What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is a major branch of Chinese Medicine. Although most associate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with acupuncture, the majority of cases in TCM clinics in China are treated with herbs, either with acupuncture or alone, rather than with just acupuncture. In the States, more and more TVCM practitioners are following suit by incorporating herbs in their veterinary practice. CHM therapies have their historical origins with TCM and date back 4,000 years. Herbs today are prepared with the benefits of modern technology but are still guided by the historical wisdom underlying TCM. In CHM practice, herbs are used to correct imbalance underlying a disease pattern and to promote the body's ability to heal itself. Each herb has a different effect on the body and can fall under a number of classifications such as warming, cooling, sour, or bitter and can affect a variety of organs, including the liver, lungs, or heart. TCVM utilizes herbal formulas that are a combination of single-herb ingredients to treat a specific pattern of disease.
The increasing popularity of CHM lies in the fact that it is an all-natural treatment option that is generally safe and effective when prescribed correctly. An extensive body of clinical research has shown CHM to be extremely effective in treating chronic veterinary medical issues in the fields of gastroenterology, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, reproduction, oncology, and animal behavior. CHM is also commonly used to treat respiratory issues and sports injuries. In addition, CHM increases the quality of life for geriatric patients, especially those diagnosed with terminal cancer, as it assists the body's ability to reduce tumor size when chemotherapy may not an option. CHM can be combined with acupuncture and/or Western Medicine to enhance clinical results.
CE Program Overview
The Certified Veterinary Herbal Medicine program is a 150-hour continuing education program approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards Registry of Approved Continuing Education (AAVSB RACE) that certifies students in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine. It is presented in five modules, each covering different sets of organ systems and their affiliated health disorders. Each module offers five hours of wet lab demo and a total of 30 continuing education hours. All five modules are offered each year and can be taken either online or on-site in any order. The modules include:
- Respiratory & Cardiovascular
- Gastrointestinal & Spleen
- Liver & Endocrinology
- Kidney, Urinary, Reproductive & Geriatric
- Dermatology, Oncology & Immune-mediated Diseases
Each module features tongue and pulse diagnosis in addition to real case studies through wet labs. The program is intended for small, mixed, and equine vets, and both small and large animals (mostly dogs and horses) are used during case studies and wet labs. General topics covered in each module include herbal medicine, a TCVM approach to Western diseases, and advanced TCVM theories and principles. Online modules are self-paced and have 4 months of online access. All modules include lectures and quizzes that may be accessed at any time during the 4-month period.
Program Features
Choice to take modules online, on-site, or both, allowing for more schedule flexibility
Free case consultation with TCVM experts for all students
Clinical practice receives strong emphasis throughout the entire program
Learn about the top 150 classical formulas and herbal formulas
Gain a deeper understanding of TCVM fundamental principles
What our students have to say
Absolutely exceeded my hopes and expectations, and just increased the level of passion, excitement and potential for success in my veterinary daily practice.
Elena Shirley, DVM
Tulsa, OK
The more I learn about herbals, the more I try to integrate them into my patients' treatment plans. I am motivated by learning so much fantastic information!
Darcy Forber, DVM
Melbourne, FL
The entire course was excellent. I thought it was all useful information that I will use on a regular basis. It makes me feel much more confident in practicing TCVM.
Susan Nadeau, DVM
Calgary, AB, Canada
Dr. Xie is always excellent and intuitive on what areas tend to be confusing for students. Love his cases and the way he conducts labs.
Catherine Rowan-Collier, DVM
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
I am looking forward to applying my new knowledge into practice. TCVM has greatly expanded my view of how the body works and what influences disease.
