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Yellow Path Undergraduate Prospectus
Two-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 2026
Welcome
Yellow Path exists to protect something rare: a way of practising acupuncture that has not been reduced to protocols but remains what it was originally meant to be: a spiritual medicine, a diagnostic art and a transmission of healing.
We teach Classical Five-Element acupuncture as a living tradition with rigour, apprenticeship-style mentorship and the kind of training that shapes the practitioner from the inside out.
This is not simply education. It is a rite of passage.
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 Module 4.
Next Intake: March 2026. Applications are now open.
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Programme Duration, Hours & Time Commitment
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The programme takes two years and consists of 1,305 hours in total. This includes 972 hours of compulsory contact time and 333 hours of additional study time organised by the student.
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The required hours equate to a minimum of 12 hours per week spread over two years. It is essential that applicants realistically have the time, focus and stability to meet this commitment before applying.
Learning Format & Training Structure
The Yellow Path programme is designed to support mastery through rhythm, repetition and supervised application.
Throughout the training, students engage in:
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monthly in-person teaching intensives
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structured online study with recorded lectures and demonstrations
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point location practice
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pulse and sensory development practice
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clinical observation
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mentorship and academic support
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supervised treatments in Module 4
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):
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126 hours: six three-day monthly class days
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40 hours: online classes, including 20 hours of films watched a minimum of twice
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6 hours: mentor and academic support
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15 hours: clinical observations
Additional Home Study:
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40 hours: point location practice
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40 hours: pulses and sensory development practice
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60 hours: portfolio writing
Module 4 compulsory contact hours
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168 hours: supervised treatments and observations
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42 hours: introductory and concluding workshops
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6 hours: mentor and academic support
Module 4 additional home study hours
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60 hours: portfolio case studies
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40 hours: point location practice
The Four Modules
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.
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.
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.
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.
Module 4 Assessments & Clinical Requirements
Module 4 is the clinical part of the training. Students treat patients under supervision while continuing their portfolio work and completing clinical documentation, case studies and professional development requirements.
1. Portfolio
The portfolio continues throughout Module 4 and provides evidence of your understanding and integration of the material. It is assessed with written feedback and a pass, fail or refer result.
Every film requires a written piece of work and must include:
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key points of the lecture: 50 words
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summary of the content including facts and detail: 300 to 1000 words
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personal reflection: minimum 300 words, not required for point location films
Total word count for any lecture must be no less than 600 words and must not exceed 2000 words.
The portfolio must be handed in and have received a pass before you can be awarded your Licentiate in Five Element Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.).
2. The Clinical
Students treat patients under the supervision of one or more approved supervisors.
Clinical requirement
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minimum 40 treatments
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30 treatments under close supervision
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10 treatments with minimal supervision
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at least 3 patients for a total of five treatments each
Once you have completed your 40 supervised treatments and have received a pass from the Exam Board, the clinical aspect of your training is complete.
The clinical assessment is pass or fail and is based on:
Attendance
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good clinical practice including fully completed paperwork
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capacity to receive critical feedback
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development and progression from week to weekFirst Aid Requirement
3. First Aid Requirement
Before starting Module 4 you must have completed the one-day Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work course. This training must be sourced independently and is at the student’s own cost.
4. Clinical Records
For each treatment you perform you must provide:
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a preface sheet including summary of each patient’s medical and personal history, diagnosis and observations
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a fully completed treatment sheet signed and dated by your supervisor
5. Case Studies
Choose three patients as case studies and produce an in-depth report on each.
Format options
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written report: minimum 2000 words per patient, or
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filmed report: minimum 40 minutes per patient and no more than one hour
Each case study must include:
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fully completed preface sheet
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detailed description of the traditional diagnosis including patient facts and your personal and professional experience as practitioner
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detailed breakdown and explanation of five consecutive treatments including diagnosis and rationale
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projection of future treatment with suggested treatment plans
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summary of the experience and what you have learned
6. Peer Review Presentation
Choose one case study to present to the group at the final session of Module 4. You will host a Q and A session with the group.
Requirements
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include preface sheet and supporting documents or visual presentation
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thoroughly prepared and rehearsed
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approximately 30 to 45 minutes
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pass or fail
7. Point Location Exam
Takes place on the second day of the sixth and final session of Module 4.
Exam format
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mark 15 acupuncture points in one hour
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minimum 12 correct locations required to pass
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if you do not pass, the exam can be retaken on day three
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if you fail at this stage, a re-take can be organised later in London for a fee of £150 and you are required to provide a body
The point location exam includes:
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all command points
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all points on the 3 grids
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all back points
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all entry and exit points
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points for IDs and EDs
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all CV and GV points
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sacral points III 27 and III 28
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all windows, parrot and epaulette points
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all upper arm points
Extra points include:
I 2, II 9 to 19, III 2 to 5, III 11 to 12, III 51, VII 13 to 16, VII 20, VII 25 to 26, VII 30 to 32, VIII 11 to 13, IX 2, IX 4, XI 11 to 13, XII 20
8. Business Plan
Students develop a comprehensive business plan for their future acupuncture practice.
