Acupuncture for Allergies
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What are Allergies?
Allergies are an immune system response to substances that are typically harmless but perceived by your body as threats. These substances, called allergens, can include pollen, dust, pet dander, certain foods, or medications. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis – a potentially life-threatening condition. Allergies can be seasonal, like hay fever, or persistent, depending on the allergen.
Effective management includes two main tactics – reducing exposure to allergen and managing symptoms. Unfortunately, this is the only option for most people, as allergies cannot be typically cured completely. Though certain therapies, like immunotherapy (allergy shots), can significantly reduce the sensitivity to certain allergens.
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What Causes Allergies?
Allergies are caused by the immune system which overreacts to certain harmless substances and mistakenly identifies them as harmful. This can include anything from pollen and dust to certain types of food. This triggers the production of antibodies, which activate the release of histamine and other chemicals, leading to typical allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, or swelling.
Genetics play a big role, as individuals with a family history of allergies are more likely to develop them as well. Environmental factors, like pollution, early exposure to allergens, and lifestyle choices, can also contribute. Additionally, changes in hygiene and reduced exposure to microbes in early childhood may slightly increase susceptibility to allergies. Understanding these causes can help in identifying triggers that are unique to each person and managing allergic reactions more effectively.
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What are Common Symptoms of Allergies?
Symptoms vary greatly depending on the type of allergen and the individual’s sensitivity. Common respiratory symptoms include sneezing, a runny or congested nose, coughing, and itchy or watery eyes. These symptoms mostly occur because of airborne allergens like pollen, dust, mites, or pet dander. Contact allergens or food sensitivities can cause skin related symptoms. They include hives, rashes, or itching.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain are usually linked to food allergies. In severe allergy cases, issues like anaphylaxis can occur. It causes difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. This condition requires immediate medical help and can even be fatal if not addressed in time.
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Can Acupuncture Help Allergies?
Acupuncture can effectively help manage allergies by targeting specific acupuncture points for allergies to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture helps the body handle allergies naturally, without relying on medications which can sometimes do more harm than good.
Acupuncture for allergies can effectively address common symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes, making it especially helpful for people suffering from seasonal allergies. Studies suggest that regular sessions can reduce the severity and frequency of allergic reactions by calming the overactive immune response. For those who need a drug-free symptoms management, acupuncture for seasonal allergies is a safe and effective alternative to medications.
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Types of Allergies That Can Be Treated With Acupuncture
Acupuncture for allergies is a viable treatment to help you manage lots of different types of allergies. This holistic therapy not just addresses visible symptoms, but underlying causes as well, providing longer-lasting results. By targeting specific points of the body, acupuncture for allergy relief provides a natural way to ease symptoms associated with allergies. Here are some common types of allergies acupuncture can treat.
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Seasonal Allergies
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. Most common food allergens are nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat (and any products containing them). Reactions can affect multiple systems in the body, causing symptoms like hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. These allergies can develop at any age, including from birth, and vary in severity from person to person. Even small amounts of the allergenic food can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals. -
Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. Most common food allergens are nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat (and any products containing them). Reactions can affect multiple systems in the body, causing symptoms like hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. These allergies can develop at any age, including from birth, and vary in severity from person to person. Even small amounts of the allergenic food can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.
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Pet Allergies
Pet allergies occur when the immune system reacts to proteins found in an animal's skin cells, saliva, or urine. Most common triggers are cats and dogs, although any furry animal can potentially cause allergies. Symptoms often include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes. For some individuals, exposure can lead to asthma symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing. These reactions are usually triggered by contact with pet dander, fur, or areas where allergens accumulate, like furniture or carpets. -
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain substances that come into contact with the skin, creating irritation or inflammation. Most common causes include allergens like certain soaps, detergents, cosmetics, plants (like poison ivy), or metals like nickel. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, hives, or eczema-like rashes. Reactions can be localized to the area of contact or spread more widely. These allergies vary in severity and can occur immediately or after repeated exposure to the allergen.
