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Complementary Therapies for Veterans: What to Know Before You Start

Updated August 2026. Originally published July 2024 under a different title; the old address redirects here.

Bottom line

What this means
Complementary therapies work alongside conventional medical care, not in place of it. Evidence is stronger for some practices than others, and results vary by person.
What you need to do
Choose licensed practitioners, keep every provider informed about everything you use, and never change a medication without the prescriber.
What can change
VA Whole Health offerings and coverage vary by facility and over time.
Where to verify
VA Whole Health and the VA sources listed at the bottom of this page.

Who this is for

Veterans and first responders who are curious about acupuncture, yoga, massage, mindfulness or similar practices, and want a balanced picture before spending time or money. This is education, not medical advice. The Grateful Veteran does not diagnose, prescribe, or recommend changes to any medication.

What counts as a complementary therapy

  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic care
  • Massage therapy
  • Yoga, tai chi and mindfulness meditation
  • Equine and animal-assisted programs
  • Sound, art and music-based wellness activities

Several of these are offered to eligible veterans through the VA's Whole Health approach, which includes complementary and integrative health services at many facilities. Ask your VA care team what is available where you are; availability and coverage vary by location.

Where the evidence stands

Not every practice has the same research behind it, and it is fair to say so.

  • Chronic pain. Acupuncture, massage and movement-based practices such as yoga and tai chi are commonly included in pain-management plans, and the VA lists several of them among its evidence-informed complementary approaches.
  • Stress and sleep. Structured mindfulness, breathing practices and yoga are widely used to support relaxation and sleep routines.
  • Equine, sound, art and music programs. Many veterans find these valuable, particularly for connection and routine. The research base is smaller and less settled than for acupuncture, exercise or structured mindfulness, so treat them as wellness activities rather than treatments.
  • Connection. Group classes and peer-based activities put you in a room with other people who understand. For many veterans, that is the part that matters most.

None of these practices should be treated as a cure, and what helps one veteran may do little for another.

Safety: what to watch for

  • Do not change medications on your own. Starting a new therapy is never a reason to stop or reduce a prescription. That conversation belongs with the prescribing physician.
  • Supplements and herbal products can interact with medications. Bring a list of everything you take, including over-the-counter products, to every provider so nothing conflicts with your existing care.
  • Licensing varies. Requirements differ by state and by practice. Choose licensed or certified practitioners and ask about their experience with veterans and first responders.
  • Cost and coverage. Some services are covered through the VA or insurance; many are not. Ask before you book.

Questions worth asking before your first session

  • Are you licensed or certified for this practice in Florida?
  • Have you worked with veterans or first responders before?
  • What does a typical first session look like, and how many sessions do people usually need?
  • Is there anything I should tell my physician before starting?

Where medical cannabis fits

Florida's medical marijuana program is a separate, state-regulated path with its own rules. A qualified physician makes the medical determination and the state issues the identification card. We cover it step by step in how Florida's medical marijuana program works. Federal law and VA policy treat cannabis differently than Florida law does.

What The Grateful Veteran can help with

We educate, connect and navigate. We host peer gatherings like Coffee & Conversations, bring education and physician access to communities through the Red, White & Blue Tour, and maintain a resource directory. If you are not sure where to start, reach out and we will point you in the right direction.

Sources & verification

  1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Whole Health, complementary and integrative health services (accessed August 27, 2026)
  2. VA Veterans Health Library: Cannabis, Natural Doesn't Equal Safe (accessed August 27, 2026)
  3. Florida OMMU: Patients (accessed August 27, 2026)

Originally published July 29, 2024. Rewritten and last reviewed August 27, 2026. Next review due February 2027. Content risk level: high. Reviewed by The Grateful Veteran editorial team against the sources above.

This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Talk with your physician before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.

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