Testimonials

"This course extends the foundational building blocks, guiding students to excel in supporting patients with gynaecological, fertility and obstetric issues. As they enrich their knowledge, acupuncturists not only enhance their capacity to address complex conditions but also significantly increase their patient base and income. The transformation I see in our students, as they evolve into confident and knowledgeable women's health specialist practitioners, is an absolute joy. It’s truly a privilege to be a part of their journey, watching them flourish and succeed, going on to build thriving practices."

- Jill Glover, course teacher

"I feel like the gynae course has given me a head start when treating clients. The content is very comprehensive and the lectures are packed with information. It has helped me understand the western terminology and tests - I can explain to my clients what’s going on better. The lifestyle advice has also been great and really useful. The course has given me a much deeper and more specific knowledge of Chinese medicine and acupuncture, so treating clients with gynae issues is easier and I am able to help them much more. I like that the course is 100% online and is recorded so we can go back to it. And I’ve used what I’ve learnt on a wide range of clients, young girls going through puberty, older women, fertility clients and men. To me it’s a demanding course but so far it has been worth the effort as I know I’m giving better treatments and helping my clients more. The course is clear to understand and has been delivered in a friendly way, and is really well structured."

- Charlotte, 2024 cohort

"Having completed this diploma, it has given me the confidence with my patients to know that I have accurate information at my finger tips and can offer treatments to the best of my ability with sound knowledge under my belt."

- Libby, 2021 cohort

"The course has given me a better understanding of fertility even though I have worked with fertility clients for the last 15 years. It has made me more confident in suggesting supplements to clients and also with regards to getting certain fertility tests done etc. It has also given me a greater understanding of male infertility."

- Becky, 2022 cohort

Gynaecology, Fertility & Obstetrics 2025 (Online)

Elevate your acupuncture practice with our comprehensive postgraduate course, that is fully online, so that you can study in the comfort of your own home, from anywhere in the world!

This course is designed specifically for acupuncturists seeking to support patients with gynaecological, fertility and obstetric issues, starting on Thursday 18th September 2025.

For many of us, a high proportion of the patients we treat in clinic every day are women.

And these are women at various different stages of their lives...

young women with challenging or debilitating menstrual cycles
women who are seeking support on their fertility journeys
pregnant women who want you to be there around the birth of their baby
women who are heading towards perimenopause & may not realise
menopausal women with all the hot flushes, insomnia & night sweats

Basically, if you treat ANY women in your clinic, then this course is an absolute must for you!

The popularity of acupuncture for addressing women's health issues in the West is on a notable rise, reflecting a growing recognition of its benefits.

From pre-conception through to menopause, this course covers the full spectrum of women's health issues, integrating conventional medical physiology with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis and treatment.

Not only will you deepen your understanding and enhance your treatment skills, but you'll begin positioning yourself as a women's health specialist practitioner, helping to improve the health and wellbeing of more patients.

By adding this training to your toolbox, you're not just investing in your professional development; you're encouraging the growth and prosperity of your acupuncture practice.

Course overview:

Practical application of acupuncture in the treatment of gynaecological issues, infertility and obstetrics including but not limited to:

Disorders of the menstrual cycle, unexplained infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, immunology and recurrent miscarriage, menopause
Supportive treatment for assisted reproductive techniques (ART & IVF), morning sickness, breech presentation, induction of labour, and treatment during labour
How to take a comprehensive gynaecology history, create an accurate, effective diagnosis and treatment plan in Chinese medicine
Diagnosis and treatment of male infertility and the importance of both male and female health
Deepening understanding of medical physiology of the female reproductive systems, pregnancy and labour in health and disease, including discussion around medical tests and treatment
Comprehensive overview of the red flags of reproductive system diseases and understanding disease from TCM perspective
Deepening our understanding of the mental and emotional aspects that affect gynaecology and fertility

Entry requirements:

A recognised 3 year qualification in acupuncture, with TCM as a requirement. Pre-reading will be suggested for those who have not studied Five Element acupuncture, but the course is predominately TCM focused and you must have training in TCM.