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Respiratory Allergies
Respiratory allergies occur when the immune system reacts to airborne allergens. Most common airborne allergens are pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander. These allergies primarily affect the respiratory system, causing symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy throat, and watery eyes. In some cases, they can lead to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, especially in individuals with asthma. Triggers can be either seasonal, such as pollen, or year-round, like dust and mold. -
Insect Allergies
Insect allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to proteins in the venom or saliva of certain insects, usually bees, wasps, hornets, mosquitoes, or fire ants. Reactions can range from mild swelling and redness at the sting or bite site to severe symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis. People with insect allergies may also experience large, localized reactions that extend beyond the immediate area of contact. Even a single sting or bite can trigger a significant response in sensitive individuals. -
Drug Allergies
Drug allergies happen when the immune system mistakenly identifies a medication as harmful, which leads to allergic reaction due to immune system response. Common allergens are antibiotics like penicillin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain chemotherapy agents. Symptoms can range from mild, like rashes, itching, or hives, to severe reactions like difficulty breathing, swelling, or anaphylaxis. In some cases, symptoms may develop hours or even days after taking the medication. Drug allergies can vary in severity depending on the individual and the specific drug used.
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Allergies Treatment at Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL
- At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, we offer expert acupuncture therapy for allergies to provide you with natural and integrative care for your allergy symptoms. Our experienced acupuncturists take a personalized approach to acupuncture allergy treatment. Which means they will address your unique symptoms without any one-size-fits-all solutions. By treating allergies with acupuncture, we help address not just visible symptoms but also root causes, providing safe and long-lasting results.
- Acupuncture therapy for allergies is effective for managing a wide variety of allergy types, including seasonal allergies, skin reactions, respiratory issues, and more. Herbal medicine can also complement acupuncture in providing natural relief. This holistic treatment balances your body and provides a drug-free allergy management alternative.
- Are you ready to feel your best? Contact us today to see how our holistic acupuncture for allergy relief can make your life easier!
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Reviews About Acupuncture for Allergies
I have been going to Copper Wellness for nearly 4 years and cannot say enough good things about the clinic and all of their providers. Dr. Madden is a truly exceptional acupuncturist. I worked with her almost weekly during my first pregnancy and postpartum, and now for my second pregnancy, and she has been such a blessing with hormone health, stress and anxiety management, digestion, and sleep. She has the most amazing presence and all of her guidance has always been spot on. I also saw Dr Mohr during my first pregnancy to help with pregnancy aches and pains and pelvic positioning - he is also wonderful, so knowledgeable and kind and helped relieve a lot of my physical symptoms during that time. I’ve gone to Benicia for massage too and she is one of the best! (and I’ve seen a lot of massage therapists in my life)
I am moving from Chicago soon and truly going to miss this amazing clinic.
I am moving from Chicago soon and truly going to miss this amazing clinic.
Response from the owner 11:44 03 Jun 25
Dear Marianna,Thank you so much for your kind words and for being with us all these years. We're honored to have supported you through both pregnancies. Dr. Madden, Dr. Mohr, and Benicia will be touched by your feedback. Wishing you all the best in your move — you'll always be part of the Copper Wellness family! 
Dr. Mohr helped me tremendously with lower back pain and SI joint pain years ago and I still use the exercises he provided me to sustain feeling better. He used multiple techniques and movement based therapies to improve my ability to bend and lie down without pain.
Response from the owner 07:57 26 May 25
Thank you so much, Jack! We're truly glad to hear you're still feeling better — your kind words mean a lot to us! 
I have received services and initially had good intentions for a relationship with this clinic, but the billing issues and poor customer service significantly affected my experience and I feel compelled to share.
From the beginning, I was clear that billing transparency was important to me. Despite that, I ran into repeated issues with billing. The clinic charged me estimated amounts that didn’t ultimately match my Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from UnitedHealthcare, and when I brought up the discrepancies—with actual documentation to back it up—I was met with defensiveness rather than a willingness to resolve things collaboratively.
One particularly strange policy I encountered was that this clinic might charge a “clinic fee” if UnitedHealthcare doesn’t accommodate their cash rates. This seems to blur the lines between in-network and out-of-network billing.
Meanwhile, claims weren’t submitted to insurance promptly, which delayed payments and caused unnecessary confusion—none of which was my fault as the patient.
Bottom line: I paid what I was invoiced on time, asked reasonable questions when things didn’t add up, and was made to feel like I was the problem for doing so. I’ve since paused services until this can be sorted out—and I feel compelled to share my experience here.
From the beginning, I was clear that billing transparency was important to me. Despite that, I ran into repeated issues with billing. The clinic charged me estimated amounts that didn’t ultimately match my Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from UnitedHealthcare, and when I brought up the discrepancies—with actual documentation to back it up—I was met with defensiveness rather than a willingness to resolve things collaboratively.
One particularly strange policy I encountered was that this clinic might charge a “clinic fee” if UnitedHealthcare doesn’t accommodate their cash rates. This seems to blur the lines between in-network and out-of-network billing.
Meanwhile, claims weren’t submitted to insurance promptly, which delayed payments and caused unnecessary confusion—none of which was my fault as the patient.
