Holistic Medicine and Medicare: Exploring Natural Health Remedies for Older Adults

If you’ve heard of holistic medicine, then most likely, you already have an opinion about it. The concept itself is either new-age poppycock or a great idea depending on whom you ask, and rarely does anyone have an opinion on it that falls in between.

Contrary to popular belief, holistic medicine does not always involve chanting, steaming hot tea, or burning incense. It’s actually about treating yourself properly. For instance, if you regularly take vitamins and other supplements, then you’re already treating yourself properly with this type of medicine.

In addition to being beneficial for people of all ages, holistic medicine can also help with the various health conditions that seniors can experience in their golden years.

How Can Holistic Medicine Specifically Benefit Seniors?

Due to the rising cost of healthcare, many seniors are turning to holistic medicine to avoid costly doctor visits and conventional medication. Consequently, this trend has led to the creation of various treatments for individuals with different conditions, especially those that affect seniors.

Unlike other forms of healthcare, holistic medicine for seniors does not completely replace your existing treatment plans. Instead, it focuses on improving the quality of your life by implementing a healthy lifestyle and diet.

For individuals living in a retirement community or senior living facility, holistic medicine can help them improve their mobility and activity levels. Many times, they can also take classes in natural approaches to wellness, such as yoga and tai chi.

Many seniors also take herbal and vitamin supplements to keep their health conditions under control. This type of holistic medicine has been around for a long time, and it can help prevent various ailments. Just be sure to check with your doctor before ingesting anything new or making any drastic changes.

How Can Holistic Medicine Aid in the Treatment of Common Health Conditions?

Modern Western healthcare systems are designed to treat the symptoms of a disease or illness. In contrast, holistic medicine focuses on the causes behind the illness or disease. This type of treatment uses a combination of natural and medication to aid in the treatment of many common conditions or diseases. Let’s take a look at how holistic medicine can be integrated into the conventional treatment of some of the most frequent conditions suffered by the average American senior.

How Can Holistic Medicine Help Those with Anxiety?

Many people are prescribed various medications for anxiety, and this can be a good thing. However, it’s also important to consider alternative treatments such as holistic therapies. Often, these treatments can help lower anxiety levels and provide various other benefits.

There are various forms of holistic medicine that can be used for anxiety. While there are vitamins and supplements that can help decrease anxiety, there are also other ways to help lower stress without medication. Some of the most common holistic treatments for anxiety include:

• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Massage Therapy
• Controlled Breathing
• Yoga and other forms of physical exercise

How Can Holistic Medicine Help Cancer Patients?

The effects of traditional cancer treatment, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can have a significant effect on the body. Many physicians recommend using alternative therapies to lessen the effects of these procedures. This is why it’s very common for patients to combine conventional and holistic medicine for cancer.

Some of the most common factors that holistic cancer patients consider are lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising. Aside from these, doctors also suggest taking supplements and vitamins to protect the immune system.

Does Medicare Cover Holistic or Alternative Medicine?

Although it may be surprising to hear, Medicare will pay for various types of alternative medicine in certain circumstances.

In January 2020, the CMS announced that it would cover acupuncture for people with chronic lower back pain. This treatment, which involves 12 sessions, can be provided for up to 90 days. If the patient shows improvement, additional sessions can be added to the coverage. A total of 20 sessions can be permitted each year.

These sessions will be paid for if:

• A medical doctor, nurse, or physician assistant performs the procedure and has a graduate or doctorate level degree in acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from a school with accreditation from the Accreditation Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
• The provider has a current, unrestricted, active license to practice acupuncture in the state where the procedure is performed.

Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans may provide seniors with additional benefits that promote a more holistic lifestyle. These types of plans are similar to traditional Medicare, but they have different requirements.

Some of the additional benefits that these plans offer include the SilverSneakers program, which provides seniors with healthy food options, and behavioral therapy. They may also cover other types of alternative medicine depending on your exact plan and provider.

If you’re interested in exploring your options for holistic treatment under Medicare, don’t hesitate to contact our friends at MedicareInsurance.com today.

MedicareInsurance.com’s licensed insurance agents can help you research and compare hundreds of Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans that may be available in your area. All you have to do is call them at (800) 950-0608 to get started.