.png)
Yellow Path Undergraduate Prospectus
Three-Year Professional Training in Classical Five-Element Acupuncture In London
Yellow Path is dedicated to teaching Five-Element acupuncture, following a lineage inspired by the late Professor J.R. Worsley. Our approach honours this rich tradition, viewing acupuncture not simply to manage symptoms, but as a means to restore balance at the deepest level—body, mind, and spirit.
Next Intake: March 2027
Welcome to
Yellow Path
At Yellow Path, we are dedicated to preserving and sharing something truly special: a way of practising acupuncture that remains faithful to its original purpose - not simply as a collection of techniques or protocols but as a profound system of healing, a refined diagnostic art and a path of personal transformation.
We teach Classical Five-Element acupuncture as a living tradition, combining academic rigour with close mentorship and practical experience. Our training is designed not only to develop exceptional practitioners but to nurture the qualities of perception, presence and understanding that lie at the heart of this tradition.
The Yellow Path Tradition
Yellow Path honours the lineage of Classical Five-Element acupuncture inspired by the teachings of Professor J.R. Worsley. We teach this medicine not as symptom management but as root-cause healing that restores balance to body, mind and spirit.
Five-Element acupuncture is a spiritual tradition but it is also practical clinical medicine. It supports patients with the full spectrum of conditions commonly seen in practice including insomnia, anxiety, depression and trauma, hormonal and menstrual issues, digestive conditions, chronic pain, fertility support and everyday stress.
Programme Overview
Students are supported throughout the programme through mentorship, academic guidance and the Yellow Path student community. Online learning includes access to recorded lectures, demonstrations and a filmed library. In-person learning includes monthly three-day teaching intensives in London covering clinical skills, point location, Chinese pulses, sensory development and clinical observation. Supervised treatments take place in Modules 4 and 5.
Next Intake: March 2027. Applications are now open.
.jpeg)
Programme Duration and Time Commitment
Over the three-year programme, students complete more than 3,600 hours of learning, exceeding the requirements of the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB).
Students should expect to commit an average of 15 hours per week outside scheduled teaching to support safe and effective progression towards becoming confident, reflective and highly skilled Five-Element acupuncture practitioners.
Learning Format & Training Structure
Our degree-level professional training is designed to fit alongside work and family commitments. Throughout the training, students engage in:
-
monthly in-person teaching intensives
-
structured online study with recorded lectures and demonstrations
-
point location practice
-
pulse and sensory development practice
-
clinical observation
-
mentorship and academic support
-
supervised treatments in Modules 4 and 5
As the course progresses, students spend increasing time in clinical settings, observing treatments and eventually treating patients under supervision.
Programme Hours By Module
Modules 1–3
Compulsory Contact Hours (per module):
-
126 hours: six three-day monthly class days
-
40 hours: online classes, including 20 hours of films watched a minimum of twice
-
6 hours: mentor and academic support
-
15 hours: clinical observations
Additional Home Study:
-
40 hours: point location practice
-
40 hours: pulses and sensory development practice
-
60 hours: portfolio writing
Module 4 compulsory contact hours
-
168 hours: supervised treatments and observations
-
42 hours: introductory and concluding workshops
-
6 hours: mentor and academic support
Module 4 additional home study hours
-
60 hours: portfolio case studies
-
40 hours: point location practice
The Five Modules
Each of the five modules has its own assessment requirements. These must be passed before progressing to the next module.
In addition to module-specific assessments, students complete ongoing pulse-taking and clinical observation requirements.
The portfolio must be handed in and have received a pass before the Licentiate in Five-Element Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.) can be awarded.
Module 1
Module 1 establishes the foundations of Classical Five-Element acupuncture. The first six months begin with an introductory four-day in-person training followed by five monthly three-day sessions in London. Students study online between sessions and receive ongoing mentor and academic support. Module 1 includes core philosophy and theory, introductory diagnosis, point location, pulse-taking, sensory development and clinical observation.
