Top 10 complementary therapies used by adults in the USA

In the United States, complementary and integrative health is increasingly viewed as a partner to conventional medicine, rather than an alternative to it. This shift reflects a broader move toward integrative health models that prioritise prevention, lifestyle medicine and patient-centred care alongside medical treatment. For many adults, this blended approach offers a more sustainable way to manage chronic conditions, stress-related illness and overall wellbeing.

Complementary and alternative medicine in the United States has shifted from the margins to the mainstream. Millions of adults now incorporate complementary therapies alongside conventional medical care to support physical health, mental wellbeing and long-term prevention.

To set the scene, here are a few headline insights from national health surveys and industry research:

•    Nearly 1 in 3 US adults reports using some form of complementary or alternative therapy
•    Usage is highest among adults aged 30-69, particularly those managing chronic conditions
•    The most common reasons for use include pain management, stress reduction, sleep support and overall wellbeing
•    Demand continues to rise as healthcare costs increase and consumers seek more holistic, preventive approaches

Against this backdrop, understanding the commonly used complementary and alternative medicine and therapies in adults is essential for practitioners, educators and industry leaders working in the evolving wellness landscape.

For organisations such as the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), this growth signals both opportunity and responsibility. As a global professional association representing complementary therapy practitioners across modalities including massage, naturopathy, aromatherapy, energy healing, coaching and mind-body practices, IICT supports high standards of education, professional recognition and ethical practice. By providing membership pathways, insurance access and ongoing professional resources, IICT helps practitioners operate confidently within modern integrative healthcare systems while meeting rising consumer demand.

Integrative health and complementary medicine

Across the US healthcare landscape, integrative health is gaining traction as a practical response to rising rates of chronic disease, stress-related conditions and patient dissatisfaction with fragmented care. By combining evidence-informed complementary therapies with conventional clinical approaches, integrative health models aim to support the whole person rather than isolated symptoms, making them particularly relevant for adults seeking sustainable, long-term health strategies.

The expansion of integrative medicine has also influenced how healthcare professionals approach patient care. Increasingly, practitioners across disciplines are engaging with complementary therapies to support whole-person outcomes, improve patient satisfaction and address lifestyle-related drivers of disease. This collaborative approach reflects changing expectations within modern healthcare systems.

Across modern health care systems, complementary medicine is increasingly recognised for its role in helping individuals promote health beyond symptom management alone. When grounded in scientific evidence, complementary medicine can support preventive strategies, lifestyle modification and patient engagement, areas where conventional models of health care are often under strain.

Below, we explore the top 10 complementary therapies used in the US, why they are popular and how they fit within broader healthcare and wellness trends.

1. Acupuncture

One of the most widely recognised complementary and alternative therapies used in the US

Acupuncture consistently ranks among the most frequently used complementary therapies by US adults. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it involves inserting fine needles at specific points on the body to support balance and regulation.

Why adults use it

•    Chronic pain (especially back, neck and joint pain)
•    Migraines and tension headaches
•    Stress, anxiety and sleep issues

According to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), millions of adults report having tried acupuncture at least once, with usage increasing steadily over the past decade. Its integration into pain management clinics and hospital settings has further strengthened its credibility.

The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also notes that acupuncture is increasingly supported by clinical research, particularly for conditions such as chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis and headache disorders. This growing body of evidence has contributed to acupuncture’s inclusion in evidence-informed care pathways, especially where non-pharmacological pain management options are prioritised.

NCCIH research has further highlighted acupuncture’s role in reducing reliance on opioid-based pain relief, aligning with broader public health efforts to address chronic pain more safely.

2. Chiropractic Care

A cornerstone of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States

Chiropractic care is among the most popular complementary therapies in the USA, particularly for musculoskeletal health. Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment and nervous system function, primarily through manual adjustments.

Why adults use it

•    Lower back pain and neck pain
•    Headaches
•    Mobility and posture support

Chiropractic services are often covered by private insurance in the US, contributing to high utilisation rates and widespread public acceptance.

3. Massage Therapy

A mainstream therapy with therapeutic and preventive appeal

Massage therapy bridges the gap between relaxation and clinical care. It is frequently used both as a standalone wellness service and as part of rehabilitation or chronic pain management programs.

Why adults use it

•    Muscle tension and injury recovery
•    Stress and anxiety reduction
•    Improved circulation and sleep quality

Its accessibility and adaptability make massage therapy one of the most commonly used complementary therapies in adults, particularly those juggling work-related stress and sedentary lifestyles.

4. Yoga

Movement-based mind and body therapy with broad appeal

Yoga has become a defining feature of modern wellness culture. While often viewed as fitness-focused, it is firmly embedded in complementary therapies used in the US due to its therapeutic applications.

