Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine: Syllabus

Module co-ordinator: Prof Zanyu Chen · Pre-requisites: as per the Admission Policy

This module builds on your existing knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine from your acupuncture studies. It covers the principles of herbal medicine, the major categories of TCM herbs and the main forms of herbal remedies. Content is practice-oriented, following available evidence of how these herbs and formulas are used clinically in the UK. The nature and action of the most commonly used herbs, and the art of combining and applying them, are the pillars of the module. On completion you are fully prepared for further study in the clinical application of TCM herbs.

Outline syllabus

• Principles of TCM herbal medicine: the holistic view of herbal medicine, nature, flavour and Si Qi; actions of herbs; concepts of clinical application; common cautions; combined effects of multiple herbs; forms of remedy (decoction, pills, powder and more); dosage and length of use; restricted herbs
• Materia medica: nature, flavour, action, application, caution, dosage and common forms of the most commonly used herbs, plus modern research on key active ingredients and pharmacological findings
• Formulary: using different herbs for one or two main purposes; the main action and application of each formula; variations of common formulas; clinical reports of their effects
• Restriction and replacement of some herbs
• Modern forms of herbs, for example concentrated powders

Learning outcomes

• Understand the nature and properties of the most commonly used herbs
• Understand commonly used formulas and their main applications
• Evaluate potential side effects of some herbs and how to minimise them
• Raise concerns about the safe use of herbs in children and pregnant women
• Select the dosage and form for suitable patients and conditions
• Learn and research relevant information independently

Teaching and assessment

Online lectures, tutorials, case studies and feedback sessions based on test and short essay performance. You must attempt and pass all tests and the exam to pass the module.

• Part 1: 10 online tests (one per topic), each of 30 multiple-choice questions, released at the end of each session. Weight 40% (4% each)
• Part 2: 10 short essays or case studies (one per topic), set at the start of each session and due at its end. Weight 40% (4% each)
• Part 3: a two-hour open-book exam at the end of the module. Weight 20%

Relationship to professional body: this module contains elements required by the professional body for accreditation of the course.

Module co-ordinator: Prof Kaicun Zhao · Pre-requisites: Materia Medica

This module adds another dimension to your earlier study of anatomy, physiology and TCM materia medica: the scientific evidence of how herbs work. It covers the main active ingredients and chemical features of the most common herbs, their biological effects, distribution and clearance in the body, and possible interactions with Western medicines, so you can appreciate and evaluate research and clinical guidance published in pharmacopoeias.

Outline syllabus

• The herbal active ingredients most mentioned in clinical research and quality control, and the structure, properties, functions, possible interactions and contraindications of the main classes of secondary plant chemicals: alkaloids; acids, alcohols, esters and amides; simple phenols; lignans, coumarins, naphthoquinones and anthraquinones; tannins and oligomeric procyanidins; flavonoids; terpenes (including saponins, phytosterols and cardiac glycosides); cyanogenic glycosides and sulphur compounds; carbohydrates, gums, mucilages and immunostimulating polysaccharides; volatile oils and resins
• Synergistic and reductionist models of medicinal plant activity
• Quality assurance: key ingredient content and its use in quality assessment
• Potential toxic responses from a Western medicine point of view
• Mechanisms of common side effects

Learning outcomes

• Understand the nature and properties of key ingredients relevant to practice
• Evaluate the pharmacological effects of the major groups of plant compounds
• Discuss the limits of plant biochemistry as an explanation for herbal actions
• Analyse quality assurance issues for herbal medicines
• Explain possible toxic reactions to some herbs and how to mitigate them
• Apply safety measures to reduce side effects, using knowledge of key ingredients and how the body processes them

Teaching and assessment

Lectures online or in person, and group work on research papers online. Assessment: a 2,000-word report on one of the most mentioned active ingredients (for example berberine), covering its pharmaceutical effects and possible side effects if used improperly. Weight 100%.

Relationship to professional body: this module contains elements required by the professional body for accreditation of the course.

Module co-ordinator: Prof Fanyi Meng · Pre-requisites: completion of Modules 1 and 2

This module covers the essential professional principles, the legal requirements of practising herbal medicine, and important considerations in clinical practice.

