2-Year Graduate Mentorship Training Program
Program Overview
The Apricot Grove School offers a specialized two-year postgraduate mentorship in the emerging field of Neijing Nature-Based Medicine. Rooted in the teachings of the Huangdi Neijing, this comprehensive training integrates classical Chinese medical writings with contemporary clinical understanding. Grounded in the method of Classical Text Archaeology (CTA), the curriculum emphasizes the natural patterns of the cosmos and living systems, exploring how these enduring principles can be applied directly to modern healthcare practice.
A Different Way to Learn
The School of Neijing Nature-Based Medicine is inspired by the ancient Greek idea of σχολή (scholē) — the root of the word “school,” which originally meant leisure, free time, and thoughtful rest. We believe that learning is most meaningful when it is calm, restorative, and rooted in curiosity. Our programs invite students into a community environment that is spacious, reflective, and nourishing, so that study itself becomes a source of renewal rather than exhaustion.
At the heart of this school is a living tradition of mentorship — knowledge passed not through lectures alone, but through shared experience, careful observation, and relationships that grow alongside a lifelong practice. Teachers and students walk the path together as colleagues.
Deep knowledge cannot be rushed. It unfolds through patience and return — circling the same foundational ideas from new angles, season after season, until understanding becomes embodied and resilient. Like the roots of a tree, what grows slowly grows strong. And because this is a journey of many miles, the pace here is a saunter, not a sprint — one that remains pleasurable and restorative all the way through.
Program Structure
The training is divided into four semesters given over two years
- 42 two-week study blocks of in-depth postgraduate-level content
- 42 Live online mentorship classes with Dr. Neal and faculty (also recorded)
- In-depth interactions through weekly class discussion forums
- Three 7-day in-person clinical trainings
2-Year Graduate Mentorship Training Program
The Foundation of the Work
Dr. Neal explores the foundational ideas driving the School of Neijing and what it means to study medicine from first principles.
Apply to the Program 2026/28
The School of Neijing Nature-Based Medicine 2-Year Postgraduate Mentorship Training is an intensive, two year program grounded in the original language and philosophy of the Huangdi Neijing. Designed for dedicated practitioners seeking depth, clarity, and authentic lineage-based study.
How the Program is Delivered
The 2-Year Postgraduate Mentorship Training Program is divided into 2 parts
Online Distance Learning
- 2-year training held over 4 academic semesters with seasonal breaks
- 44 one–hour recorded study topic lectures
- 88 hours of live mentorship training with Dr. Neal and faculty
- Time created for experiential learning and reflection
- In-depth interactions with colleagues and teachers in class discussion forums
- 100 PDA/CEU credits (NCCAOM® and California)
In-Person Clinical Training
- Clinical skills are taught in three 7-day in-person clinical intensives taught in a small group setting
- Combines theoretical and hands on techniques in a praxis of clinical learning
- Taught in beautiful restorative settings in nature to allow practitioner rest and recuperation while learning
- Healthy catered meals and private accommodations
- 36 PDA/CEU (NCCAOM® and California) credits per Clinical Practicum (108 total)
2-Year Graduate Mentorship Training Program
Program Objectives
At the completion of this training, students will:
2-Year Graduate Mentorship Training Program
Where Knowledge Begins
Rooted in classical texts, shaped by nature, and designed for those who want to understand medicine more deeply.
Hear from experienced practitioners on what changes when you return to the foundations of classical medicine, and why so many find themselves here after years of searching.
Online training + mentorship (Live + Recorded)
Online Lecture Series
Our four semester, 2-year training program blends structured learning with seasonal breaks for reflection, experiential study, and direct mentorship.
The program are delivered through our Canvas LMS in both live and recorded formats, offering flexibility for all students.
Each semester is divided into two-week study blocks, with each block focusing on a specific topic in Neijing Nature-Based Medicine. The study block begins with a one-hour pre-recorded lecture, allowing students to engage with the material at their convenience.
During the first week, students participate in online discussion forums and a live Sunday session, where they review course content, receive mentorship, and explore classical texts.
The second week emphasizes integration, encouraging students to explore topics more deeply through personal study, clinical application, or creative projects. This week also provides time for those with busy schedules to stay on track with the coursework. A second Sunday class at the end of the study block allows students to share insights and reflections as they deepen their understanding.
All sessions are recorded and available for students who need schedule flexibility or live in different time zones.
Sample Lectures from Our Online Classroom
From the 2024/26 2 Year Postgraduate Mentorship Training Program
Study Topic #12
Architecture of the Human Body (excerpt)
Study Topic #13
Rivers and Watersheds (excerpt)
Study Topic #14
Suwen Chapter 1 Text Reading (excerpt)
Study Topic #25
Seeing with the Artist’s Eye (excerpt)
In-Person Clinical Training
Clinical Practicums
Hands-on in-person clinical training retreats
The three 7-day clinical retreats bridge online learning with in-person clinical training in Neijing Nature-Based Medicine. Students explore the body’s ecological landscape and practice a diverse range of diagnostic and treatment techniques.
For the 2026/2028 program, in-person Clinical Practicums will be held at Trout Lake Abbey in Trout Lake, Washington, offering a serene mountain setting for study, regeneration, and connection with peers.
Accreditation + Certification
Earn Continuing Education Credit
The School of Neijing Nature-Based Medicine: 2-Year Postgraduate Training Program is approved by:
- NCCAOM® for approximately 130 hours of distance learning PDA’s and 108 hours of in-person training PDA’s.
- California Acupuncture Board for approximately 130 credits of distance learning CEU’s. California requires that students attend the Live lectures in order to be approved.
Credits are awarded with eligibility based on full class participation and a minimum 75% score on weekly quizzes.
A Certificate of Completion is granted upon successful completion of either the Online Lecture Series or the Full Training Series.
Testimonials: What Students Are Saying
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I am so grateful to have found Neijing Nature-Based Medicine! It brings me so much joy to know that this medicine exists, that it is practiced and that there is an opportunity to learn ancient medicine based from nature! My heart feels tingly warm knowing that the earth has people (Dr Edward Neal) that teach this knowledge and share. The teaching and learning style is especially cherished as it is long learning! It gives me time to soak it in, take it in and feel it for my own experiences. I also love the artists approach style, because it gives space for interpretation and perception.
Kanisha T.
Ancestral Skin Marker/Quyanaa Practitioner (Birth & Maturation)
Alaska (US)
NNBM Foundations Level I
Our Work Together
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Early Start Access
Start Before August 8th!
Register early to get a head start on your studies before the course begins
Students are granted access to the first 10 lectures from the previous year’s program to get a head start on their education. Past students have indicated that this provides a substantial advantage when the live course begins.
For the 2026/28 program, the Early Start Access begins July 1st if you register before then, or immediately if you register after.
Join a thriving community • Regrow your practice • Explore ancient texts • Develop new clinical skills • Integrate ancient and modern wisdom
Not sure where to start?
Begin with one semester. Decide later.
The Wisdom of the Cosmos is a complete, standalone introduction to Neijing Nature-Based Medicine — covering early Chinese cosmology, classical history, and the core principles that anchor the full 2-Year Postgraduate Mentorship. It draws directly from the first semester of that program, with all materials and live interaction included, and stands fully on its own.
If you choose to continue, your tuition carries forward.
Get in touch!