Why adults use it

•    Flexibility and strength
•    Stress management
•    Mental health support

Clinical research increasingly supports yoga’s role in managing conditions such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain, driving adoption across diverse age groups.

5. Meditation and Mindfulness Practices

Rapidly growing within complementary and alternative medicine in the US

Meditation and mindfulness have seen exponential growth over the past decade, fuelled by rising mental health awareness and workplace burnout.

Why adults use them

•    Anxiety and stress management
•    Emotional regulation
•    Sleep improvement
•    Promote healing

Digital platforms, mobile apps, corporate wellness programs and healthcare providers have significantly increased access, making meditation one of the fastest-growing popular complementary therapies in the USA.

Within the field of mental wellbeing, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has gained recognition as a structured, evidence-informed approach used to support adults experiencing stress, anxiety and recurrent depression. As part of broader complementary health strategies, this approach highlights the measurable health benefits of integrating psychological and mind–body interventions into mainstream care models.

6. Herbal Medicine

Traditional knowledge meeting modern consumer demand

Herbal medicine remains a central component of complementary therapies used in the US, particularly among adults seeking natural support for everyday health concerns.

Why adults use it

•    Immune support
•    Digestive health
•    Sleep and stress support

While herbs are widely available over the counter, professional guidance is increasingly valued to ensure safety, quality and appropriate use. This highlights the importance of practitioner education and standards.

Within many complementary health approaches, herbal remedies are used alongside dietary, lifestyle and mind–body interventions. As interest grows, health care providers are increasingly expected to understand herb–drug interactions, safety considerations and evidence-informed use, reinforcing the need for professional education and clear practice standards.

Importantly, the growing popularity of complementary and integrative health does not signal rejection of conventional medicine. Instead, it reflects a desire for more comprehensive care models that address physical, emotional and lifestyle factors together – particularly for long-term health maintenance and prevention.

7. Naturopathy

A whole-person approach to health and prevention

Naturopathic medicine emphasises lifestyle, nutrition, herbal support, dietary supplements and preventive care. It appeals strongly to adults managing chronic conditions or seeking long-term health strategies.

Why adults use it

•    Preventive healthcare
•    Integrative wellness planning
•    Improve overall health

Licensed naturopathic doctors practice in many US states, contributing to naturopathy’s growing role within complementary and alternative medicine in the United States.

When it comes to complementary and integrative health, dietary supplements play a significant role within naturopathic practice and the broader complementary health landscape in the United States. Within naturopathy, dietary supplements are used to address nutritional gaps, support physiological function and complement lifestyle interventions tailored to the individual. For many adults managing chronic conditions, dietary supplements form part of a preventive strategy that sits alongside nutrition counselling, herbal medicine and mind–body care.

Naturopathic practitioners are trained to assess when dietary supplements are appropriate, how they may interact with medications and how dosage can be individualised based on health status, age and personal goals. This professional oversight is increasingly important given the widespread availability of dietary supplements and the potential risks associated with unsupervised or excessive use. In this context, dietary supplements are not positioned as quick fixes, but as targeted tools that support long-term integrative wellness planning. Used responsibly, dietary supplements can enhance preventive care outcomes while reinforcing naturopathy’s evidence-informed role in modern complementary healthcare.

Within clinical naturopathic care, dietary supplements are most effective when integrated into a broader, practitioner-guided plan that prioritises safety, evidence and long-term health outcomes.

8. Tai Chi and Qigong

Low-impact movement therapies with a strong evidence base

These gentle movement practices are particularly popular among older adults but are increasingly adopted by younger populations seeking stress reduction and mobility support.

Why adults use them

•    Balance and fall prevention
•    Joint health
•    Stress regulation

Research supports their role in improving physical function and mental wellbeing, reinforcing their position among commonly used therapies in adults.

Tai chi is increasingly supported by scientific research examining its effects on balance, mobility and nervous system regulation. By engaging the human body through slow, intentional movement, tai chi supports both physical health and mental resilience, making it particularly relevant for ageing populations and adults managing chronic conditions.

Beyond its physical benefits, tai chi is increasingly recognised for its role in stress regulation and nervous system balance. As a mind-body practice, tai chi combines controlled breathing, focused attention and gentle movement, which may help reduce physiological stress responses and support emotional wellbeing. These qualities have contributed to tai chi being adopted not only in community wellness settings, but also within rehabilitation programs and integrative care environments.

9. Reiki and Energy Healing

Subtle therapies meeting emotional and spiritual needs

Energy-based therapies such as Reiki attract adults interested in relaxation, emotional balance and self-awareness.

