Diplomate Designation
AAIM's Diplomate Designation is a prestigious credential that all integrative medicine professionals should strive to attain. It is based on measurable skills, knowledge, experience, education, and training. When you become a Diplomate of the American Association of Integrative Medicine, you are able to choose which one of our specialized Colleges you would like to become a Diplomate of. Please see below for a listing of our Colleges.
Diplomate Requirements:
- • A current license to practice in your state or current certification in your specialty (if applicable)
- • At least three years of experience in the field of integrative healthcare
- • Attain a minimum of 200 points on the application, based on education, experience, knowledge, skill, and training
*For applicants whose specialty is not listed below, the designation will be Diplomate of the American Association of Integrative Medicine.
AAIM Colleges
College of Conventional Medicine
Developed by breakthroughs in science and technology, conventional medicine originated from Egyptian and Greek medicine. It has become the mainstream medical care practiced in the United States and most other countries around the world. It consists of allopathic medicine and osteopathic medicine in the United States.
College of Biologically Based Practices
Biologically based practices in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).
College of Energy Medicine
Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields. There are two types: Biofield therapies and Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies.
Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include Qi Gong- A component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, meditation, and controlled breathing. The intent is to improve blood flow and the flow of Qi. Another example is Reiki: a therapy in which practitioners seek to transmit a universal energy to a person, either from distance or by placing their hands on or near that person. The intent is to heal the spirit and thus the body. Therapeutic touch is a therapy in which practitioners pass their hands over another person's body with the intent to use their own perceived healing energy to identify energy imbalances and promote health.
Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current or direct-current fields.
College of Manipulative and Body-Based Practices
Manipulative and body-based practices in CAM are based on manipulation, the application of controlled force to a joint, moving it beyond the normal range of motion in an effort to aid in restoring health. Manipulation may be performed as a part of other therapies or whole medical systems, including chiropractic medicine, massage, naturopathy, and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, a type of manipulation practiced by osteopathic physicians. It is combined with physical therapy and instruction in proper posture, and massage, pressing, rubbing, and moving muscles and other soft tissues of the body, primarily by using the hands and fingers. The aim is to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the massaged area.
College of Mind-Body Medicine
Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered CAM in the past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques are still considered CAM, including meditation, a conscious mental process using certain techniques—such as focusing attention or maintaining a specific posture—to suspend the stream of thoughts and relax the body and mind. Also included are prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance.
College of Whole Medical Systems
Whole medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the United States. Examples of whole medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine, a whole medical system that originated in Europe. Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances that in larger doses would produce illness or symptoms (an approach called "like cures like"), and naturopathic medicine, a whole medical system that originated in Europe. Naturopathy aims to support the body's ability to heal itself through the use of dietary and lifestyle changes together with CAM therapies such as herbs, massage, and joint manipulation. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine, a whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of Qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of Qi, and Ayurveda, a whole medical system that originated in India. It aims to integrate the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat disease. Therapies used include herbs, massage, and yoga.
Previous AAIM Colleges of Membership
AAIM does recognize previously offered Colleges of Membership, which includes the following:
College of Acupuncture & Neuromuscular Therapy
College of Advocacy & Education
College of Behavioral Health
College of Chiropractic
College of Clinical Nutrition
College of Dentistry
College of Eastern Medicine
College of Natural Therapies
College of Nursing
College of Pain Management
College of Pastoral Counseling
College of Pharmaceutical & Apothecary Sciences
College of Phytotherapy
College of Physicians
College of Physician Assistants
College of Veterinary Medicine
Although no longer available, Diplomate status earned under these Colleges will remain valid as long as annual renewal requirements are met and Oath of Membership is upheld.
Applying for Diplomate status with the American Association of Integrative Medicine is easy. Simply complete a short application online and submit copies of your résumé and supporting materials via fax (417)823-9959 or mail.
AAIM CAO
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Springfield, MO 65804
