Learn the Foundations of Chinese Medicine
During this course students are taught the basic concepts of traditional Chinese medicine and are introduced to Chinese philosophy which forms the cornerstones of TCM. This part of your studies is the necessary foundation to be able to study further, specializing in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine or Tuina.
Important bridge from theory to clinic
The course, Foundations of Chinese Medicine, consists of basic theories such as Yin Yang and Five Elements, Zang Fu theory, TCM etiology, pathology and diagnosis. This class is an important bridge from theory to clinic.
In addition to the teacher contact hours you will work together with your fellow students in a Theory study group and practise together in the Practice study group. Already after a few months of theoretical training you can start doing apprenticeships in our clinic or at one of the external clinics approved by Shenzhou Open University of TCM.
“We educate students in accordance with the highest professional standards”
Meet your teachers
Below is a brief introduction of our teachers. On the page Teachers and internship supervisors you will find an extensive introduction of all the teaching team .
Dan Tan
Cheng Hao Zhou
Huijun Shen
Jidong Wu
Ricky Bochem
Practical information about the Foundations of Chinese Medicine course
Lesson program
- Basic Characteristics of Chinese Medicine
- Yin and Yang
- Five Elements
- Zang Fu Organs
- Qi, Blood and Body Fluids
- Constitution (body types) in TCM
- Etiology and Pathogenesis of Chinese Medicine
- Tongue diagnosis
- Pulse diagnosis
- Other diagnostic methods
- Pattern Identification: 8 principles, Pathogenic factors
- Pattern Identification: Zang Fu Organs
- Pattern Identification: Qi, Blood and Body Fluids
- Pattern Identification: 6 stages, Triple Burners and 4 levels
- Establishing contact with the patients: attitude of the therapist
Class schedule
Time 10.00 – 17.00 hr.Preliminary schedule Group A
Please note that this schedule is subject to change and Shenzhou reserves the right to make adjustments where necessary.
2026
- September: 26+27
- October: 17+18
- November: 14+15
- December: 12+13 (on line)
2027
- January: 16+17 (online)
- February: 13+14 (Midterm Exam)
- March: 6+7
- April: 3+4 (online)
- May: 1+2
- June: 12+13
- June-July: Final Exam
Preliminary schedule Group B (possible only after group A is full)
Please note that this schedule is subject to change and Shenzhou reserves the right to make adjustments where necessary.
2026
- October: 3+4; 24+25
- November: 21+22
- December: 19+20 (online)
2027
- January: 23+24 (online)
- February: 20+21 (Midterm Exam)
- March: 13+14
- April: 10+11 (online)
- May: 8+9
- June: 19+20
- June-July: Final Exam
Practice and Internship
Starting from the basic year during the class of Foundations of Chinese Medicine, students will be trained in case analysis, acupuncture techniques or Tuina manipulation according to the course of their choice. In addition, students need to complete extended mandatory clinical training as well.
Study requirements
- E-learning
- Homework
- Study group (practice and/or theory)
- Clinical apprenticeship
- Portfolio assignments particulars for each specific course
Accreditation
All our English TCM-programs have been fully accredited by the independent accreditation organisation SNRO with 200 EC according to the newest higher professional education standards (HBO).
Together with our SNRO accredited Western Medicine course this leads to a total of 240 EC. This enables our graduates to operate at a similar level as HBO bachelor graduates in the Dutch health care system as well as being able to give VAT-free health treatments.
Study material and study books
Students have to purchase a number of books and for Western Medicine, a mandatory reader. Extended syllabi will be distributed during the course via the student platform.
Below, some of the mandatory study books are listed. After registration you will receive the list with all the required books.
Please do not purchase any books from this list before your registration is completed. After you have registered, our study coordinators will provide you with the most up-to-date information, including editions and ISBN numbers.
- Essentials of Chinese Medicine: Volume I, Z.W. Liu
