Many people may not consider energy stones and or group meditation medically beneficial, but some firmly believe in their mysterious powers when coping with trauma, finding inner peace, or when actively trying to stay healthy.
But not long ago, several mainstream techniques were also considered alternative: Chiropractic care, massage therapy and acupuncture, treatments that are now covered by a modest percentage of health insurance companies.
Insurance experts say that this could soon be the case with alternative treatments such as chakra balancing and crystal bowl sound therapy.
“What health insurers choose to cover is not a question of having open minds,” says Susan Pisano, vice president of communications for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).
“Health insurers would be open to information about safe and effective treatments for particular conditions,” Pisano says. “From a health care position, they look at evidence showing what works and what is safe.”
Aetna, for instance, is an insurance company that provides health insurance benefits to more than 33 million people and puts a strong emphasis on wellness and preventative care. They offer coverage for “alternative medicine interventions” such as acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic services and electrical stimulation for the members who need it.
The Seven Categories of Alternative Therapies:
1. Alternative systems of medical practice: Use of medicine from another culture
2. Bioelectromagnetic therapies: Use of electrical currents or magnetic fields to promote healing
3. Diet and nutrition: Use of specific foods, vitamins and minerals to prevent illness and treat disease
4. Herbal medicine: Use of plants as medicine
5. Manual healing methods: Use of the hands to promote healing
6. Mind-body interventions: Use of the mind to enhance health
7. Pharmacologic and biologic treatments: Use of various substances to treat specific medical problems
From the National Institute of Health’s Office of Alternative Medicine, via Aetna