Minimum word count
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4000 words total
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500 words for each of the eight sections
Additional Non-Assessed Requirements
Pulses
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minimum 40 pulses per month over the six months of Module 4
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pulse sheets must include the person’s name, time of day, pulse reading and observations of colour, sound, odour and emotion
Clinical Observations
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minimum 15 hours observing a variety of practitioners in a clinical setting
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submit all observation sheets and checklists including practitioner names, dates and signatures
9. QUALIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL PATH
Upon completion of the programme and successful passing of all modules, students are awarded the Licentiate in Five Element Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.). Graduates are eligible for professional indemnity insurance and automatic membership of the Association of Five Element Acupuncturists.
Graduates receive guidance on setting up professional practice and access to ongoing community and postgraduate study opportunities.
10. SUPPORT AND 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.
11. HOW TO APPLY
Applications are open for the March 2026 intake.
If you feel called to this training and are ready for a rigorous and life-changing professional programme, you are invited to apply.
Module 3 Assessments
1. Portfolio
The Module 3 portfolio includes specific written sections with structured requirements and word counts.
Sections include:
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theory: Windows of the Sky
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Spirit of the Points: non-command points
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diagnosis and treatment: treatment planning case studies and filmed patient studies
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the physical examination
2. Theory and Point Theory Exam
One hour multiple-choice exam held on day one of the sixth session testing Modules 1 to 3 content. Pass mark: 21 out of 30. Resits available.
3. Case Studies
Five Traditional Diagnosis case studies submitted in the portfolio. Each includes summaries, interviews, diagnosis, observations and personal process. Minimum 2000 words per case study.
4. Point Location Exam
Held on the second day of the sixth session. Students mark 15 acupuncture points in one hour. Minimum 12 correct locations required to pass. Resits available.
5. Needle and Moxa Practical Exam
Practical exam and viva during the final session of Module 3 demonstrating safe needling and safe moxa use alongside health and safety competence.
Ongoing Requirements
Pulses
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minimum 40 pulses per month for six months
Clinical Observations
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minimum 15 hours
Module 2 Assessments
1. Portfolio
Monthly portfolio submissions following the same structure and criteria as Module 1.
2. Point Location Exam
Held on the second day of the final in-person session. Students mark 12 points in one hour after a 10-minute note period. Minimum 9 correct locations required to pass. Resits available.
3. Philosophy, Theory and Points Theory Exam
One hour multiple-choice exam held on day one of the final in-person session. Pass mark: 21 out of 30. Resits available.
4. Diagnosis and Pulse Project
A substantial project evidencing development of the senses for Five Element diagnosis and pulse-taking.
Submission options
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5000 words, or
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2500 words plus a 20-minute video.
Ongoing Requirements
Pulses
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minimum 40 pulses per month for six months
Clinical Observations
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minimum 15 hours
Module 1 Assessments
1. Portfolio
Students create a monthly portfolio combining theoretical, philosophical and practical learning alongside personal reflection.
Each submission includes for all films except point location:
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key points summary: 50 words
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lecture content summary: 300 to 1000 words
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personal reflection: minimum 300 words
Total word count per film: minimum 600 words and maximum 2000 words.
2. Point Location Exam
Held on the second day of the sixth session. Students mark 12 acupuncture points in one hour. Minimum 9 correct locations required to pass. Resits available.
3. Philosophy, Theory and Points Theory Exam
One hour multiple-choice exam of 30 questions held on day one of the sixth session. Pass mark: 21 out of 30. Resits available.
Ongoing Requirements
Pulses
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minimum 40 pulses per month for six months
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documented and submitted with observations of colour, sound, odour and emotion
Clinical Observations
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minimum 15 hours in a clinical setting
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completed observation sheets and checklists submitted together
Assessment Requirements
Each of the four 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.
Qualification & Professional Path
Upon completion of the programme and successful passing of all modules, students are awarded the Licentiate in Five Element Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.). Graduates are eligible for professional indemnity insurance and automatic membership of the Association of Five Element Acupuncturists.
Graduates receive guidance on setting up professional practice and access to ongoing community and postgraduate study opportunities.
Upon completion, you will receive:
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Licentiate in Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.)
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Guidance on setting up your own practice
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Professional indemnity insurance
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Automatic membership with the Association of Five-Element Acupuncturists (AFEA)
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Access to our postgraduate learning and practitioner community
Training Fees
Total Cost: £17,950.00
Payment Schedule
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Deposit: £2,693.00 (non-refundable and non-transferable)
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Balance: £15,257.00 payable in 24 monthly installments of £635.00
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Early Payment Discount: 10% discount available if full payment is made upfront
Please note: Due to small cohort sizes (6–8 students), by paying the deposit you are committing to the full course fee. Transfers between cohorts are not permitted.
Additional Costs (estimates)
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Insurance: £35.00
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First Aid Certificate: ~£75.00
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Equipment (e.g., point locator, textbooks): ~£400.00
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Clinic White Coat: ~£35.00
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 2026 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 two years and is delivered through a blend of in-person and online formats:
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First 18 months: Monthly three-day, in-person training sessions supported by filmed online materials and assignments to complete between sessions.
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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
The training exceeded all expectations. It was clear, passionate, and deeply authentic.
Emily Bone-Fiore
I was nervous about the intensity, but from day one, the team's passion and clarity made learning joyful. The mentor support gave me confidence to start my practice right away. If you’re considering this course—just do it. It's life-changing!
Joo Teo
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.