Assessments
1. Portfolio
Students create a monthly portfolio combining theoretical, philosophical and practical learning alongside personal reflection.
2. Point Location Exam
Students mark 12 acupuncture points in one hour.
Minimum 9 correct locations required to pass.
3. Philosophy, Theory and Points Theory Exam
One hour multiple-choice exam of 30 questions.
Pass mark: 24 out of 30.
4. Ongoing Requirements
Pulses
minimum 240 pulses per module
Clinical Observations
minimum 15 hours in a clinical setting
completed observation sheets and checklists submitted together
Module 2
Module 2 builds on foundational diagnostic skills and treatment strategies. Students develop deeper capacity in pulse-taking, sensory perception and point knowledge, while consolidating theory and continuing observation requirements.
Assessments
1. Portfolio
Monthly portfolio submissions following the same structure and criteria as previous module.
2. Point Location Exam
Students mark 12 acupuncture points in one hour.
Minimum 9 correct locations required to pass.
3. Philosophy, Theory and Points Theory Exam
One hour multiple-choice exam of 30 questions.
Pass mark: 24 out of 30.
4. Diagnosis and Pulse Project
A substantial project evidencing development of the senses for Five Element diagnosis and pulse-taking.
5. Ongoing Requirements
Pulses
minimum 240 pulses per module
Clinical Observations
minimum 15 hours in a clinical setting
completed observation sheets and checklists submitted together
Module 3
Module 3 develops advanced diagnostic and treatment application. Students undertake extensive portfolio work including case studies and filmed patient studies. Needle and moxa skills are assessed for safe professional practice. Module 3 completes the core training before the supervised clinical module.
Assessments
1. Portfolio
Monthly portfolio submissions following the same structure and criteria as previous modules.
2. Theory and Point Theory Exam
One hour multiple-choice exam of 30 questions.
Pass mark: 24 out of 30.
3. Case Studies
Five Traditional Diagnosis case studies submitted in the portfolio. Each includes summaries, interviews, diagnosis, observations and personal process.
4. Point Location Exam
Students mark 15 acupuncture points in one hour.
Minimum 12 correct locations required to pass.
5. Clinical Skill Exam
Practical exam and viva during the final session of Module 3 demonstrating safe needling and safe moxa use alongside health and safety competence.
6. Ongoing Requirements
Pulses
minimum 240 pulses per module
Clinical Observations
minimum 15 hours in a clinical setting
completed observation sheets and checklists submitted together
Module 4
Module 4 is the clinical training module delivered in London. Students treat patients under supervision, complete clinical documentation and submit case studies and professional development requirements. Module 4 is designed to ensure real clinical competence, professional readiness and confidence in practice.
Assessments
1. Portfolio
Monthly portfolio submissions following the same structure and criteria as previous modules.
2. The Clinical
Students treat patients under the supervision of one or more approved supervisors.
Clinical requirement
minimum 60 treatments
40 treatments under close supervision
20 treatments with minimal supervision
at least five patients for a total of five treatments each
First Aid Requirement
Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work certificate.
Clinical Records
For each treatment you perform you must provide:
a preface sheet including summary of each patient’s medical and personal history, diagnosis and observations
a fully completed treatment sheet signed and dated by your supervisor
3. Case Studies
Choose three patients as case studies and produce an in-depth report on each.
4. Peer Review Presentation
Present one case study in class and host a Q&A session.
5. Point Location Exam
Students mark 15 acupuncture points in one hour.
Minimum 12 correct locations required to pass.
6. Philosophy, Theory and Points Theory Exam
One hour multiple-choice exam of 30 questions.
Pass mark: 24 out of 30.
7. Business Plan
Students develop a comprehensive business plan for their future acupuncture practice.