Bottom line: I paid what I was invoiced on time, asked reasonable questions when things didn’t add up, and was made to feel like I was the problem for doing so. I’ve since paused services until this can be sorted out—and I feel compelled to share my experience here.
Response from the owner 18:14 28 May 25
Hi Tina, I am sorry that your experience was not as you had hoped at Copper Wellness. Before starting treatment all patients using insurance are given a breakdown of what their benefits cover at the clinic. Because of your shared concern about billing transparency, we also provided a breakdown of all potential charges for every type of appointment covered by insurance after your first treatment and before continuing care. We are happy to do this with any patient. Insurance billing is not an automated process, we submit the claims based on our insurance contracts with these companies and are paid as such. If there is a discrepancy in an overpayment it is issued back to the patient.We understand insurance can be frustrating and confusing which is why we contract a certified outside billing team to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of our billing practices. After reviewing all the communication I thought it was best to refer you to another practice which is local to you and within your network. As the owner and a practitioner I believe it is best that your healthcare environment be in a place that makes you feel relaxed and supported. I am sorry that cannot be us however we all wish you the best of luck with your journey. 
Copper Wellness has been a pivotal part of my wellness routine since moving to Chicago - can’t the imagine the city without them!
Response from the owner 14:31 21 Feb 25
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re grateful to be part of your integrative health and wellness journey and truly appreciate your support. Looking forward to seeing you again! 
I've been seeing Dr Stephanie Madden since last year, and the experience has been truly transformative. Overall, Copper Wellness is both calming and welcoming. Stephanie is always attentive to my needs, whether they are physical, mental or emotional. I always leave feeling more balanced than when I came. It's obvious that she truly cares about the well-being of her patients. If you are considering acupuncture, this is the place to go!
Response from the owner 08:17 10 Feb 25
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad to hear that your experience at Copper Wellness has been transformative. We appreciate your trust and look forward to continuing to support you on your wellness journey! 
I can't say enough great things about my experience at Copper Wellness! Dr. Madden is truly incredible. She has been instrumental in helping me manage my weight and find relief from stress, something I've struggled with for a long time. Her personalized approach, calm demeanor, and deep knowledge made me feel completely comfortable and cared for during each session!
Response from the owner 08:17 10 Feb 25
Thank you for your kind words! We're so happy to hear you’ve had a great experience at Copper Wellness. Dr. Madden is dedicated to personalized care, and we’re grateful to be part of your health journey! 
Copper Wellness has been a blessing in my life, I cant stop talking about the progress that Dr. Madden's treatment plan has made in my mental and physical health. The environment is calm, welcoming, and always filled with positive energy. I discovered Dr. Madden during a period of self reflection, I felt an imbalance in my life. When we met, she explained the practice and how it can impact the symptoms I was feeling. Acupuncture as a whole can change your life - it has mine, and Dr. Madden is the perfect provider to guide you to your ultimate wellness. Thank You Copper!
Response from the owner 18:17 27 Jan 25
You're a true testament to you get out what you put in. You've been so dedicated to your care and it's a gift to see you thriving in the happiness you've created for yourself. We love to be along for the ride and see how feeling your best helps you tackle your dreams. 
I've been seeing Dr. Mohr for a number of years now and the results have been amazing! From the first visit, I felt welcomed and listened to. My back pain has significantly improved, and I feel more energized and aligned (pun intended). Highly recommend if you're looking for top-notch care!
Response from the owner 18:18 27 Jan 25
Thanks Joe! We love the dad jokes, keep 'em coming 🙂 
Copper Wellness has been my point of care for everything related to my body and immune system consistently for 3 years now. I started my journey when my low back and glute were bothering me. Between Adam for muscle and movement work in addition to adjustments and Stephanie for my first round of acupuncture continued through to two of the hardest athletic years of my life running 7 marathons and competing in 6 IM events I owe my body to this group. They always keep my races top of mind when treating me but more importantly work on exercise and life habit changes to improve any issues I’m experiencing rather than just putting a “bandaid” on something that hurts. Also note that the massage therapy is unbelievable, Blu as a MT is life changing and all of the practitioners communicate across practices so that all care is tailored to areas I need focused on. I HIGHLY recommend this group.
Response from the owner 18:40 27 Jan 25
Whitney! Literally always keeping us on our toes keeping up with your impressive and successful yearly race schedule. It's been awesome to see you achieve your goals while enjoying the process. Can't wait to see what you have scheduled for this year. 