Outline syllabus

• Key concepts of TCM herbal practice: consultation, diagnosis, prescribing, dispensing and record keeping
• The laws defining herbal medicines and traditional medicinal products, including the right to prescribe, dispense and charge
• Traditional herbal medicine product licences and marketing permissions
• Related laws, including health and safety for herbal dispensaries
• Record keeping, including source of supply, dispensing and disposal
• The Yellow Card reporting system; CPD on regulatory and product updates; insurance

Learning outcomes

• Understand the legal and regulatory framework for herbal medicine
• Develop practice ethics that comply with legal requirements
• Follow updates to legislation and regulation through professional development events
• Design a fully compliant workplace
• Carry out risk assessment and management of the practice

Teaching and assessment

Lectures online or in person. Assessment: a practical assessment (50%) and a two-hour open-book written exam at the end of the academic year (50%).

Relationship to professional body: this module contains elements required by the professional body for accreditation of the course.

Module co-ordinator: Prof Zanyu Chen · Pre-requisites: completion of Modules 1, 2 and 3

This module develops your knowledge of TCM herbs and, most importantly, the evidence-based practice of herbs and formulas across clinical practice. It covers the most reported clinical uses of Chinese herbal medicine, with clinical research supporting its effectiveness as a main or complementary therapy. Sessions are delivered by well-established experts who are highly qualified and experienced in practice, research and teaching, and who have published widely.

Outline syllabus

• Principles of TCM evidence-based practice: traditional observation, expert opinion, cohort and laboratory studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews and real-world studies
• Major areas of positive clinical findings: skin, digestive, respiratory and circulatory problems, infertility, gynaecological and neurological problems; supportive treatment alongside cancer chemotherapy, after surgery and in rehabilitation; weight control; drug rehabilitation; mental health
• Limitations of clinical practice

Learning outcomes

• Understand the action pathways of TCM herbal treatment in many common conditions
• Find evidence-based practice for the conditions discussed
• Critically evaluate the evidence when planning an individual patient’s treatment
• Evaluate treatment response and choose alternative formulas or herbs to improve it
• Plan long-term treatment using the TCM holistic approach, taking account of seasonal, environmental and lifestyle change

Teaching and assessment

Seminars by experts in each area of practice, and online tutorials with the module leader. You must attempt and pass all assessments.

• Part 1: reflective learning journals on 5 topics, at least 800 words each, due two months after each topic is released. Weight 50%
• Part 2: a 3,000-word literature review on one negotiated topic from the teaching schedule. Weight 50%

Relationship to professional body: this module contains elements required by the professional body for accreditation of the course.

Module co-ordinator: Prof Fanyi Meng · Pre-requisites: Years One and Two

You first observe senior TCM practitioners treating real patients with Chinese herbs. You then recruit patients from your own practice and provide herbal medicine under the supervision of an assigned lecturer, tutor or supervisor, by formal agreement. The professional body requires at least 250 hours of clinical experience directly involving TCM herbal medicine, building on the at least 400 hours of clinical experience in a degree-level acupuncture course.

Outline syllabus

• Principles of TCM practice: the holistic approach, TCM view of life, diagnosis, syndrome patterns, treatment planning, herbal prescription and lifestyle advice
• Reviewing responses from returning patients given herbal remedies
• Case-by-case discussion with your supervisor about the choice of herbs and formulas
• Analysing observed cases, proposing treatment independently, comparing it with your supervisor’s prescription, and responding to feedback
• Practising TCM herbal therapy safely, legally and ethically, knowing its limits and patients’ preferences

Learning outcomes

• Independently assess a patient, make a TCM diagnosis and prescribe herbal treatment where suitable
• Give patients detailed instructions on preparing and taking their herbs
• Evaluate the response to treatment and adjust it accordingly
• Stop treatment if there is an adverse response or it proves ineffective
• Manage long-term treatment with alternative formulas or herbs
• Review individual cases at each stage and plan the next stage of treatment

Teaching and assessment

Clinical observation is provided at the Institute of Chinese Medicine in central London, which has been operating for 10 years. Phoenix Academy also has a network of supervisors in several major cities in England; if you find a local supervisor, you may attend their clinic, provided the supervisor and clinic meet the requirements of Phoenix Academy and the accreditation board. Once your supervisor is satisfied with your proficiency, you can recruit your own patients, carry out consultations and send prescriptions to your supervisor for approval. Approved herbs can be dispensed from your supervisor’s dispensary or from Phoenix Medical Ltd. You complete at least 150 cases, at least 50 of them your own patients under supervision.

• Part 1: 150 case studies: 100 observed cases from approved clinics (one page each, no analysis needed) and 50 cases from your own practice, each with an 800-word reflective learning journal. Weight 50%
• Part 2: 5 reflective learning journals on the 5 areas where you see most patients treated with TCM herbs, with results to support your findings. Weight 50%
• Overall grades: pass, merit and distinction

Relationship to professional body: this module contains elements required by the professional body for accreditation of the course.