8. Ongoing Requirements
Pulses
minimum 240 pulses per module
Clinical Observations
minimum 15 hours in a clinical setting
completed observation sheets and checklists submitted together
Module 5
Module 5 bridges the gap between training and professional practice. Having been given permission to practise independently, students return for ten monthly three-day sessions to review and deepen every aspect of the previous four modules through real patient case discussions, supervised treatment of their own patients and continued portfolio development. A practice visit and ongoing faculty support ensure graduates leave with the confidence, clinical judgement and practitioner presence needed for a successful career.
Assessments
1. Portfolio
Students continue to maintain a reflective portfolio documenting their development as practitioners. The emphasis is no longer on factual recall but on demonstrating growing clinical understanding, perception and practitioner presence.
The portfolio should demonstrate:
● development in the understanding of Five Element theory
● deeper perception of colour, sound, odour and emotion (CSOE)
● increasing confidence in identifying and treating the Causative Factor (CF)
● reflection on clinical experience and personal development
● evidence of learning through patient case studies
The portfolio forms the basis of the final VIVA examination.
2. VIVA Examination
A 45-minute oral examination held at the end of Module 5.
Students discuss their portfolio and clinical work with a tutor, demonstrating:
● understanding of Five Element principles
● clinical reasoning and treatment planning
● application of theory to real patient cases
● practitioner presence and communication
● reflective learning and professional development
The VIVA is designed to assess the student's ability to integrate knowledge into safe and effective clinical practice.
3. Point Location Exams
Continual assessment. Students complete 10 assessments throughout the course and must achieve an overall average mark of 80% across all 10 assessments to pass. Individual assessment marks may be above or below 80%; it is the overall average that determines whether the course has been passed. No re-takes are permitted.
4. Clinical Practice Requirements
Throughout Module 5, students are expected to develop their own independent clinical practice and demonstrate ongoing clinical competence.
Students are required to complete:
● An average of 15 patient treatments per month.
● Comprehensive treatment records for every patient, including:
● Patient details
● Pulse findings before and after treatment
● Treatment rationale
● Point selection
● Clinical observations
Treatment records must be submitted before each teaching session and form part of the student's ongoing assessment.
5. Supervised Patient Diagnosis and Treatment
These sessions provide an opportunity to receive expert guidance on diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical treatment, while allowing patients to benefit from the combined knowledge and experience of the teaching team. A minimum of three patients across Module 5 is required.
6. Practice Visits
Students receive two practice visits during Module 5.
During each visit a tutor observes a minimum of five patient treatments and provides structured feedback on:
● patient rapport and communication
● diagnosis and clinical reasoning
● pulse diagnosis
● point location, needling and moxa
● safe and professional practice
● clinical record keeping
Practice visits are formative and support the student's continuing development as an independent practitioner.
7. Independent Clinical Practice
● minimum average of 15 patient treatments each month
● treatment records submitted before every teaching session
● continued development of diagnostic skills and practitioner presence
8. Ongoing Requirements
Pulses
minimum 240 pulses per module
Clinical Observations
minimum 15 hours in a clinical setting
completed observation sheets and checklists submitted together
Qualification & Professional Path
Graduates receive guidance on setting up professional practice and access to ongoing community and postgraduate study opportunities.
Upon completion, you will receive:
-
Licentiate in Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.)
-
Guidance on setting up your own practice
-
Professional indemnity insurance
-
Automatic membership with the Association of Five-Element Acupuncturists (AFEA)
-
Access to our postgraduate learning and practitioner community
Training Fees
Three-Year Degree Level Professional Licentiate in Five-Element Acupuncture
Annual Tuition Fee: £8,650
Programme Duration: Three academic years
Total Programme Tuition Fee: £25,950
Our tuition fees are charged annually, reflecting the structure of the programme and the requirements of the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB). Students may choose to pay each year's tuition fees in full before the start of the academic year or by monthly instalments.
Enrolment Deposit
To accept an offer of a place on the programme, an Enrolment Deposit of £3,000 is payable.
The Enrolment Deposit:
-
Confirms your acceptance of a place on the programme.
-
Is deducted from your Year 1 tuition fee.