Jim Carlson, DVM
McHenry, IL
Veterinary Herbal Medicine Certification Set
Taught in English
For veterinarians & veterinary students only
Up to 150 RACE-approved CE hours
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Students wishing to enroll in any of the herbal modules must have background knowledge of TCVM and herbal medicine, and must fulfill the following two requirements:
- Completion of at least one session of veterinary acupuncture at Chi OR Completion of an acupuncture course at another accredited institution OR Completion of the TCVM Fundamental Theories lecture series online module
- Completion of the Chinese Herbal Fundamental Knowledge online module OR Completion of an herbal course from another accredited institution
Curriculum
Respiratory & Cardiovascular
Herbs to Clear Heat
6h
Heart Physiology and Pathology
2h
How to Treat Behavioral Problems
1h
How to Treat Congestive Heart Failure
1h
Herbs to Release the Exterior
2h
(Demo/Lab) TCVM Approach for Clinical Cases
3h
How to Approach Canine Cases
2h
Herbs to transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing
2h
Five Spirits and Disorder
2h
Lung Physiology and Pathology
2h
How to Treat Feline Asthma
1h
Canine Sinusitis, Upper Airway Infections, Bronchitis, Pneumonia
1h
Equine Cough and Respiratory Infections
2h
Equine COPD and Heaves
1h
Nasal Discharge and Congestion, Nose-bleeding Anhidrosis
1h
Gastrointestinal & Spleen
Herbs to Dispel Wind-Damp
2h
Aromatic Herbs to Transform Damp
2h
TCVM Approach for the Treatment of Small Animal GI Cases
4h
Herbs to Drain Damp and Benefit Urination
2h
Herbs to Regulate (Stagnant) Qi
2h
Herbs to Relieve Food Stagnation
1h
Herbs to Warm the Interior
1h
Spleen-Stomach School (Pi Wei Pai)
1h
How to Use TCVM for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
1h
Internal Bleeding Disorders: a TCVM Approach
1h
Oral Cavity Disorders: A TCVM Approach (Stomatitis, Gingivitis and Pancreatitis)
2h
Obesity vs Muscle Atrophy (Wei Syndrome)
1h
TCVM Food Therapy for Gastrointestinal Disorders
1h
Anorexia Syndrome in Horses
1h
Gastric and Colonic Ulcers in Horses: TCVM Pattern and Treatment
1h
Equine Diarrhea: A TCVM Approach
1h
Colic and Impaction: A TCVM Approach
1h
Small Animal Real Case Study
3h
Equine Real Case Study
2h
Dermatology, Oncology & Immune-Mediated Diseases
Herbs to Stabilize and Bind (Astringents)
2h
Herbs to Open the Orifices (Senses)
1h
Herbs to Expel Parasites
1h
TCVM for Dermatological Disorders in Small Animals
2h
TCVM for Cancer in Small Animals
2h
Herbs for Topical Application
2h
An Overview of TCVM Dermatology
1h
TCVM Treatment Strategies for Skin Conditions
1h
TCVM Clinical Application for Shi Zhen
2h
TCVM for the Treatment of Cancers
2h
TCVM Immunology and Immune‐Mediated Disease and Case Studies
4h
TCVM Applications in Cancer/Tumors in Dogs and Cats
3h
Neoplasia in Horses
1h
(Demo/Lab): TCVM Approach for Clinical Cases - Canine
2h
(Demo/Lab): TCVM Approach for Clinical Cases - Equine
2h
How to Approach Canine Cases Wrap‐up Discussion
2h
Liver & Endocrinology
Herbs to Pacify Liver and Extinguish Internal Wind
2h
Herbs to Invigorate Blood and Break Blood Stasis
2h
TCVM for Jaunice/Huang Dan Syndrome, Cholangitis Complex and Other TCVM Liver Medical Disorders
3h
How to Treat Diabetes
1h
Herbs to Stop Bleeding
2h
Purgative Herb and Purgative Herbal Formulas
1h
Herbs to Calm Shen
1h
TCVM Approach to Seizure/Epilepsy
2h
TCVM Approach for Small Animal Cases: Demos
2h
TCVM Approach for Equine Case: Demos
2h
Introduction to TCVM Ophthalmology
1h
How to Treat Uveitis/Conjunctivitis
1h
How to Treat Cataract/Glaucoma and Other Ocular Disorders
1h
How to Treat Hypertension
1h
Introduction to the TCVM Endocrine System
1h
TCVM Approach to Other Neurological Disorders
2h
TCVM Approach for Small Animal Cases: Demos
2h
Cushing’s Diseases in Dogs
1h
Hypothyroidism in Dogs: A TCVM Approach
1h
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: A TCVM Approach
1h
Endocrine Disorders in Horses: Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, Metabolic Syndrome and Others
2h
Kidney, Geriatric, Urinary & Reproductive
