Diplomate of Chinese Herbology
A Diplomate of Chinese Herbology is a practitioner who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM®). It is a considerable professional achievement to earn the designation Diplomate of Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM). NCCAOM certification indicates to employers, patients, and peers that one has met national standards for the safe and competent practice of Chinese Herbology as defined by the acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) profession. For additional information, about the Diplomate of Chinese Herbology, please visit the NCCAOM Website.
A Diplomate of Acupuncture
A Diplomate of Acupuncture is an acupuncturist who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM®). It is a considerable professional achievement to earn the designation Diplomate of Acupuncture (NCCAOM). NCCAOM certification indicates to employers, patients, and peers that one has met national standards for the safe and competent practice of acupuncture as defined by the acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) profession. For additional information, about the Diplomate of Acupuncture, please visit the NCCAOM Website.
Professional Degree
Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (D.A.C.M.) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, August 2016.
Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine (MTOM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, April, 1999.
Bachelor of Science, Biology from San Diego State University, May 1993.
California Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist (L.Ac.)
Licensed Acupuncturists in California
The State of California began licensing acupuncturists in 1976, and in 1979 was the first state in the nation to recognize qualified practitioners as primary health care professionals. To qualify for licensing in California, individuals must meet specified educational requirements and pass a comprehensive State licensing examination. Once licensed, acupuncturists are required to renew their license every two years and complete continuing education as a condition of renewal.
Acupuncturists are the only licensed health care professionals in California who are required to be trained and tested for competency in prescribing herbal medicine. Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced safely and effectively for centuries and has the greatest potential for beneficial results when prescribed by a trained professional who recognizes both the benefits and risks.
In recent years, herbs have become very popular to self-treat many conditions. They are available in health food stores, supermarkets, and on the Internet. While herbs are promoted as safe, gentle, inexpensive, “natural” alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, many health care professionals have concerns about safety, effectiveness, and potential misuse of herbal products, especially when self-prescribed. There are also questions of purity, strength, and standardization of herbs.
The California Acupuncture Board strongly recommends consulting an acupuncturist before beginning any herbal therapy. It is also very important to inform both your physician and acupuncturist of all the products you are currently taking (drugs, herbs, other supplements) so they can monitor effectiveness, ensure safety from adverse reactions, and watch for possible interactions. If you have an allergic reaction to any herbs, let you acupuncturist know.
http://www.acupuncture.ca.gov/pubs_forms/consumer_guide.shtml