Course Dates:

This course is fully online and takes place over Zoom, on Thursdays.

You will be given written electronic materials to support all lectures, we do not provide printed handouts.

There will be a written exam at the end of the course that you will need to pass in order to complete the course.

The exam consists of multi choice questions and short answer questions and will be based on what you have learnt throughout the course.

Thu 18 September 2025 - Chinese Medicine gynaecology foundations & case taking

Thu 16 October 2025 - Eight extraordinary vessels and 5 elements

Thu 20 November 2025 - Female infertility 1

Thu 11 December 2025 - Female Infertility 2

Thu 22 January 2026 - Artificial reproductive techniques & IVF, male infertility

Thu 19 February 2026 - Conventional Medical Sciences obstetrics

Thu 19 March 2026 - Endometriosis, PCOS & pelvic masses

Thu 16 April 2026 - Miscarriage, premature ovarian insufficiency and menopause

Thu 14 May 2026 - Obstetrics part 1 inc. common conditions in pregnancy

Thu 18 June 2026 - Obstetrics part 2 inc. pre-birth, induction and labour

Thu 16 July 2026 - Exam (half day)

Course Details:

See more about the details of what you will learn on each day of the course, and the different topics covered:

Day 1 - Chinese Medicine gynaecology foundations & case taking

How to take a comprehensive gynaecology history, create an accurate, effective diagnosis and treatment plan in Chinese medicine.

Day 2 - Eight extraordinary vessels and 5 elements

Deepening our understanding of the mental and emotional aspects that affect gynaecology and fertility.

Days 3 and 4 - Female infertility 1 & 2

In our 2 days exploration into treatment of female infertility, we take a deep dive into the hormonal, physiological and energetics of the menstrual cycle. You will be given guidance and case examples of BBT charts that are used to support both diagnosis and treatment changes. We will look at information on lifestyle choices for your patients, what helps and what hinders fertility. You will also explore various medical interventions and treatments, learning to create individualised acupuncture treatment according to both patterns of disharmony, and the stage of cycle.

Day 5 - Artificial reproductive techniques & IVF, male infertility

IVF/ART referral is becoming increasingly frequently prevalent. You will learn the ART & IVF protocols, medication, its effects and unwanted effects. This facilitates and individualised approach to acupuncture treatment before, during and after all ART and IVF cycles. Male fertility is rapidly declining, with most men having less than 4% normal sperm. We will explore male physiology, how acupuncture treatment helps, information on lifestyle choices - what helps and what hinders. You will also learn how to understand and explain semen analysis to your clients.

Day 6 - Conventional Medical Sciences Obstetrics

Deepening understanding of medical physiology of the female reproductive systems. On this day, we will cover the physiology of conception and pregnancy development, minor diseases of pregnancy and the more serious diseases followed by normal childbirth and abnormal childbirth including twins. This day also includes the puerperium including lactation breastfeeding and complications of the postnatal period.

Day 7 - Endometriosis, PCOS & pelvic masses

Endometriosis is frequently belatedly and under diagnosed. Meanwhile women are often in great pain and their overall health and fertility is affected. You will learn the Western Medicine diagnostic methods and treatment in addition to detailed individualised acupuncture treatment. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility, and can cause devastating physical and mental/emotional effects on women. We will take a deep dive into how PCOS arises, how it affects fertility, and both biomedicine and Chinese Medicine approaches to treatment of symptoms including fertility.

Day 8 - Miscarriage, premature ovarian insufficiency and menopause

Miscarriage is often a hidden trauma in women’s lives, with some women suffering from recurrent miscarriage. You will understand that various causes plus Western Medicine and Chinese Medicine individualised treatment to prevent future loss. Premature ovarian failure is becoming increasingly apparent with increased endocrine disruptors in our lives. You will learn how to recognise and treat to facilitate fertile cycles or promote a smooth perimenopause. And then, menopause happens to all women at some stage, either naturally or due to a medicated menopause or hysterectomy. Acupuncture is wonderfully supportive in all cases. You will learn the pros and cons of Western Medicine treatment, medical red flags and how to treat with both individualised acupuncture and lifestyle changes.