Qi, Blood, Yin, Tonic Herbs and Formulas
4h
How to Treat Pediatric Diseases Kidney Jing Deficiency
2h
How to Treat Bi and Osteoarthritis
2h
Yang Tonic Herbs and Formulas
1h
How to Treat Renal Failure
1h
TCVM Geriatric Medicine
2h
How to Treat Wobbler Syndrome
1h
How to Treat IVDD
1h
How to Treat Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
1h
How to Treat Wei and Tan-Huan Syndromes
1h
How to Treat Lin Syndrome and Bladder Infections
1h
Canine Sports Medicine
3h
Equine Lameness
2h
Equine Sports Medicine
1h
Infertility, Inflammatory Genital Diseases: a TCVM Approach
1h
Certification
CVCH Certification
Students in the Veterinary Herbal Medicine course are eligible for the Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist certification, endorsed by Chi University. The CVCH certification requirements are as follows:
Be a licensed veterinarian
Pass all 5 herbal modules along with their take-home exams
Submit and receive approval of 3 case reports
Please note that Chi cannot issue any certification to DVM students until their DVM has been obtained.
Textbooks
Instructors
Huisheng Xie
DVM, PhD
Dr. Xie has 41 years of clinical, teaching, and research experience in veterinary acupuncture and TCVM. He has trained over 10,000 veterinarians to practice TCVM worldwide. Dr. Xie’s education includes advanced training in veterinary medicine, veterinary acupuncture, and human acupuncture. Dr. Xie has authored 20 books and over 100 peer-reviewed papers. His textbooks, including Xie’s Veterinary Herbology, Xie’s Veterinary Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine-Fundamental Principles, have been used for TCVM training programs around the world. Dr. Xie continues to teach and develop educational courses and programs at Chi University, serves as a full clinical professor at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and is an honorary professor at China Agricultural University, South China Agricultural University, and China Southwest University.
Read moreJoyce Gerardi
DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT, MSTCVM
Dr. Gerardi completed her undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University and Cornell University in New York where she also supervised the teaching hospital’s Small Animal ICU. Dr. Gerardi earned her doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. She completed intern rotations at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland with advanced training in canine neurologic diseases. Dr. Gerardi is a Certified handler of a Hearing Assistance Dog with International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) and is dedicated to helping persons with a disability who depend on a service animal. Dr. Gerardi continues her studies by pursuing a Master’s Degree in TCVM to use regenerative medicine therapies combined with TCVM to advance veterinary pain management options.
Greg Todd
DVM, CVA
Dr. Todd graduated from the University of Florida with a DVM in 1988. In 1993, Dr. Todd became an apprentice to Dr. Patrick Sullivan, AP, and began studying Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 1996, he became certified by IVAS. His studies continued at Chi. He has lectured and instructed nationally and internationally for IVAS, the North American Veterinary Conference, and Chi. Dr. Todd practices integrative veterinary medicine at the Animal Hospital of Dunedin in the Tampa Bay Area.
Patricia Perkins
DVM, CVA, CVCH, CAC, BHS
Dr. Perkins has a thirty-year history training and competing dogs. She earned a Bachelor's degree in health sciences and worked for thirteen years in clinical laboratory medicine. In 2000, she graduated from the University of Missouri with a DVM. Dr. Perkins pursued veterinary acupuncture training at Colorado State University and at Chi University. She completed her veterinary chiropractic training at Options for Animals and her Chinese Herbal Medicine training at Chi. She enjoys dog obedience training and showing with her Belgian Malinois, Azure, and her Whippet, Emma. She is the owner of Canine Performance Medicine, LLC and practices in suburban Kansas City, Missouri.
