to Six Conformations...
— Jamie Gisby, UK

About The Approach

The approach taught at the Academy has been shaped by Marina Danilova's study of Classical Chinese medicine and philosophy, particularly the Shang Han Lun, Yi Jing, the teachings of Zheng Qin'an, and the Hunyuan tradition.

These influences are brought together with Marina's clinical experience to provide practitioners with a coherent and practical framework for modern practice.

Holistic Physiology and Diagnosis

  • Online

  • 4 weeks, approx. 6 teaching hours

  • Begins January 2027

  • £225

Registration details coming soon.

circle with Fire and Water trigrams

Next in the pathway: Classical Chinese Herbalism (details coming soon) →