Days 9 & 10 - Obstetrics including common conditions in pregnancy, pre-birth, induction and labour

Pregnancy and labour in health and disease, including discussion around medical tests and treatment. During these two days, I will outline the classical approach to pregnancy and obstetrics, physiology of pregnancy from Western and TCM perspectives and how to treat them.

Day 9 will also include conditions in pregnancy such as sickness, miscarriage threatened miscarriage abdominal pain, anxiety depression, anaemia, tiredness, high blood pressure etc. These conditions will be explored and taught, but also I will use my empirical knowledge from being a qualified midwife / Acupuncturist.

Day 10 - Pre-birth ,induction and labour - I will use my experience from treating hundreds of women with acupuncture for induction of labour, labour and delivery. We will share common knowledge, improve your skills and observations in pregnancy and obstetrics and enable a deeper knowledge and understanding .

You will also learn more about the western medical treatment of women during these stages and about the process and stages of birth appropriate intervention with acupuncture in the hospital and at home we will also cover more red flags surrounding late pregnancy and delivery .

Fees:

The course fee is £1950.

We offer an early-bird discount of £100 if you pay in full before 31st July 2025.

This includes a £100 non-refundable application fee which secures a place on the course and is offset against the fees.

For those who don't take advantage of the early-bird discount, full fees are due by 9th September 2025 or there is an opportunity to pay in instalments by monthly direct debit.

How to apply:

Download an application form here and email the completed form to Jo Brown, our Registrar. To pay the £100 application fee please click here. The £100 non-refundable application fee secures your place on the course and is offset against the fees.

Teachers

Kim Chan

Kim is a clinical supervisor, lecturer, and programme leader for acupuncture skills at CICM. Before studying acupuncture she had taught Chinese medicine and shiatsu at the European school of Oriental Therapy and Movement. Her further studies in Chinese medicine include her acupuncture licentiate, and diplomas in patent herbal medicine and paediatric acupuncture. Since graduating in 1999 has run her own practice in London specialising in women’s health generally and especially in supporting women with natural and assisted fertility.

Jill Glover

Jill Glover specialises in using Chinese medicine to treat all gynaecological conditions, especially male & female infertility and IVF. Jill became an acupuncturist in 1985, later adding Chinese herbal medicine and professional coaching. She is a senior faculty member at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, where she has been a teacher and clinical supervisor since its inception in 1993. She offers postgraduate seminars in gynaecology, infertility & menopause, and one to one supervision and mentoring for gynaecology and fertility cases. Jill runs a successful complementary health clinic in Bristol, specialising in women’s health.

Clare Venters Smith

Clare graduated from the college with a first class BSc (Hons) degree in five element & TCM acupuncture, followed by courses in tuina, fertility and obstetrics, kinesiology and nutrition She works as a teacher and practical skills tutor at the college. She runs a busy practice in Reading. Clare is passionate about including lifestyle advice for her patients and loves the fertility and gynaecology part of her practice with all its ups and downs.

Sharon Yelland

Sharon originally trained as a nurse and midwife and began her acupuncture studies in China in 1995. She was part of a group who set up acupuncture for pregnancy and birth in the NHS at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. During her work as a midwife and acupuncturist within the NHS, she was privileged to treat hundreds of pregnant women with acupuncture and at all stages of pregnancy for a multitude of issues. Her forte however, lies in helping women to labour and give birth using acupuncture and it’s modalities.

As well as assisting women in the labour ward, her speciality was home birth with acupuncture. She is now a retired midwife but still runs a busy acupuncture clinic in Plymouth. She also teaches pregnancy and birth at CICM. Her personal objective is to share knowledge, to enable others to use this amazing skill to help new life gently into this world.

Registrar

Jo Brown

Jo joined the college in February 2020 and works as our registrar and is currently developing our VLE resources and capability. She is a qualified podiatrist and enjoys nature and being creative. Jo is the person to contact with any application and administrative questions about this course.