The Study trip to China in October this year was one of the most enlightening and enjoyable study trips that I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. My fellow students and I had the opportunity of being exposed to a wide range of experiences. We visited the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Educational College, the Shanghai Museum of TCM and the Shanghai Qi Gong Research Institute which also housed a museum. We had one whole week of observational practical sessions at two world renowned hospitals, the Shu Guang TCM Hospital in Pudong and the Long Hua TCM Hospital in the Xu Hui district of Shanghai.
We visited various museums, temples and tourist attractions such as the riverboat ride on the Huang Pu River. We were able to see the city lights by night, especially the impressive Pearle building on the banks of the Huang Pu River. It would be remiss for me not to mention the restaurants and cafes which served enjoyable local dishes that left you asking for more. A trip out to the largest concentrated herbal medicine pharmaceutical factory in the world, Tian Jiang Pharmaceuticals, in Wu Xi proved to be an eye-opener and gave me insight into the research and quality control mechanisms that goes into producing the quality herbs that we get from Phoenix Medical.
But for me, the most rewarding experience on this trip was the opportunity to see Chinese doctors with their patients in the hospitals and to witness first hand, the skill and expertise of the doctors as they took cases and prescribed herbs effectively, confidently and with such ease. I was so impressed with how quickly and efficiently the doctors were able to get through as much as 30 cases in a morning session. I learnt so much about the herbs and feel much more confident in my own practice in diagnosing and prescribing herbs.
I am so glad that I was part of this study trip and would recommend this to those who are considering this trip. It is a trip that you would not want to miss.

In my opinion, to truly understand the impact and effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, you need to experience its place in the Chinese medical system, and travel to China. I was very fortunate to go to Shanghai with Phoenix Medical, as part of my herbal medicine qualification, and attend clinics in the integrated Chinese and western hospitals. We were able to observe clinicians at work, and with the help of excellent translators we were very much made part of the procedure. We could question the patient and the doctors, take pulses, observe tongues, and understand the diagnosis behind the prescriptions. We also travelled to the factory that supplies Phoenix with its herbal granules, and this was very impressive. The testing of the herbs and granules at the factory was extremely thorough and advanced. The thoroughness of the whole operation and the strict adherence to quality standards explain why the quality and reliability of the products that Phoenix sells are of such high quality. I found this trip to be an invaluable and very necessary part of my herbal training, and wish to thank Phoenix Medical for organising and running the trip.

The Shanghai trip was really great. What a great opportunity to study with such highly qualified teachers and deepen my understanding of qigong for health. The classes were always in-depth and challenging too. I also met some great people from all around the world with similar interests. Shanghai is an amazing city with incredible food and lots to see and do. I will certainly go back there again.

I would like to thank Phoenix for providing the Herbal Medicine Training Course. Having qualified 5 years ago in TCM acupuncture at LCTA, and the University of East London, I felt my ‘toolkit’ wasn’t quite complete. Having now finished my studies, and waiting for my final exam, I now feel completely confident in my ability to provide treatment for a wide range of ailments. Of course, experience will increase my ability to become a better practitioner, but the herbal course provided by Phoenix has given me the foundation to build that knowledge upon. The diversity of lecturers are also a credit to you all.

Thank you for a wonderful and beautifully organised seminar with Professor Huang Huang. It was so lovely to see him and i really enjoy his lectures.

Thank you so much for organising this course. It was really excellent!

Thank you for some wonderful days. It was very well organised and generous of you to include lunch. I really appreciate being able to study with Professor Huang Huang again.

I would like to just say a few words to say thank you to Phoenix, for providing the herbal medicine training course, over the last 2 years. Having qualified 5 years ago in TCM acupuncture, I felt my “tool kit” wasn’t quite complete. Having now finished my studies, I now feel completely confident in my ability to provide treatment for a wide range of ailments. Of course, experience will increase my ability to become a better practitioner, but the 3-year herbal course provided by Phoenix, has given me the foundation to build that knowledge upon. The diversity of lecturers are also a credit to you all.

I am now practising as an acupuncturist in London and it is all thanks to the training that Phoenix organised at Shanghai District Hospital. If I had not had the training with Dr Huang I would not have the confidence to practise and it is all down to you. A belated thank you very much.

Overall it was a brilliant trip, full of experience and excitement. I was astonished to see operations under acupuncture without anaesthesia. The clinic experience was amazing, the skills of the doctors and the patient turnout was remarkable. I highly recommend this trip.

I was very fortunate to recently attend a 2 week study trip to Shanghai organised by Phoenix Academy. This was a unique opportunity to observe treatment practices in Shanghai, and to meet practitioners in their place of work. We saw everything from acupuncture analgesia in theatre, to bloodletting on a grand scale. We were overwhelmed with the welcome of the various clinicians who allowed us to observe their practice and also the friendliness of the locals. I certainly felt that I had learnt a great deal from this trip, and wish to thank Prof. Zhang and George He who looked after us so well.