The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has more than tripled among children and adolescents since 2007, according to a research letter in JAMA Pediatrics.Why It’s Relevant
Incorporating mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga into mental health care has shown promise. Understanding the use and acceptance of these therapies in youth could inform prevention and early-intervention strategies. Previous research has shown that many children with pain conditions such as headache, abdominal pain, or musculoskeletal pain turn to CAM, for example.
By the Numbers
- Investigators analyzed data from the 2007, 2012, and 2022 National Health Interview Surveys. Across these surveys, 22,978 parents of children ages 4 to 17 were asked whether their child used or saw a practitioner for acupuncture, guided imagery and/or progressive relaxation, massage, meditation, naturopathy, or yoga over the preceding 12 months.
- The use of any CAM therapy increased from 4.6% in 2007 to 17.7% in 2022. There were no significant differences in the change in CAM use by sex, race, or ethnicity.
- The largest increases in CAM use were observed in children 6 to 11 years old, from 3.2% to 18.7%, followed closely by children 4 to 5 years old (3.3% to 18.6%). CAM use in adolescents 12 to 17 years old rose from 6.4% to 16.5%.
- The most common CAM therapy among youth in 2022 was yoga (12.6%), followed by meditation (6.9%). Acupuncture was used least (0.2%).
The Other Side
This study was limited by its reliance on parent report, which might have underestimated or overestimated CAM use. In addition, the study did not look at the specific reasons for CAM use, the intensity of CAM use, or clinical outcomes.
Takeaway Message
“The greater increases in CAM use among younger children compared with adolescents suggest growing acceptability of these therapies for younger age groups,” the researchers wrote. “This increased use underscores the need for rigorous clinical trials to further examine the benefits of CAM for both general and specific conditions.”
Related Information
Source
Cornelius B. Groenewald, et. al. Trends in complementary and alternative medicine use among US youths. JAMA Pediatrics. Published March 2, 2026. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.6524
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