About the Guild
Advancing the acupuncture profession through advocacy, education, collaboration, and independent leadership.
Who We Are
Established in 2000, the National Guild of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NGAOM) the Guild, grew from a shared commitment to strengthening the voice, recognition, and professional standards of licensed acupuncturists. Its history has been shaped by the contributions of practitioners and educators, including Donald E. “Deke” Kendall, Ted Priebe, George Wedemeyer, Steven Stumpf, and many others.
Today, the Guild is an independent professional association dedicated to advancing the acupuncture profession through advocacy, education, research literacy, and collaboration. We bring together licensed acupuncturists to address shared challenges, support sustainable practices, and expand responsible patient access to care.
Our Evolution
Our former union affiliation played a meaningful role in the organization’s history. It helped establish a framework for collective support, professional recognition, and advocacy for licensed acupuncturists. As the needs of the profession have evolved, the Guild has also evolved.
Operating independently gives the Guild greater freedom, flexibility, and control over its future. We can make decisions directly on behalf of our members, establish partnerships that best serve licensed acupuncturists, and develop programs without being restricted by outside priorities or administrative requirements.
Our Purpose
The Guild’s primary purpose is to advance the acupuncture profession as a whole. Our work centers on advocacy and representation; legislative, regulatory, and reimbursement updates; professional education and resources; networking and leadership; public awareness; ethical standards; and relevant research.
Individual discounts or services may be offered as secondary benefits, but they do not define the Guild’s mission.
Our Work & Future Direction
Licensed acupuncturists face rising operating costs, changing insurance requirements, complex documentation demands, and rapidly advancing technology. The Guild’s work focuses on advancing the profession through advocacy, education, research literacy, professional standards, and collaboration—while supporting practitioners in building sustainable, responsible practices.
We are developing professional resources to help practitioners navigate reimbursement, strengthen clinical and business skills, and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens. Planned topics include insurance, workers’ compensation, professional liability, electronic health records, responsible use of artificial intelligence, practice management, marketing, taxation and accounting, continuing professional education, and practice transition.
Supporting the Next Generation
The Guild plans to develop a national mentorship network connecting experienced practitioners with students, recent graduates, and newly licensed acupuncturists. Our aim is to preserve and share clinical and professional experience, support newer practitioners, and foster meaningful connections across generations.
A Collaborative Future
We envision the Guild as a national professional community, open to international collaboration. We welcome opportunities to work with schools, state associations, healthcare organizations, insurers, researchers, businesses, and others whose goals align with strengthening the acupuncture profession and expanding responsible patient access to care.
Help Lead the Guild
The Guild is developing a transparent, member-focused leadership structure. Licensed acupuncturists interested in helping guide the organization are encouraged to explore board, officer, committee, and volunteer opportunities.