Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine: an ancient natural remedy applied in modern society.

Chinese Herbal Medicine 本草

For whom?

The Chinese Herbal Medicine course is designed for individuals who have successfully completed the Foundation of Chinese Medicine program.

What diploma will I receive upon successful completion of the study?

Upon successful completion of the two years herbal medicine study, you will receive an SNRO accredited diploma. This diploma enables you to register as a member of a TCM association, allowing you to practice as a herbal medicine practitioner. This assumes that you have also completed the course of Foundation of Western Medicine, which is a national requirement in the Netherlands.

What does the herbal medicine cost?

The cost of CHM 1, CHM2 course 2024-2025 is € 2400 for each year, including the readers, mid-term exam, final exam, practical exam, tea/coffee of in-person lectures, 4-6 group apprenticeship days.

How long does the study last?

The Chinese Herbal Medicine course spans two years, divided into CHM1 and CHM2. In CHM1, the focus is on single herbal medicine and herbal formulas. CHM2 delves into the clinical application of herbal medicine for various diseases, covering topics such as diagnosis, creating tailored herbal formulas, and providing lifestyle advice.

Is this two years herbal medicine hybrid?

Yes, the study at DAA is hybrid, meaning it incorporates both online and in-person components.

Can I study CHM1 and CHM2 at the same year?

NOPE.

You need to complete CHM1 before you can progress to CHM 2.

What does the CHM2 cover?

The CHM 2 course represents the second year of the two-year Chinese Herbal Medicine program. During this year, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of ailments in accordance with traditional Chinese medicine principles, and learn to address them through the application of individually modified herbal formulas. Upon completion of this course, you will emerge as a fully proficient Herbalist, capable of treating patients autonomously by devising and adapting personalized herbal formulas to suit their specific needs.

Building upon the foundation laid in the previous year, you will utilize your accumulated experience to analyze, comprehend, and apply a diverse range of essential herbal formulas and single herbs. This year will afford you the opportunity to further deepen and consolidate your knowledge, as you expand your repertoire and revisit and refine your understanding of concepts learned in the first year in light of the advanced skills acquired during the second year.

What does the CHM1 cover?

The CHM1 course focuses on single herbs and herbal formulas, providing a comprehensive understanding of Chinese herbalism. In the first year, students establish a solid foundation in the basic principles of Chinese herbs. This includes a thorough exploration of concepts such as the '4 temperatures' and the '5 tastes' (Sì Qì Wǔ Wèi), as described in classical texts, which are essential for grasping the uses of herbs. Subsequently, students progress to studying 'herb pairs' (Duì Yào), enabling them to comprehend the interactions between herbs within complex herbal formulas.

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the strategic composition of herbal formulas tailored to individual patient needs, rather than the indiscriminate application of single herbs for symptomatic relief. This approach underscores the importance of understanding the patient's unique condition and employing herbs accordingly. By prioritizing herbal formulas as the focal point of study, students gain practical insights that can be applied directly in clinical practice.

Upon completion of the course, students will possess the knowledge and skills to effectively understand and implement Chinese herbal medicine principles in patient care.

What books are recommended?

· Chinese Herbal Medicine, Materia Medica and Chinese Herbal Medicine, (volume 1), Dan Bensky

· Chinese Herbal Medicine, Formulas & Strategies (volume 2), Dan Bensky

· Chinese Herbal Medicine, Materia Medica, Dan Bensky

· Chinese Herbal Medicines: Comparisons and Characteristics, Yifan Yang

· Chinese Herbal Formulas: Treatment Principles and Composition Strategies, Yifan Yang

· Chinese Medicine Study Guide: Formulae, Li Qing-ye

· Chinese Medicine Study Guide: Materia Medica, Zhong Gan Sheng

Dates of the lectures CHM1

21+22 Sept. 2024

19+20 October 2024

23+24 November 2024

14+15 December 2024

25+26 January 2025

15+16 February 2025 (midterm exams)

22+23 March 2025

19+20 April 2025

24+25 May 2025

21+22 June 2025

Dates of the lectures CHM2

What is the required duration of the apprenticeship?