Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Choosing the right practitioner
Who should perform Acupuncture?
Acupuncture should only be performed by a licensed, certified practitioner. To be licensed in Massachusetts, one must graduate from an accredited program, which includes extensive theoretical and clinical training, clinical supervision, as well as studies in the Western sciences.

To be certified applicants must pass a rigorous, national examination given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Once the applicant has passed the national examination, they must apply to the governing board of the state in which they would like to practice. Each state has their own rules and regulations that must be adhered to in order to legally practice Acupuncture. The NCCAOM has a national database of practitioners, where you can find a licensed, certified Acupuncturist in your local area (www.nccaom.org)

Professional Titles
Licensed Acupuncturist (Lic.Ac or L.Ac) This was the first title given to Acupuncturists when Acupuncture training programs opened to the West. You will often see practitioners who have been in the profession for a long period of time have this title following their names.

Master of Acupuncture (M.Ac.) This is a relatively new degree designation and means the person has attained the Masters Degree level of training in Traditional Chinese and Japanese Acupuncture styles.

Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) The newest of the degree designations. This can be a combination degree program of either, Chinese Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine or a dual degree of Chinese and Japanese Acupuncture training plus Chinese Herbal medicine training.

It’s important to note that there are many different designations and programs from state to state in the U.S., as well as in Europe. It's important to ask your practitioner when you are interviewing them, what level and style of training they have attained, as each state and country has different obligations and responsibilities regarding credentialing.