Our History & Professional Contributions

Our Beginnings

The National Guild of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NGAOM) was established in 2000. NGAOM’s history includes a former affiliation with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), as Guild 62, within the AFL-CIO. During that chapter, the Guild emphasized collective support, professional recognition, and advocacy for licensed acupuncturists. NGAOM now operates independently, building on its commitment to advancing the acupuncture profession.

A Tradition of Collaboration

NGAOM’s historical materials emphasize cooperation with state and national acupuncture associations to strengthen the profession. They also highlight civility, mutual respect, and constructive communication—even when practitioners or organizations differ on goals and strategies. These principles remain a foundation for NGAOM’s independent future.

Professional Contributions

NGAOM’s historical materials describe efforts in professional advocacy, practitioner education, workforce research, and public outreach. Topics included recognition of licensed acupuncturists within healthcare, professional competencies and standards, reimbursement issues, and practice development. These materials provide a starting point for documenting the Guild’s contributions and guiding future work.

Research & Professional Dialogue

NGAOM’s legacy materials highlight workforce research associated with its former National Director of Education, Steven Stumpf, including discussion of employment opportunities and roles for licensed acupuncturists within mainstream healthcare. This history offers a foundation for continued dialogue about professional education, career pathways, and the future of acupuncture.

Education & Member Communications

The Guild’s historical presentation describes newsletters, time-sensitive alerts, webinars, and continuing education opportunities intended to inform and support acupuncture professionals. These communications addressed advocacy, healthcare policy, and practice-related topics. Recovering and reviewing this material may help shape NGAOM’s future resource library.

Our Next Chapter

As an independent professional association, NGAOM is developing its next chapter around advocacy, education, collaboration, and responsible leadership. Our focus is on advancing the acupuncture profession as a whole while building meaningful opportunities for practitioners to contribute. We honor our history while reviewing past programs and shaping resources that reflect today’s professional needs.