Michael Bartholomew
DVM, CVA, MSTCVM, CVCH, CVFT, CVTP
Dr. Michael Bartholomew earned his DVM from the University of Illinois in 2001. Between 2005 and 2009 he earned certifications in Veterinary Acupuncture, Tui-na, Food Therapy and Chinese Herbal Medicine from Chi University. He then went on to earn an Master of Science in TCVM from Chi 2016. He is currently an integrative practitioner at The Animal Hospital of Dunedin in beautiful Dunedin, Florida, and incorporates TCVM into his practice on a daily basis. He has treated pets across the United States and from around the world, including locations as far as Turkey, France, England and even Hong Kong. He has been published in several magazines, including Dog Fancy's Natural Dog and Dogs Naturally, and is the co-author of several chapters in Xie's Veterinary Herbology. Dr. Bartholomew also lectures on a regular basis, as he has been a lab assistant at Chi University since 2008 and became a formal MS program faculty member in 2016.
John Langlois
DVM, MSTCVM, CVA, CVMMP
Dr. Langlois is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981. He has been an equine practitioner in Marion County, Florida for the past 32 years, where he established his own practice in 1983 with an emphasis on reproductive medicine, lameness diagnostics, and surgery. He has received advanced training in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese veterinary herbal medicine, and veterinary Tui-na massage. He has been practicing for over 30 years and has been using Chinese medicine and spinal manipulation successfully for over 10 years enjoying treating at many of the prestigious thoroughbred farms in Marion County, FL.
Aituan Ma
DVM, PhD, MS, CVA
Dr. Ma is a professor at the College of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, China. Dr. Ma graduated from the College of TCVM, University of Hebei, China in 1987. From there she became a teaching assistant at her hometown University. She received her Master's degree of TCVM in 2005 and got her PhD from the College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University in 2008. She has authored 4 TCVM textbooks and published over 50 papers. She was a visiting professor at Cornell University, the University of Florida, and Chi from 2011 to 2012.
Terri Rosado
DVM, CVA, CTCVMP, CCRT, CVMMP
Dr. Terri Rosado holds certifications in all Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine branches. As an Assistant Professor at Chi University and the medical director of Chi Animal Hospital, Dr. Rosado is passionate about education, offering externships to Chi and veterinary school students, and inviting volunteers to experience small animal veterinary practice.
Enrollment Options
Semester
2024 - 2025
Schedule & Tuition
TCVM Fundamental Theories
Online
Open enrollment in 2024
$100.00
Chinese Herbal Fundamental Knowledge
Online
Open enrollment in 2024
$375.00
Respiratory & Cardiovascular
Online
Open enrollment in 2024 - 2025
$695.00
Gastrointestinal & Spleen
Online
Open enrollment in 2024 - 2025
$695.00
Dermatology, Oncology & Immune-Mediated Diseases
Online
Open enrollment in 2024 - 2025
$695.00
Liver & Endocrinology
Online
Open enrollment in 2024 - 2025
$695.00
Kidney, Geriatric, Urinary & Reproductive
Online
Dec 16, 2024 - Apr 16, 2025
$695.00
Payment Information
A $150.00 non-refundable course deposit is charged upon enrollment to reserve your seat.
Payment is due 30 days before the start date of each session, course, or event.
Add-ons
CVCH Certification
$250.00
Herbal Kits
$50.00 / course
Discounts
Pay in full all modules CVCH
-$200.00
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I get access to the online course?
You will get 4 months of access to this online course. The course can be accessed through our learning portal.
Do I have to take the modules in any particular order?
No. With the exception of any prerequisites which must be taken together with the courses you select, the modules in the course set can be taken in any order.
If I take one module on-site do I have to take the rest of the modules on-site?
No, you can take all the modules on-site, all the modules online, or a combination of both.
What's the format of the online lectures? How can I access them?
The online lectures are available streaming on the website. You will receive access instructions via email when the online portion begins. The lectures are available in two formats, one for faster internet connections and one for slower internet connections.
If I took herbal classes at another school, do I have to repeat them in order to get certification from Chi University?
It depends on the content of the herbal program and its similarity to the Chi University curriculum. If you have taken classes which overlap with our curriculum, you can pick up where you left off. However, you would still be required to pass all take-home quizzes.