More people are exploring complementary therapies beyond traditional medical care to help manage pain, reduce stress, improve mobility, enhance sleep, and support overall wellness. From acupuncture and massage therapy to chiropractic care and Reiki, these approaches are becoming an increasingly common part of many people’s healthcare journey.
Terms like alternative medicine, complementary therapies, or integrative medicine may be used interchangeably, and while they are closely related, they don’t all mean the same thing.
Collectively, these approaches are often referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Today, however, many healthcare organizations—including the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—prefer the term complementary and integrative health because it better reflects how these therapies are most commonly used: alongside conventional medical care rather than instead of it.
Here’s the difference:
- Complementary therapies are used together with conventional medical care. For example, someone receiving physical therapy for chronic back pain may also choose acupuncture or massage therapy to help manage symptoms.
- Alternative therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatment. While this approach is less common, it’s why the term “alternative medicine” is still widely recognized.
- Integrative healthcare combines conventional medicine with evidence-informed complementary therapies in a coordinated, whole-person approach to care.
According to the NIH, 36.7% of U.S. adults used at least one complementary health approach in 2022, nearly double the percentage reported in 2002. Nearly half of those users said they were seeking relief from pain, while others reported using these therapies to improve relaxation, sleep, or overall wellness.
Understanding what these therapies are, what research supports them, and how your health benefits may help cover some services can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.
Before You Schedule Care
Thinking about trying acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, or another complementary therapy? TouchCare can help you understand your coverage before you book.
Common Complementary and Integrative Therapies
Acupuncture
What it is:
A traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body.
Commonly used to support:
- Chronic back, neck, and joint pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Arthritis pain
- Nausea related to certain medical treatments
What the research says:
Acupuncture has some of the strongest scientific evidence among complementary therapies, particularly for helping manage chronic pain. Some health plans now cover acupuncture for certain conditions because of this growing body of evidence.
Chiropractic Care
What it is:
A healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating conditions involving the spine, muscles, joints, and nervous system through hands-on spinal manipulation and other manual therapies.
Commonly used to support:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Certain headaches
- Joint mobility
What the research says:
Clinical guidelines support chiropractic care as one treatment option for some types of musculoskeletal pain, particularly lower back pain, when provided by a licensed chiropractor.
Massage Therapy
What it is:
Hands-on manipulation of muscles and soft tissues to relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Commonly used to support:
- Muscle soreness
- Stress and anxiety
- Exercise recovery
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Relaxation and better sleep
What the research says:
Massage therapy is one of the most commonly used complementary therapies in the United States and has been shown to help reduce stress while providing short-term relief for certain types of pain.
Naturopathy
What it is:
Naturopathic medicine focuses on supporting the body’s natural healing processes through nutrition, lifestyle counseling, stress management, and, in some cases, supplements or botanical therapies.
Commonly used to support:
- Healthy lifestyle changes
- Nutrition counseling
- Stress management
- Preventive wellness
What the research says:
Some lifestyle approaches recommended by naturopathic providers are supported by evidence, but research on naturopathic medicine as a whole is still evolving. Licensing requirements also vary by state, making it important to seek care from a qualified provider.
Reiki
What it is:
A gentle practice in which a practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the body with the goal of promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Commonly used to support:
- Relaxation
- Stress reduction
- Emotional well-being
- Comfort during medical treatment
What the research says:
Many people report feeling calmer and more relaxed after Reiki sessions. While research on Reiki is still limited, it may be helpful as a supportive wellness practice. It should not replace conventional medical care for serious health conditions.
Looking for complementary therapy?
Our caring Health Assistants can help you find the right therapy services for your needs that are close to home.
Does Insurance Cover Complementary and Integrative Therapies?
Coverage varies depending on your health insurance plan.
Some employer-sponsored health plans cover certain complementary therapies when they’re considered medically necessary or performed by licensed providers.
Coverage is most commonly available for:
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture (for certain conditions)
- Physical therapy that includes manual therapies
Massage therapy may be covered in limited situations when prescribed as part of rehabilitation or physical therapy, but routine wellness massage is often not covered.
Reiki and naturopathic services are less commonly covered by traditional health insurance plans.
If you’re unsure what’s covered, review your plan documents or contact your benefits administrator before scheduling treatment.
Can You Use an HSA or FSA for Complementary Therapies?
In many cases, yes, but it depends on the service.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) may allow you to use pre-tax dollars for certain complementary therapies when they qualify as eligible medical expenses under IRS guidelines.
Depending on your plan, eligible expenses may include:
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Certain medically necessary massage therapy services
- Other qualified treatments recommended by a healthcare provider
Because eligibility varies, it’s always a good idea to check with your HSA or FSA administrator before receiving care.
Questions to Ask Before You Try Complementary Therapies
Before starting any complementary therapy, ask yourself:
- Is there evidence that this therapy may help my condition?
- Is the practitioner licensed or certified, if required?
- Could this therapy interact with my medications or current treatment plan?
- Will my insurance cover any of the cost?
- Is this therapy intended to complement—not replace—my medical care?
Making Informed Decisions
Complementary and integrative therapies are becoming an increasingly common way for people to support their overall health and well-being. For many conditions, they can work alongside conventional medical care to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote wellness.
The key is choosing therapies that are appropriate for your needs, understanding what research supports them, and working with qualified healthcare professionals. Before starting any new therapy, take time to understand your options, review your health benefits, and talk with your healthcare provider to determine what’s right for you.
How TouchCare Can Help
If you’re unsure whether a provider or therapy is covered under your health plan—or whether you can use your HSA or FSA—TouchCare can help you understand your benefits before you schedule care.
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