Your health remains the most precious commodity you have. Without it, everything else tends to fall by the wayside, so it makes sense that so many people continue searching for new ways to improve their overall well-being.

One form of healthcare that has risen in popularity is acupuncture. Despite the growing evidence of its benefits, many people still have the question of, “does health insurance pay for acupuncture?” This guide will help you answer that and other questions about this traditional form of Chinese medicine.

What is acupuncture?

It comes from Eastern medicine, and it involves inserting very thin needles through your skin into strategic points of your body. Practitioners use acupuncture to treat various ailments, including pain management and stress relief. To traditional Chinese acupuncturists, the practice balances the flow of energy or life force – better known to them as chi or qi – throughout your body.

From a more Western medicine point of view, acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue and boosts your body’s natural painkillers. While the idea of inserting tiny needles into your body may seem unnerving, the whole practice has very low risks to your health.

Benefits of acupuncture.

Stress relief.

Acupuncture restores energy balance within your body and triggers nervous system responses to help lower your stress reactions. As it lowers stress hormone levels, you can expect to feel an improved mood and reduced feelings of anxiety. It also helps to eliminate brain fog and provides better sleep. A stimulated nervous system helps the body fall asleep at night, and the practice has helped people struggling with insomnia. All of these combined effects can reduce your overall stress levels and help you feel calmer throughout the day.

Chronic pain relief.

One reason why the question of, “does health insurance pay for acupuncture,” has become more prevalent in recent years is due to the fact that it’s been shown to help alleviate long-term, chronic pain in patients. It’s believed that when the needle penetrates the fascia, your body senses that and responds by sending blood, lymph fluid, and other nutrients to the affected area. It’s one reason why the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine recommended it be included as part of a comprehensive pain-management strategy for aging Americans.

Reduce headaches.

Many people use acupuncture to alleviate and prevent migraines. It’s been proven to be effective at reducing the frequency of migraine symptoms in patients. It can also have positive impacts on those who experience tension headaches. Regular acupuncture can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent them from returning in the future.

Does health insurance pay for acupuncture?

The answer to the question of, “does health insurance pay for acupuncture,” depends largely on your plan. Many providers do cover it as a medically necessary treatment prescribed by your doctor. At minimum, your insurance provider will likely require that you visit a licensed acupuncturist, and they might limit the number of visits you get per calendar year.

The best way to discover if your acupuncture treatments are covered by your plan is to call your provider. You should manage to find the phone number on your insurance card, and they can tell you if you’re covered and for what type and how many treatments.

Do you want to enjoy the benefits of acupuncture?

Then contact the team at Better Health Wellness Center. As a team of holistic healthcare providers, our physicians are expertly trained and use the latest technologies to evaluate your body’s energetic health. We offer acupuncture treatments that have been shown to help patients with various forms of relief, having successfully treated lower back pain, chronic fatigue, sinus pressure, and mental health issues.

You can learn more about our acupuncture services online, or contact us to set up your initial consultation.