Alternative Therapies Paid for by the VA: A Complete Guide

Yes, the VA covers a range of alternative and complementary therapies known as Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) services as part of its Whole Health approach. Veterans can access therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation, either at a VA facility or through community care providers. These services are often available to help manage chronic pain, reduce stress, and support overall well-being.

What Is Whole Health?

The VA's "Whole Health" approach puts you at the center of your care, focusing on your values, goals, and overall health rather than just your illnesses or injuries. It includes self-care and complementary therapies alongside conventional medical care.

As part of the Whole Health approach, VA is developing policies and guidance to implement complementary and integrative health (CIH) services . These services are included in the veterans medical benefits package when deemed clinically appropriate by your care team .

Covered CIH Therapies

The VA has approved a specific set of complementary and integrative health approaches for treatment. These include :

• Acupuncture – including "Battlefield Acupuncture," which focuses on specific points in the ear to disrupt pain signals
• Biofeedback – a real-time technology that helps you see how stress shows up in your body
• Clinical Hypnosis
• Massage Therapy – manipulation of soft tissues for therapeutic purposes
• Meditation and mindfulness training
• Guided Imagery
• Tai Chi and Qi Gong – mind-body practices that involve slow, gentle movement, breathing, and meditation
• Yoga – integrates physical postures with breathing and relaxation techniques
• Chiropractic Care – drugless, non-surgical methods that rely on the body's inherent recuperative abilities

Additionally, a referral may allow access to Cranial Electrical Stimulation (CES) and Dry Needling .

How Veterans Access These Services

You can receive these services through different pathways:

VA-Delivered Care

Many VA medical centers offer these therapies directly. For example, VA Portland offers free in-person and virtual classes for Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Yoga, and some classes may not even require a referral . The VA Gulf Coast health care system offers a variety of Whole Health programs, which can include classes like "Intro to Mindfulness Meditation," "Relaxation skills," "Reiki," and more .

Community Care

Eligible veterans can also receive these therapies through VA's Community Care Network . The VA has established Standard Episodes of Care (SEOC) for community care providers, which outline the number of approved visits and duration of care .

Effectiveness of CIH Therapies

A 2025 study published by the NIH examined the impact of three common CIH therapies acupuncture, chiropractic, and medical massage therapy on veterans with chronic pain. It found that more CIH visits were generally associated with lower levels of pain severity and interference . The study also compared VA-delivered versus community care, finding that VA-delivered acupuncture and chiropractic had a stronger positive relationship with pain, while community-delivered medical massage had a stronger relationship .

Additionally, new data shows that 40% of veterans experienced meaningful improvements in pain interference when using complementary and integrative health therapies. Veterans using Whole Health services also saw opioid use drop by 23% to 38% .

How to Get Started

To access these services, you typically need to be enrolled in VA health care. Contact your local VA or your primary care team to ask about the Whole Health program. Some classes, like active movement classes, may be available without a referral, while other clinical treatments like chiropractic care generally require a consult from your primary care provider . Ask to be connected with a Whole Health Coach who can help you develop a personalized health plan .

FAQ

Does the VA cover acupuncture for pain management?

Yes. Acupuncture is a key CIH therapy included in the VA's medical benefits package and is available to help manage pain without drugs .

Does the VA cover massage therapy?

Yes, but with specific limitations. Massage therapy is a covered CIH service, and it may be provided through VA or community care . National guidelines for community care limit initial massage therapy to 12 visits over 90 days .

Does the VA cover yoga or tai chi?

Yes. While these are not typically "prescribed" in the same way as clinical treatments, they are offered as part of the Whole Health well-being program. Many VA facilities offer free in-person or virtual classes .

Does the VA cover chiropractic care?

Yes. Chiropractic care is available through a consult from your primary care provider and is one of the most widely used CIH therapies in the VA system .

Do I need a referral for these services?

It depends on the service. Clinical treatments like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy often require a referral from a provider. Well-being services like yoga and meditation classes may not require a referral. Check with your local VA .

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA policies, coverage, and program details change always verify current information with your VA care team or on VA.gov before acting. For individual medical advice, consult your VA healthcare provider.