In 1979, Sensei Masahilo Nakazono, the founder of the first school of oriental medicine in New Mexico – The Kototama Institute School of Natural Life Medicine – gathered his students to discuss the possibility of creating an acupuncture licensing board in the state. As a result, The Acupuncture Association of New Mexico was created.

In 1980, respected lobbyist Peter Mallery was hired. Sensei Nakazono loaned ten of his students, who were members of the AANM, $1,000.00 each to pay for Peter Mallery’s services. A bill was drafted and Peter approached Senator Tito Chavez who agreed to sponsor the bill.

In 1981, Governor Bruce King signed the new law that created the New Mexico Board of Acupuncture. Licensed Acupuncturists were authorized to practice acupuncture only, but could do so independently. The Association was a success.

Over the years, The Association has been continually active at the New Mexico Legislature. The Board of Acupuncture became the Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Licensed acupuncturists became doctors of oriental medicine and the scope of practice evolved from only acupuncture to all of oriental medicine and then oriental medicine expanded practice. Medical insurance laws were amended to include the services of D.O.M.s. And now, New Mexico enjoys the second highest per capita concentration of D.O.M.s in the nation.

Over those years The Association’s name has gone through several changes too. We are now simply The Oriental Medicine Association. But our mission has not changed. If you are a D.O.M., we represent your interests.