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THERAPIES & TRADITIONS · GUIDE

Titles Explained: L.Ac., Dipl. OM, DAOM, OMD, TCM Doctor and Herbalist

What L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., DAOM, OMD, TCM doctor and herbalist can mean, which titles are protected by law in some places, and why you should verify rather than trust initials.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

Back to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Common titles

TitleWhat it generally meansSource
L.Ac. (or Lic. Ac.)Licensed Acupuncturist, the most common designation, though some states use other titles. This is a trade list, not a regulator.[2]
Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C.H., Dipl. O.M.NCCAOM board certification in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology or Oriental Medicine. A certification, not a state license.[3]
DAc, DAcCHMEntry-level doctorates in acupuncture, or acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine specialization, per ACAHM naming.[4]
DAOMDoctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, ACAHM's title for the advanced practice doctorate.[4]
OMDIn California, "Oriental Medical Doctor," an academic title usable only by licensed acupuncturists with an earned doctorate from an approved institution. Elsewhere may differ.[5]
R.TCMP, R.AcOntario protected designations for Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Registered Acupuncturist.[6]
Chinese herbalist (CH)Appears in trade lists; it is not a single regulated title everywhere. In Ontario, herbal medicine is provided by R.TCMPs.[2][6]

"TCM doctor" and "doctor of TCM"

These phrases have no single meaning. In Ontario, only College members may use "traditional Chinese medicine practitioner," or an abbreviation or variation. [7] A trade list shows titles like TCMD and DTCM as used in Canada. [2] California's board says a separate rule governs whether an acupuncturist may call themselves a doctor. [5] A "doctor" of TCM is not the same as a physician (MD or DO), and neither title tells you what the person is allowed to treat.

Herbalist

In England the NHS says herbal medicine practitioners do not need to be registered by law, so it advises checking for membership in a PSA-accredited organization. [8] In the US, we could not verify a nationwide rule for the word "herbalist"; ask your state board. See Chinese Herbal Products: Quality, Contamination and Medicine Interactions.

How to use this

  1. Treat initials as a prompt to ask, not as proof.
  2. Look up the person on the state board, college or register named in TCM Qualifications, Licensing and Medical Care.
  3. Note that claims to cure disease are a warning sign; California's board calls them improper in advertising. [5]
  4. Read How to Choose a TCM Practitioner.

Frequently asked questions

Is L.Ac. a doctor?

No, it indicates licensed acupuncturist. Whether a practitioner may use "doctor" depends on the jurisdiction and degree. [2][5]

What does Dipl. O.M. mean?

Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, an NCCAOM certification. [3]

What is the difference between DAc and DAOM?

DAc is an entry-level doctorate; DAOM is the advanced practice doctorate that requires a prior entry-level program. [4]

Can anyone call themselves a TCM practitioner?

It depends. In Ontario the title is protected; in England herbal practitioners need not be registered by law. [7][8]

Is OMD a medical degree?

California's board calls it an academic title for licensed acupuncturists with an earned doctorate, not a physician license. [5]

More details: evidence, limits and cautions

The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.

Titles vary by place and are not all regulated
Letters after a name can mean a license, a national certification, a degree or just a business title. Which is which depends on the state or country. Use the table as a guide only and confirm with the regulator. NCCIH says licenses come from government agencies and certification from professional organizations. [1]
References
  1. NCCIH (US). Credentialing, Licensing, and Education. Read 2026-10-22.
  2. Acupuncture Today (trade publication). Acupuncture Titles and Abbreviations. A non-official list; not a regulator. Read 2026-10-22.
  3. National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). NCCAOM Certification Handbook, January 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
  4. ACAHM. Position Paper: ACAHM-Accreditable Doctoral Programs (updated 20 February 2024). Read 2026-10-22.
  5. California Acupuncture Board. Consumer FAQs. Read 2026-10-22.
  6. College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario. About TCM. Read 2026-10-22.
  7. College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario. Unauthorized Practitioners. Read 2026-10-22.
  8. NHS (England). Herbal medicines and complementary therapies. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.