Absolutely love this place. I go to Dr. Madden for Acupuncture and she not only will take time to sit and listen to what is going on with my body, but she'll also curate a plan of attack that is personalized to my needs. I absolutely love coming here and appreciate everything that they do.
Response from the owner 18:38 27 Jan 25
Thank you Lauren 
I. Love. This. Place! I see both Dr. Mimosa for chiropractic and Dr. Madden for acupuncture, and they are two of the best practitioners of *any* type of medicine I've EVER worked with. They listen. They care. They genuinely want to help you feel your best. I can't recommend them and Copper Wellness enough.
Best Chiropractors in the city yall!! Dr.Mimosa is sweet and easy to talk to. Dr. Adam is very easy to talk to as well. Highly recommend!!!
Can't say enough good things about Anais. Very professional, very knowledgably, and just an amazing caring person! You are in the best of hands with her, would highly recommend!
I have been seeing Dr. Madden for acupuncture for almost a year now and I don't know where I'd be without her. She's incredible at what she does and the entire staff is awesome.
Anais is simply the best! Had a great review, consultation of problem areas and left feeling like I was on a cloud! Can't wait to go back, highly recommend the electrode therapy, it was amazing.
Dr Madden is a miracle worker. For over a year I had issues with my feet. She was the 1st to say my calf’s were right! Her acupuncture was spot on and helped right away. The stress caused issues in my neck as well that she helped not only with acupuncture but cupping as well. Her care and compassion is amazing. I will continue on maintenance because she is so amazing. ‼️
Copper Wellness has been a pivotal part of my health journey! The integrative services that are offered are tailored to my needs/situation. Specifically, when I needed to start doing massage therapy for upper and lower back pain, Cameron Sand did a great job from the start making me feel comfortable. Whenever I have a question, they answer it readily and explain how and what they are doing during our session. I’ve seen a huge improvement since working with them and couldn’t recommend them enough!
I sincerely wish that I could give Dr. Stephanie Madden 1 million stars. From the time that I met her for consultation through my entire acupuncture journey with her, she was incredibly attentive, genuine, personable, professional, precise, safe, knowledgeable, skilled, and wise with her work. I saw Dr. Madden for about 1 a little over a year to help resolve physical issues from emotional traumas and sufferings in my life. I cannot stress how different my life is from when I first saw her. She helped me get to core issues in my physical health that other doctors never came close to articulating, let alone being aware. Working those physical issues directly helped me so much with my emotional health. My quality of life now is so much better because of her contributions to my healing journey. After working with Dr. Madden, she is a practitioner that I trust and deeply respect. If anyone ever asks me to recommend an acupuncturist, I would never hesitate to recommend anyone to her. I even recommended her to one of my friends on his journey to receive a heart transplant, and she made a positive impact on his quality of life. He had nothing but positive things to say about her (and now he is thriving with a new heart!). Dr. Stephanie Madden has made a wonderful impact on my life, and I can only imagine the impact she is making on the lives of others whom encounter her. She is someone that has answered her call in life, and is absolutely brilliant at it. Brilliant!
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FAQs About Acupuncture for Allergies
Can acupuncture help allergies?
Yes, acupuncture for allergies can help by boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and itching. Many patients experience relief with regular treatments, especially for seasonal or environmental allergies.
What types of allergies can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture for allergies can effectively treat a range of allergies, including seasonal allergies, food allergies, pet allergies, skin allergies, respiratory allergies, insect allergies, and drug allergies. It works by strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and helping to alleviate common symptoms such as congestion, itching, and rashes.
How often should I receive acupuncture for allergies?
For acupuncture therapy for allergies, we typically recommend starting with one to two sessions per week to address symptoms. As improvement occurs, the frequency can be reduced to once a month or as needed for maintenance. The exact schedule will depend on individual needs and response to treatment.
Where do acupuncture needles go for allergies?
In acupuncture therapy for allergies, needles are typically placed in specific points on the face, arms, legs, and ears to address symptoms like congestion, itching, and inflammation. The exact placement depends on the type of allergy and individual needs.
How many acupuncture sessions for allergies?
For acupuncture for allergy relief, we typically recommend starting with one to two sessions per week. The number of sessions needed varies, but many patients see improvement after 6 to 8 sessions. Maintenance sessions may be scheduled depending on individual response.
Can acupuncture be used alongside other allergy treatments?
Yes, acupuncture allergy treatment can be used alongside other allergy treatments. It complements medications and other therapies by boosting the immune system and reducing symptoms, providing a holistic approach to allergy relief. Always consult with your healthcare provider before combining treatments.
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