This page brings together the clearest national figures available from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey. It is intended as a useful starting point for writers, researchers, students, and anyone looking for a concise, citable view of how U.S. adults reported using meditation, yoga, massage, and related approaches.
The survey measures reported use. It does not establish that a practice treats, cures, or prevents any health condition. For personal health concerns, use qualified medical or mental-health support alongside any spiritual or wellness practice.
KEY NUMBERS
The 2022 snapshot
36.7%
used at least one selected complementary health approach
In 2022, 36.7% of U.S. adults used at least one of seven approaches measured in the survey, up from 19.2% in 2002.
Source: NCCIH analysis, published 202417.3%
of U.S. adults used meditation
Meditation was the most-used of the seven measured approaches in 2022. Its reported use rose from 7.5% in 2002.
Source: 2022 National Health Interview Survey15.8%
of U.S. adults used yoga
Reported yoga use rose from 5.0% of U.S. adults in 2002 to 15.8% in 2022.
Source: 2022 National Health Interview Survey10.9%
of U.S. adults used massage therapy
Reported massage therapy use more than doubled from 4.8% in 2002 to 10.9% in 2022.
Source: 2022 National Health Interview Survey11.0%
of U.S. adults used chiropractic care
Reported chiropractic care use rose from 7.4% in 2002 to 11.0% in 2022.
Source: 2022 National Health Interview Survey6.4%
used guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation
Reported use of these guided relaxation approaches rose from 3.8% in 2002 to 6.4% in 2022.
Source: 2022 National Health Interview Survey18.3%
of meditation users used it for pain
Among adult meditation users, 18.3% reported using meditation for pain in 2022, up from 9.8% in 2002.
Source: 2022 National Health Interview Survey28.8%
of yoga users used it for pain
Among adult yoga users, 28.8% reported using yoga for pain in 2022, compared with 11.4% in 2002.
Source: 2022 National Health Interview Survey49.2%
of users reported using an approach for pain
Among people who used any of the seven measured approaches, 49.2% reported use for pain in 2022, up from 42.3% in 2002.
Source: NCCIH analysis, published 2024WHAT THE FIGURES SHOW
Meditation use more than doubled over 20 years.
Reported meditation use rose from 7.5% of U.S. adults in 2002 to 17.3% in 2022. Across the seven complementary health approaches tracked in the analysis, yoga, meditation, and massage therapy showed the largest increases during that period.
The figures describe self-reported use in a national household survey. They are useful for understanding participation and interest, but they are not a substitute for individual care, professional guidance, or evidence about a particular outcome.
METHODOLOGY AND SOURCES
How this page was prepared
All figures above come from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s analysis of the 2002, 2012, and 2022 National Health Interview Survey. The survey is conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics and is designed to represent the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Use of Complementary Health Approaches for Pain by U.S. Adults Increased From 2002 to 2022,” January 25, 2024.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 20-year trends for complementary health approaches.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 20-year trends for use of complementary health approaches for pain.
Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. This page will be refreshed when a newer national source changes a key figure.
CITE THIS PAGE
Oracle of the Hidden Temple. “Meditation and Wellness Statistics in the U.S.” Updated September 9, 2026. https://enlightenedsoulhealing.net/meditation-and-wellness-statistics/
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