Course structure:

Two-Year Professional Training In Five-Element Acupuncture

The programme consists of 4 modules - each teaching theory, philosophy, diagnosis, location of acupuncture points and clinical skills. All modules are taught online and in-person.

Online learning: pre-recorded lectures, support from teachers and mentors and interaction with peers through the Yellow Path Community Forum.

In-person: Monthly (three-day) classes covering clinical skills, point location, the Chinese pulses, sensory development, clinical observations, and supervised treatments (Module 4 only).

Next Intake - September 2025

Start your application for our two-year professional training today

Programme duration and required hours:

The entire training takes 2 years. Each cohort starts in the Autumn or the Spring. Modules 1-3 are taught online and in-person and Module 4 is your hands-on clinical training in London.

The entire programme (4 Modules) consists of a total of 1,305 hours. 972 hours of compulsory contact time and 333 hours of additional study (which needs to be organised by the student).

Breakdown of hours for each of our first three modules.:

Modules 1-3 (compulsory contact hours for each module):

126 hours at 6 three-day, monthly class days

40 hours of online classes (20 hours of films that need to be watched a minimum of twice)

6 hours of mentor and academic support

15 hours of clinical observations

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Additional home-study hours:

40 hours of point location practice

40 hours of pulses and sensory development (informal practice)

60 hours of creating your portfolio.

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Module 4 (clinical training)

Module 4 (compulsory contact hours):

168 hours supervised treatments and observations

42 Hours at the introduction and conclusion workshops

6 hours mentor and academic support

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Additional home-study hours:

60 hours of creating your portfolio (case studies)

40 hours of point location practice

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IMPORTANT

The hours required to graduate equate to a minimum of 12 hours a week spread over two years. It is essential you realistically have the time and focus to meet this commitment to study before considering applying for a place on our programme.

Start the adventure!

Discover a whole new way of living and working

  • The Impact

    We all need purpose and to know that our life has a positive impact. Entering into this profession is a beautiful way to be of service to others and the world at large

  • Teaching Standard

    Our faculty is made up of some of the best Five-Element teachers in the world. With a combined total of over 200 clinical and teaching years it’s hard to find more experienced practitioners/teachers to learn from.

  • Multidisciplinary Teaching

    Three days of monthly in-person classes and our original online film library accessible 24/7. You have your own personal mentor and academic support for the written work.

Watch Intro Video

Watch the first class of Module 1

1.01 Becoming an Acupuncturist

Assessment:

Throughout your training we need to assess your progress. To start, we need to be sure that you have built a solid foundation of knowledge and experience. Each subsequent module builds on this foundation and the ongoing assessments provide us with evidence of your hard work and encourage you to keep going until you reach your goal of becoming a licensed practitioner.

Support

  • Mentor support

    Phone/email contact and 3 hours of 1:1 in-person or online meetings per module.

  • Academic support

    3 hours of 1:1 online contact to support your academic learning needs.

  • Email support

    Email access to our administration, the academic team and your teachers throughout the entire training.

The Yellow Path Faculty

Our faculty are qualified teachers and practising Five-Element acupuncturists. They regularly attend Master level training and also serve as one-on-one mentors for our students.

Still not sure?

If you’re still curious but not ready to start, why not purchase An Introduction To Five-Element Acupuncture film bundle (12 films) and just sit back and enjoy. If you then feel inspired and would like to formally train at a later date, we will credit the cost of the bundle to your two-year training deposit.

Qualification:

  • You will be awarded the Licentiate in Acupuncture and permission to use the designatory letters ‘Lic.Ac.’

  • You will have the knowledge, experience and skills to start treating patients

  • You will feel confident in how to set up your own practice and have full professional indemnity insurance.

  • You will automatically join the Association of Five-Element Acupuncturists (a member of the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority)

  • You will be able to join the postgraduate community and continue developing your knowledge and clinical skills with Yellow Path

Training Fees:



Fees and Payment Schedule

The total tuition fee for the two-year training program is £17,950.00.

Payment Schedule

  • Upon acceptance to the course (following the interview), a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of £2,693.00 is required to secure your place for your chosen start date.
  • By paying the deposit, you are committing to the full two-year tuition cost as outlined in the Terms and Conditions.
  • Due to the small cohort size for each intake (6-8 students maximum), the remaining balance of £15,257.00 represents a financial commitment for the entire training program. This balance can be paid in 24 monthly installments of £635.00.


Important Note: Students are not permitted to transfer to other cohorts.

The total cost (£17,950.00) is eligible for a 10% discount. This must be paid when securing your place on the course.



Additional necessary costs (approximate) are:

Insurance = £35.00

First Aid certificate = (approximately) £75.00

Equipment, e.g. point locater and point location book (details given once you have signed up) are approximately £400.00.

Clinic White Coat (approximately) = £35.00


Testimonials

“I had been interested in learning more about this wonderful system for many years. I discovered Gerad’s apprenticeship and finally decided that it was time to follow a new vocation. It is a fast track programme, not because Gerad believes in short cuts, but because he is committed to the principle of life-long learning and that the only way to become a practitioner is to practice.”

Nicky Douglas

“The training exceeded all expectations. The teaching was delivered clearly and passionately, with great humility and authenticity.”

Joo Teo

“I was initially nervous about studying in a short, intensive course. But from day one, Gerad, Johnny and their team’s unwavering passion and enthusiasm, crystal-clear teaching, and the wonderful, supportive community they've created in France have meant I've learnt and retained more than I ever have in any traditional academic course. The mentor structure has given me the confidence to immediately go out and begin to set up my own practice, always knowing I've got someone to turn to for support and guidance. If you're considering doing this apprenticeship, just do it. It's honestly life changing! ”

Emily Bone-Fiore

How can I find the best training?

a simple guide to finding the best acupuncture training and building a successful practice

Regulation in the UK:

There is currently no statutory regulation of acupuncture in the UK, but many non-medical acupuncture practitioners are required to register with their local authority. This is because of the risk of blood-borne infections from piercing the skin with acupuncture needles. The same rules also cover tattooing and body piercing.

The Yellow Path 'Licentiate in Acupuncture' (Lic.Ac.) certificate is a private arrangement between the provider (Yellow Path LLP) and the student.

Upon receiving your licentiate you will be eligible to join the Association of Five-Element Acupuncturists (AFEA) which is a full member of the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority. There are a number of other acupuncture organisations in the UK that practitioners can join if they hold certain qualifications and agree to work according to certain codes of practice. The Licentiate in Acupuncture certificate does not give automatic entry to any of these other organisations. If you wish to join one of them, an independent application must be made.

Postgraduate learning:

Being 'in practice', means to master your craft as you work with your patients. It's great to know that Yellow Path provides the ongoing support you will need. Our postgraduate programmes give you immediate access to peers and teachers and provide you with the support you will need as a successful, Five-Element acupuncturist.