-
Is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Year 1
Tuition Fee: £8,650
-
Enrolment Deposit: £3,000
-
Remaining Balance: £5,650
-
Payable in 12 monthly instalments of £470.83, or in full before the programme begins.
Year 2
Tuition Fee: £8,650
Payable either:
-
in full before the start of the academic year; or
-
in 12 monthly instalments of £720.83.
Year 3
Tuition Fee: £8,650
Payable either:
-
in full before the start of the academic year; or
-
in 12 monthly instalments of £720.83.
Additional Costs (estimates)
-
Professional indemnity insurance: approximately £35
-
First Aid certificate: approximately £75
-
Equipment (including point locator and textbooks): approximately £400
-
Clinic white coat: approximately £35
-
Standard DBS check: approximately £21.50
Important Information
Acceptance of a place on the programme constitutes a commitment to complete the full three-year programme and to pay the published annual tuition fees in accordance with the Student Agreement.
In accordance with the requirements of the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB), Yellow Path does not accept payment of more than one year's tuition fees in advance.
Support & Mentorship
Yellow Path includes mentorship and academic support throughout training. Students receive direct guidance from experienced practitioners and teachers and are supported through the academic, clinical and personal development aspects of the programme.
How To Apply
Applications are open for the March 2027 intake.
If you feel called to this training and are ready for a rigorous and life-changing professional programme, you are invited to apply.
How We Teach
The training spans three years and is delivered through a blend of in-person and online formats:
-
First 18 months: Monthly three-day, in-person training sessions supported by filmed online materials and assignments to complete between sessions.
-
Final 6 months: Weekly, hands-on clinical training at our London site.
Discover More
Explore our website and watch a selection of our Free Taster Classes
to learn more about our unique approach to training.
Regulation In The UK
There is currently no statutory regulation of acupuncture in the UK. However, practitioners often must register with their local authority due to hygiene and safety standards.
The Lic.Ac. certificate is issued by Yellow Path LLP as a private agreement. It allows graduates to join the AFEA, which is a full member of the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority.
Note: Entry into other professional bodies may require separate applications.
Postgraduate Opportunities
Once you’re in practice, you’ll continue to develop. Our advanced licentiate programmes provide the support, community, and continued learning needed to grow as a successful Five-Element acupuncturist.
Testimonials
What our students say
Training at Yellow Path has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s more than learning acupuncture — it changed how I see people, how I listen, and how I live.
Davide Bocciolone
Client Review
The course exceeded everything I hoped for. I felt supported, guided, and deeply held throughout the training — and it gave me the confidence to open my own successful clinic.
Suzi Kirk
Client Review
These teachings transform your understanding of life — physically, mentally, and spiritually. Gerad teaches this ancient knowledge brilliantly. I’m profoundly grateful to have studied and observed his work.
Grace Escolme
Client Review
I had been interested in this wonderful system for years. Gerad’s apprenticeship helped me find a new vocation. It’s fast-track, not because of shortcuts, but because of a lifelong learning approach. You learn by doing
Nicky Douglas
Client Review
Training at Yellow Path has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s more than learning acupuncture — it changed how I see people, how I listen, and how I live.
Davide Bocciolone
Client Review
The course exceeded everything I hoped for. I felt supported, guided, and deeply held throughout the training — and it gave me the confidence to open my own successful clinic.
Suzi Kirk
Client Review
These teachings transform your understanding of life — physically, mentally, and spiritually. Gerad teaches this ancient knowledge brilliantly. I’m profoundly grateful to have studied and observed his work.
Grace Escolme
Client Review
I had been interested in this wonderful system for years. Gerad’s apprenticeship helped me find a new vocation. It’s fast-track, not because of shortcuts, but because of a lifelong learning approach. You learn by doing
Nicky Douglas
Client Review
Our Team
Yellow Path Faculty
The Yellow Path faculty comprises highly experienced Five-Element teachers and practitioners with over 200 combined years of clinical and teaching experience. They are qualified educators, dedicated mentors, and active participants in continued professional development.
