This experience begins with training. During their initial 5 years of training, in addition to studying the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine, (an ancient medical classic written over 2000 years ago), students of traditional Chinese medicine, will take 20-30% of their course hours in western medicine training in addition to the 70%-80% that they take in traditional Chinese medicine.

Training in traditional Chinese medicine includes traditional Chinese medicine foundation study in theory, the classics, diagnosis, pathology and etiology. The doctor of traditional Chinese medicine will also study the basic sciences which include biology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, public health nutrition, and the philosophy of health.

All of this is in addition to the study of acupuncture and moxibustion, Chinese herbs, tuina, dietary therapy, tai-chi, and qi gong.