Graduate Certificate in Chinese Herbs
Designed for Licensed Acupuncturists and Acupuncture Students

Now enrolling for January 2013. 

Program Highlights

Tai Sophia Institute's two-year Graduate Certificate in Chinese Herbs integrates Five Element constitutional diagnosis into an understanding of classical Chinese medicine and the practice of Chinese herbal medicine, and traces the history of ideas in Chinese herbal medicine from the classics to contemporary use. The study of Chinese herbs includes an in-depth treatment of Chinese physiology, both the Zang Fu dynamics, as well as the primary channels and secondary vessels.

This 37-credit program provides a deep and thorough understanding of Chinese herbs and formulas in the didactic component. The expanded clinical training, consisting of 210 hours, includes direct diagnostic calibration, treatment planning, and extensive practical dispensary training. The program is designed for licensed acupuncturists and students who have competed core courses in Tai Sophia’s Master of Acupuncture program.

Features of the Graduate Certificate in Chinese Herbs:

• Unique in the nation for its integration of Five Element constitutional perspectives, classical Chinese medicine, Eight Principle diagnosis, and Zang Fu pattern differentiation
• Features highly experienced faculty and practitioners. Nationally and internationally recognized guest lecturers have included Jeffrey Yuen, Heiner Fruehauff, Andrew Ellis, Stephen Cowan and Thea Elijah
• Enhanced specialty focus in second year includes pediatrics, oncology, gynecology, gastroenterology, ENT, dermatology, neurology, and rheumatology
• Prepares graduates to sit for the Chinese herbology certification offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
• Eligible for federal financial aid

I cannot overstate my enthusiasm for Tai Sophia’s Graduate Certificate in Chinese Herbs and wholeheartedly recommend it to any student or practitioner interested in deepening his or her understanding and practice of Chinese medicine. The high caliber teachers seamlessly integrate several historical and modern traditions of Chinese herbal medicine into one coherent whole. As in any Chinese herbs program, students learn detailed information about hundreds of herbs and formulas. Unique to Tai Sophia’s program, however, is an emphasis on learning about the inner nature of herbs and a focus on understanding the intricate art of designing well-balanced herbal formulas. On a practical level, Chinese herb students also learn valuable diagnostic and treatment planning skills, which ultimately benefit both their herbal and acupuncture patients. In sum, I will be eternally grateful to this program and its teachers for enriching my overall Tai Sophia learning experience, providing me with essential clinical tools, and inspiring me to dive more deeply into the rich field of Chinese medicine.

Liana Brooks-Rubin
Clinical Intern, Masters of Oriental Medicine

Program Purpose and Goals

Program Purpose

The purpose of the post-baccalaureate certificate in Chinese herbs at the Tai Sophia Institute is to train well-educated and effective clinicians. Students who have completed the program will possess a broad knowledge of the theory and philosophy of Chinese herbal medicine, its rich history, and contemporary applications. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Chinese herbology certification exam offered by the NCCAOM and practice confidently, safely, and compassionately.

Program Goals

• Attain a working knowledge of the Chinese herbal materia medica and the most commonly used formulas
• Apply a theoretical framework to analyze medicinal substances (herbal, mineral, and animal product)
• Analyze any medical condition and provide a differential diagnosis using theoretical frameworks presented in the program
• Demonstrate knowledge of various specialties of Chinese medicine and their theories and contributions
• Demonstrate broad-based knowledge of the history of Chinese medicine
• Gain an working understanding of Chinese dietary therapy.
• Obtain the clinical skills and training (diagnosis, formula planning, treatment delivery, and patient management) necessary to become a practicing Chinese herbalist

Program Dates

The 37-credit, 24-month Graduate Certificate in Chinese Herbs meets as follows:

Note: Classes run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on most dates. In 2014, you will have clinic every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.and Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please be aware that times may change, but you will be notified well in advance.

Year One:

Faculty

Program Manager 

Evan Rabinowitz, M.Ac., Dipl. Ac. 

Adjunct Faculty

Ann Cecil-Sterman, M.S., L.Ac.
Lucía G. Perillán, M.Ac., Dipl. Ac.
Ta-Ya Lee, DNP, MBA, M.Ac., L.Ac., Dip.OM.

Distinguished Lecturers

Jeffrey Yuen, B.S., Dipl. C.H.
Heiner Fruehauf, PH.D., L.Ac.
Andrew Ellis, B.A.
Thea Elijah, M.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Stephen Cowan, M.D.

Guest Lecturers

Anne Jeffres, D.A.O.M., M.S., L.Ac.
Stephen Howard, L.Ac.
Cara O. Frank, Dipl.Ac., Dipl.C.H., R.Ac.

Note: Faculty and lecturers are subject to change. This list represents faculty teaching the current course.

Financial Aid

Federal financial aid is available for this program. To apply for federal financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Tai Sophia Institute’s school code for completing the FAFSA is G25784. A limited number of scholarships are also available. For additional funding options, such as private or alternative education loans, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 410-888-9048 ext. 6628 or .

Tuition and Fees

Application Fee: $75
Tuition Deposit: $500
Tuition: $516 per credit

Additional Fees: The cost of materials may be approximately $700 and includes several required and recommended books. Students also may be required to purchase sample herbs for their learning.

Program Eligibility

To enroll this program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Graduate of Tai Sophia Institute’s Master of Acupuncture program
• Current student in Tai Sophia’s Master of Acupuncture program*
• Graduate or current student** of an Acupuncture or Oriental medicine program that is accredited by, or in candidacy with, the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM)
• Currently licensed acupuncturist in the U.S. who does not fit into any of the above categories
• Professional healthcare provider currently licensed in the U.S. to practice acupuncture within the scope of a medical practice

* Tai Sophia Institute acupuncture students who have not completed trimester 6 by April 2012 may now enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Chinese Herbs program. They must also register for and complete the Chinese Herb Prep Course  before the Chinese Herb program begins.

** Students currently enrolled in acupuncture programs not at Tai Sophia Institute must submit transcripts to verify completion of basic Zang-Fu and Patterns of Disharmony, or complete the Chinese Herb Prep Course which will be offered September-October, 2012.

Chinese Herb Prep Course

This course introduces students to the Chinese concepts of human physiology, which encompass both the physical body and energetic movements that support and maintain optimum health and vitality. The course explores how classical Chinese Medicine was the world’s first holistic medical system, one that views all levels of living – body, mind, emotions, spirit – as being continuously interdependent and interactive. The course includes lectures and skill exercises to teach students how to diagnose energetic and physiological imbalances, and to recognize signs and symptoms in each of the major Chinese herbal medicine categories.

Course Schedule

• September 8-9, 2012
• September 29-30, 2012
• October 13-14, 2012

Faculty: David Blaiwas, M.A., M.Ac., Dipl.Ac.

Registration fot the Chinese Herb Prep Course: All current Tai Sophia students contact the Office of Student Services at 410-888-9048 ext. 6620, or . All other students contact the Office of Graduate Admissions, call ext. 6647, or .

Note: Tai Sophia Institute Acupuncture students must register for and complete the Chinese Herb Prep Course before the Chinese Herb program begins. Students currently enrolled in Acupuncture programs other than Tai Sophia Institute’s must submit transcripts to verify completion of basic Zang-Fu and Patterns of Disharmony, or complete the Chinese Herb Prep Course.