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Behind the Titles: A Guide to Your Acupuncturist's Credentials



By Dr. Anthony Guadamuz


What Do the Letters at the End of Your Acupuncturist's Name Mean?

Have you ever wondered what the letters at the end of your acupuncturist's name signify? This frequently asked question deserves more attention than it often receives during consultations. While it's essential to focus on addressing your primary health concerns, understanding the meaning behind these titles is equally important.

It's a basic yet crucial question: "Are you licensed?" However, simply knowing if your acupuncturist is licensed isn't enough to perform due diligence. Even fellow medical professionals are sometimes unaware of the qualifications required to display these titles legitimately. This lack of knowledge can lead to hesitation in referring patients to an acupuncturist, as many doctors are unaware that most practicing acupuncturists have earned graduate degrees from accredited institutions.

While I share your weariness of the pompous demeanor that some academics and professionals display, it's essential to recognize the value of these titles. They help us quickly identify the qualifications of the person holding them. So, without further ado, let's delve into what these titles mean—and don't mean—both being equally important in their considerations.


Acupuncturist:

"Acupuncturists stimulate points in the body using thin metal needles, massage, heat, lasers, and magnets. There are many forms of acupuncture." It’s important to note that the title "acupuncturist" does not necessarily mean the practitioner is licensed, trained, or certified to perform acupuncture safely. In some states, there are no regulatory pathways to licensure, leaving the onus on consumers to verify their acupuncturist’s qualifications.


LAc. (Licensed Acupuncturist):

"A licensed acupuncturist is certified by the state licensure board, usually requiring three years of education at an ACAOM-accredited school and passing a state exam."


AP (Acupuncture Physician):

"Licensed only in Florida, acupuncture physicians have completed a master's level program in oriental medicine approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This includes a minimum of 2,700 hours of supervised instruction, 15 hours on needle safety, three hours on HIV/AIDS precautions, and 20 hours on Florida medical statutes and rules. Acupuncturists earn their accreditation by passing an exam administered by the Florida Board of Acupuncture."


OMD (Doctor of Oriental Medicine):

"The Doctor of Oriental Medicine generally indicates additional training beyond state licensure to practice acupuncture, but may vary in its level of training. An OMD often has additional degrees and/or state licensure to practice acupuncture."


MAcOM (Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine):

"Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (also known as MSAOM)."


Dipl. OM (Diplomate of Oriental Medicine):

"A Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) has completed four academic years at the master's level in an acupuncture and Chinese herbology program accredited by ACAOM or an equivalent international program. They must also pass NCCAOM certification exams in multiple subjects and meet other certification requirements."


DAOM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine):

"Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a degree offered as an ACAOM-sponsored terminal degree in the field." This title signifies that the practitioner has completed advanced coursework, clinical hours, and a capstone project presented before a scientific panel. Traditionally, this degree was pursued after earning a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM), though regulatory changes may have adjusted these standards.


Dry Needling and Trigger Point Needling:

Worth mentioning are medical professionals who have adopted acupuncture techniques under the labels of dry needling or trigger point needling, which are subsets of acupuncture. This practice is controversial, and the details of this debate are extensive. Generally, practitioners offering these services exclusively have not undergone the comprehensive training that licensed acupuncturists typically complete, which ensures safe and effective stimulation of body points with acupuncture needles.


Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: A Side-by-Side Comparison


“Without a proper TCM pattern diagnosis, the needles are just decorations.”
“Without a proper TCM pattern diagnosis, the needles are just decorations.”

Dry Needling : Practitioners:


Typically offered by physicians, chiropractors, or physical therapists.


  • Training: Practitioners usually complete a specific dry needling course consisting of around 50 hours of training, sometimes even less in certain states. The training mainly includes self-study at home and video lectures online.

  • Techniques: Focuses on inserting needles into trigger points to relieve muscle pain and tension.

  • Regulation: Often less regulated, with varying training requirements across states. Many states do not require clinical experience or patient treatment before certification. Additionally, no states mandate a state or national exam to prove proficiency in acupuncture, nor do they require continuing education.

  • Safety and Effectiveness: The limited depth of training may potentially affect the safety and efficacy of the treatment.


Acupuncture:


  • Practitioners: Acupuncturists with titles such as AP (Acupuncture Physician), LAc (Licensed Acupuncturist), OMD (Doctor of Oriental Medicine), MAcOM (Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), Dipl. OM (Diplomate of Oriental Medicine), or DAOM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).

  • Training: Practitioners typically undergo extensive graduate-level education and training, including a minimum of 2,700 hours of instruction from an accredited university and at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice.

  • Techniques: Utilizes a holistic approach to stimulate acupoints for various health benefits, including pain relief, stress reduction, and internal medicine.

  • Regulation: Highly regulated, with rigorous certification and licensure requirements. Practitioners must graduate from an accredited university, pass a national licensing exam consisting of five exams, and complete regular continuing education.

  • Safety and Effectiveness: The high level of training and adherence to regulatory standards contribute to the safety and efficacy of acupuncture treatments.



At the Affordable Acupuncture Clinic, we pride ourselves on our highly qualified staff. Each of our acupuncturists is, at a minimum, a licensed acupuncture physician who has completed a rigorous 2,700-hour program at an accredited university. I have taken my expertise a step further by earning the DAOM (Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) degree.



Curious if acupuncture could benefit you? Call us today to book a free consultation at discover the potential of acupuncture for your well-being. Let us help you find relief and balance through this time-honored practice. Call us today at 305-232-2200



 
 
 

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