Advances in Acupuncture Access for Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new scheduling system this year that makes it faster and easier for Veterans to access acupuncture and other integrative health services. The new External Provider Scheduling (EPS) system lets VA staff book approved acupuncture appointments directly with certified providers. Developed in partnership with the NCCAOM and American Society of Acupuncturists, this program ensures Veterans receive timely, high-quality care from licensed, nationally board-certified acupuncturists.

Acupuncture is changing the way menopause care is delivered — even at the VA. Dr. Felice Indindoli’s integrative approach at VA Bedford is helping women Veterans find relief and support through acupuncture and whole-person care.

A national VA study found that Veterans’ use of complementary and integrative health (CIH) services — including acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage, and chiropractic care — rose 70% in just three years. The biggest increases were among Veterans managing chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, showing strong interest in safe, non-drug approaches to care. Women Veterans were also more likely than men to use these therapies.

In a 15-week study, Veterans receiving real acupuncture had greater symptom improvement and stronger fear-extinction responses (a key process in trauma recovery) compared to those receiving sham acupuncture. Withdrawal rates were low, and overall treatment effects were large. Researchers concluded that acupuncture is both clinically effective and biologically meaningful for PTSD, supporting its use as a safe, non-drug therapy for Veterans.

A study at the West Haven VA Medical Center found that Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) — a specialized form of ear acupuncture used by VA clinicians — provided immediate pain relief for most Veterans receiving care. Among 284 Veterans and 753 treatment sessions, 82% reported less pain right after treatment, whether BFA was done in group clinics or one-on-one visits. Even those with higher pain levels saw meaningful improvement, and benefits held steady with repeated sessions. Researchers concluded that BFA is a safe, fast-acting, non-drug option for managing pain and related conditions across VA settings.

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