Why adults use them

•    Relieve stress 
•    Mental focus
•    Emotional support
•    Complementary self-care
•    Improve energy flow

As interest in Reiki grows, health care providers are increasingly engaging with these therapies as part of broader complementary health care approaches that support emotional wellbeing and stress management. Within integrative settings, complementary health approaches such as Reiki are often positioned alongside counselling, mindfulness and body-based therapies to enhance patient-centred care. For many health care providers, understanding the role of complementary health approaches helps facilitate informed conversations with clients seeking holistic self-care options.

10. Aromatherapy

Sensory-based support for modern lifestyles

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to support mood, sleep and relaxation. It is often integrated into massage, meditation and home self-care routines.

Why adults use it

•    Stress and anxiety management
•    Sleep support
•    Emotional wellbeing

Its accessibility and ease of use have made aromatherapy a familiar entry point into complementary therapies used in the United States.

Within the broader landscape of complementary medicine, aromatherapy is often valued for its accessibility and versatility across both personal and practitioner-led settings. As part of complementary medicine, it is commonly used to support relaxation and emotional wellbeing, either as a standalone practice or alongside other integrative therapies.

Complementary health approaches in modern health care

In contemporary health care, complementary health approaches are often grouped within the broader field of complementary medicine and CAM practices, and used to support chronic disease management, stress reduction and recovery. Rather than operating outside the system, complementary medicine approaches are increasingly integrated within multidisciplinary settings, where collaboration between practitioners enhances continuity of care and patient-centred outcomes.

Alternative medicine approaches

In the United States, alternative medicine is often discussed alongside complementary approaches, particularly in conversations about patient autonomy and preventive care. Within the broader framework of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States, these therapies appeal to adults who are seeking options that align with personal values, cultural traditions or a preference for non-pharmaceutical interventions. Rather than positioning itself in opposition to conventional medicine, alternative medicine is increasingly used in parallel, supporting individuals who want a more holistic experience of care.

The continued interest in alternative medicine reflects changing expectations around healthcare delivery, especially among adults managing chronic or lifestyle-related conditions. As part of the commonly used complementary therapies in adults, alternative medicine approaches are frequently integrated alongside conventional medicine to support quality of life, symptom management and long-term wellbeing. This integrative mindset underscores the growing demand for practitioners who are trained, informed and able to work responsibly within multidisciplinary care environments.

Why these complementary therapies continue to grow in the US

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, usage of complementary therapies continues to rise as adults look for evidence-informed, non-pharmaceutical options to support health. The national center consistently reports strong consumer interest in therapies that address pain, stress and sleep, areas where conventional care alone may fall short.

Several macro-level trends are driving sustained interest in complementary and alternative medicine:

•    Rising rates of chronic disease
•    Growing mental health challenges
•    Increased focus on prevention and self-care
•    Desire for personalised, patient-centred approaches

For practitioners, this growth translates into expanding career pathways, interdisciplinary collaboration and increasing demand for professional recognition and ethical standards.

Within complementary and integrative medicine, education and professional standards remain critical. As integrative health continues to evolve, practitioners are expected to stay informed about current research, ethical practice and scope of care, particularly when working alongside conventional medical providers.

There is also growing interest in how complementary therapies may support individuals undergoing cancer treatments, particularly in managing side effects, stress and quality of life. While not a replacement for medical care, scientific research continues to explore the health benefits of integrative approaches used alongside oncology treatment plans.

Organisations such as IICT play a key role in supporting practitioners through education, professional recognition and global community-building, particularly as the US wellness sector continues to mature.

The future of complementary therapies in the USA

As healthcare systems evolve, complementary health approaches are increasingly viewed not as alternatives, but as integrative partners in health and wellbeing. Ongoing research, regulation and professional development will shape how these therapies are delivered, perceived and trusted.

For students and practitioners, staying informed about trends, evidence and standards is essential – not only for clinical effectiveness, but for long-term sustainability within a competitive wellness landscape.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re practising, studying or considering a career in complementary therapies, now is the time to deepen your professional foundations. Explore educational resources, industry insights and professional membership pathways through IICT to stay aligned with best practice and connect with a global community shaping the future of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States.

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Article written by: Kate Duncan, IICT

About the Author:

Kate is the Content Writer of IICT and has been a prominent voice in the wellness industry for over a decade. Kate’s experience as the editor of two Australian health and wellness magazines offers a wealth of insights into the natural health space, which she now shares with IICT. Kate has extensively studied Yoga, Ayurveda and Massage Therapy. When she’s not working, you’ll find Kate treasuring moments with her gorgeous sons, surfing one of Byron Bay’s beautiful breaks or spending time in nature with her family.