2-Year Postgraduate Mentorship Training
Program Overview
The Apricot Grove 2-year postgraduate mentorship in Neijing Nature-Based Medicine (NNBM) is a comprehensive training program based on the Huangdi Neijing text and modern learning approaches and knowledge. The curriculum, informed by the practice of Classical Text Archaeology (CTA), focuses on the natural patterns of the cosmos and nature and the implications of these principles in the healthcare setting.
Educational Philosophy
Learning is a continuous, lifelong process rooted in strong foundations. We believe that study flows from the past, drawing upon the deeper roots of knowledge, which are nourished by universal patterns of nature, traditional wisdom, and the guidance of experienced teachers.
Key Learning Approaches
Traditional Mentorship: Students engage directly with senior teachers and classical texts, fostering close mentorship relationships.
Circular Learning: Concepts are explored from various perspectives, including cosmology, basic sciences, physical diagnosis, and clinical practice.
Seeds of Knowledge: We nurture the latent understanding within each student, allowing it to flourish through exposure to classical texts and teachings.
Strong Foundational Root: The program initially focuses on principles and text reading, gradually progressing to practical clinical skills
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
- 3 six-day in-person clinical trainings
Training Pathways
Choose from one of three options:
- Full Program – complete 2-year mentorship training program (Online Lecture Series + three in-person Clinical Practicums
- Online Lecture Series – 2-year online mentorship training
- Wisdom of the Cosmos – first-semester option of the Online Lecture Series, focused on history and cosmology.
While designed for healthcare professionals, the program also welcomes Sinologists, researchers, and those interested in early Chinese philosophy and medicine.
2-Year Postgraduate Mentorship Training
Program Overview
The Apricot Grove 2-year postgraduate mentorship in Neijing Nature-Based Medicine (NNBM) is a comprehensive training program based on the Huangdi Neijing text and modern learning approaches and knowledge. The curriculum, informed by the practice of Classical Text Archaeology (CTA), focuses on the natural patterns of the cosmos and nature and the implications of these principles in the healthcare setting.
Educational Philosophy
Learning is a continuous, lifelong process rooted in strong foundations. We believe that study flows from the past, drawing upon the deeper roots of knowledge, which are nourished by universal patterns of nature, traditional wisdom, and the guidance of experienced teachers.
Key Learning Approaches
Traditional Mentorship: Students engage directly with senior teachers and classical texts, fostering close mentorship relationships.
Circular Learning: Concepts are explored from various perspectives, including cosmology, basic sciences, physical diagnosis, and clinical practice.
Seeds of Knowledge: We nurture the latent understanding within each student, allowing it to flourish through exposure to classical texts and teachings.
Strong Foundational Root: The program initially focuses on principles and text reading, gradually progressing to practical clinical skills
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
- 3 six-day in-person clinical trainings
Training Pathways
Choose from one of three options:
- Full Program – complete 2-year mentorship training program (Online Lecture Series + three in-person Clinical Practicums
- Online Lecture Series – 2-year online mentorship training
- Wisdom of the Cosmos – first-semester option of the Online Lecture Series, focused on history and cosmology.
While designed for healthcare professionals, the program also welcomes Sinologists, researchers, and those interested in early Chinese philosophy and medicine.
The 2-year Postgraduate Mentorship Training is divided into two 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®)
In-Person Clinical Training
- Clinical skills are taught in three 6-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®) credits per Clinical Practicum (108 total)
Program Objectives
At the completion of this training, students will:
ONLINE LEARNING & MENTORSHIP
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.
Neijing Nature-Based Medicine
Join us for an Open House!
- Get to know Dr. Neal
- Ask questions about the upcoming 2-Year Postgraduate Mentorship Training Program
- Learn about Neijing Nature-Based Medicine
- Includes 15 minute sample lecture
- Choose a date below and join us
Watch a Sample Lecture
The following are example lectures from our online classroom.
Lecture #25 Excerpt
Physical Diagnosis and the Artist’s Eye
Lecture #26 Excerpt
Physical Diagnosis and the Artist’s Eye
Lecture #30 Excerpt
Obtaining the Qi
Apply Now to the Program
Apply now for the Neijing Nature-Based Medicine 2-Year Postgraduate Mentorship Training—an intensive, 2-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.
In-Person Clinical Training
Clinical Practicums
Hands-on in-person clinical training retreats
Our three 6-day retreats bridge online learning with hands-on 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 2025/27 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 Apricot Grove’s Neijing Nature-Based Medicine: 2-Year Postgraduate Training Program (Foundations) 2025/27 is NCCAOM® approved for 130 hours of distance learning CEU’s and 108 hours of in-person training CEU’s. California CEU’s are pending for the 2025/27 program.
CEU credits are awarded by semester, 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 the full training series.
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)
Cordova, AK USA
Our Work Together
Click an image to view the slideshow
2-Year Postgraduate Mentorship Training
Early Start Access
Register early to get a head start on your studies
Students are granted access to the first ten lectures from the previous year’s class 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 2025/27 program, the Early Start Access begins when students register and pay the deposit.
Classes will be released on on June 1st for the 2025/27 program
Not sure if this program is right for you?
Join us for an introduction to Neijing Nature-Based Medicine: The Wisdom of the Cosmos, a one-semester course that includes all learning materials and live interaction from the first semester of the Apricot Grove 2-Year Postgraduate Mentorship Training. This course offers a deep dive into early Chinese cosmology, Chinese history, and the principles of Neijing nature-based medicine.
Stay Connected!
Stay informed about workshops, new content and the 2025/27 program!
The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us. Thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing. The trees wave and the flowers bloom in our bodies as well as our souls, and every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own, and sings our love.
John Miur
