Holistic Health Care: What Treatments Are FSA or HSA Eligible?

As many as 30% of Americans use alternative healing practices or holistic health care to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and improve overall wellness. Anything that falls outside the scope of Western medicine is generally classified as alternative care, and doctors are increasingly recommending these practices—like massage and acupuncture—as supplements to conventional care. Many alternative health treatments work to address the underlying causes of symptoms, activate the body’s natural healing process, and increase overall well-being.

In some cases, you may be able to use your health savings account (HSA) or your flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for alternative treatments. There are also holistic health care products you can use in the comfort of your own home (and made available through the CYC Marketplace, for your convenience). We’ve created a brief guide to eligible alternative health services and products you may want to try!

Holistic Health Care Services

Alternative health treatments like acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic adjustments are gaining popularity for symptom relief and pain management, and you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds to pay for them in certain scenarios.

Just remember: In most cases, you will likely need a letter of medical necessity from a doctor or physical therapist stating that the alternative treatment supplements or benefits a current condition for it to be considered an HSA- or FSA-eligible expense. When in doubt, it’s best to contact your doctor and ask for the letter of necessity.

Massage

What is it?

Massage has been around for thousands of years. A professional massage therapist receives training to safely manipulate muscle and soft tissue in the body using their hands and fingers to reduce tension and pain, induce relaxation, and stimulate blood circulation for increased mobility and faster healing. Therapeutic benefits of massage may include relief from back and neck pain, soreness from osteoarthritis, headaches, and symptoms of depression.

Can I pay for it with HSA/FSA funds?

To pay for a massage with HSA or FSA funds, you will likely need a doctor or physical therapist to provide a letter of medical necessity stating how massage will benefit your condition. For example, a massage to relieve migraines, cancer-related pain and nausea, and muscle strain due to repetitive movement may be considered eligible expenses. Unfortunately, you cannot use your FSA or HSA to pay for a massage that is for relaxation or general wellness.

Acupuncture

What is it?

Acupuncture is a practice from Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used for over 2,500 years to treat a range of ailments by activating the body’s natural healing process. A licensed acupuncturist uses fine needles to stimulate specific points on the surface of the body to encourage the flow of energy in any places that may be blocked, inducing deep relaxation that can help reduce stress and inflammation. Studies have found that acupuncture is effective for pain management and some symptom relief, particularly nausea.

Can I pay for it with HSA/FSA funds?

You may be able to pay for acupuncture sessions with your HSA or FSA if your doctor prescribes it as a supplemental treatment. For instance, acupuncture has been known help relieve osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle injuries. As with massage, you should get a letter of medical necessity to determine if the acupuncture treatment is supplemental and qualifies as an eligible expense.

Chiropractic Treatment

What is it?

Chiropractic treatments are a form of spinal manipulation popular among people with back problems, neck pain, or headaches. During a procedure, a trained chiropractor applies controlled pressure to the spine to increase spinal mobility and reduce pain and stiffness from injuries to connective tissue or joints. Many chiropractors will also discuss nutrition and exercise as part of the holistic approach to the rehabilitation process for patients.

Can I pay for it with HSA/FSA funds?

In some cases, you can use HSA or FSA funds to pay for chiropractic treatments without a letter of medical necessity from your doctor if it is for a specific health issue, such as a musculoskeletal injury. However, you may want to have a note from your doctor for your records as a precautionary measure.

Holistic Wellness Products Available through the CYC Marketplace

If you want to test the benefits of alternative therapies in the comfort of your own home, look no further. You can purchase eligible holistic wellness items through the CYC Marketplace, your hub for HSA- and FSA-eligible online shopping. When you buy these products online, you do not need to provide a letter of necessity. Simple, right?

Acupressure Mats and Devices

Acupressure is an ancient alternative healing concept and the guiding theory behind acupuncture treatments. Acupressure is based on the idea that you can apply pressure to points located along energy pathways in the body to stimulate natural healing mechanisms and reduce the sensation of pain.

You can buy acupressure mats and pillows, which have plastic points on them designed to trigger these acupoints, to relieve pain and promote healing like this acupressure mat and pillow set or this acupressure travel set. If you have frequent headaches, you could try this wearable acupressure device for pain relief that can be used on the go.

Electrotherapy Devices

Electrotherapy is sometimes used in massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatments to reduce the sensation of pain. A damaged nerve sends an electrical signal to the brain, which triggers the sensation of pain you feel. Electrotherapy devices work by sending electrical impulses to block these pain signals.

You can try electrotherapy on your own with at-home electrotherapy products like this electronic nerve stimulation device that provides 20-minute therapy sessions with various settings. For something more robust, you might opt for this electromagnetic massage system for 90-minute sessions.

Cryotherapy Massage Ball

Cryotherapy uses freezing cold temperature on the body to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting blood circulation for faster healing. Individuals may use cryotherapy to relieve pain from muscle strain, injuries, arthritis, and migraine headaches. This cryotherapy massage ball is a smooth, stainless steel ball you place in your freezer and can use on any body part for a cooling self-massage.

These are just a few of the alternative therapies and holistic health care products that you might spend your FSA and HSA dollars on, but complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a rapidly growing industry with myriad options for holistic treatments you can explore!