Acupuncture for Migraines and Headaches
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What is Migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense headaches that often come with some additional symptoms, like sensitivity to light and sound or nausea. Headaches and migraines are not the same. In short, all migraines are headaches, but not all headaches are migraines. Migraines involve changes in brain activity that affect nerve communication, blood flow, and brain chemicals like serotonin. These changes contribute to the pain and other sensations associated with a migraine attack.
Migraines can vary greatly in duration and intensity, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days, or even weeks, in rare cases. According to the NIH, 1.1 billion migraine attacks have been estimated as for 2019 worldwide, but the real number is likely much higher. Effective management usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, preventive measures, and medical treatments.
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Types of Migraines
Migraines come in different forms and shapes, each with its own unique triggers. Understanding the types can help you find a more effective treatment. Here are the main types:
1
Migraine Without Aura
The most common type, characterized by intense headache pain without any warning signs. Symptoms may include nausea, light sensitivity, and throbbing pain on one side of the head.
2
Migraine With Aura
Includes warning symptoms before the headache, likes visual disturbances (flashing lights or blind spots), sensory changes, or difficulty speaking.
3
Chronic Migraine
Occurs 15 or more days per month, with at least 8 days involving migraine-specific symptoms. Often linked to long-term triggers or ineffective management.
4
Vestibular Migraine
Associated with dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, with or without headache pain.
5
Hemiplegic Migraine
A rare form that includes temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. It looks like a stroke along with other migraine symptoms.
6
Menstrual Migraine
Triggered by hormonal changes, typically occurring around menstruation.
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What Causes Migraines?
- Migraines are caused by complex changes in brain activity that affect nerve signals, blood flow, and brain chemicals like serotonin. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood just yet, certain factors are known to trigger migraines. These include hormonal changes, like sudden fluctuations in estrogen levels, stress, irregular sleep patterns, and dietary factors like skipping meals or consuming certain foods and beverages (e.g., caffeine or alcohol).
- Genetics also play a role, as migraines often run in families. Environmental factors, like bright lights, strong smells, or weather changes, can also be triggers. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers, along with appropriate medical care, can help manage the frequency and severity of migraines. In many cases migraines are triggered by a few different factors rather than just a single one.
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Common Signs and Symptoms of a Migraine
Migraines are usually more than just a severe headache, some of which can severely affect your daily life. Recognizing the symptoms can be the first step to proper treatment. Here are some of the most common migraine symptoms:
- Throbbing or Pulsating Head Pain. Typically on one side of the head but can spread to both sides.
- Sensitivity to Light and Sound. Bright lights and loud noises can make you feel even worse.
- Nausea or Vomiting. Sometimes you might feel so “bad” that you feel nauseous or even vomit.
- Aura. Visual disturbances, like flashing lights or blind spots, that may precede the headache.
- Fatigue and Weakness. Often experienced during or after an episode, leaving you feeling drained.
- Neck Stiffness or Pain. Can occur before or during the headache phase.
- Cognitive Issues. Difficulty concentrating or speaking clearly during a migraine episode.
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Benefits of Acupuncture for Migraines and Headaches
Acupuncture for headaches is a natural and effective way to manage migraines and headaches. Acupuncture can offer both immediate relief and long-term results. It provides benefits that extend beyond just simple symptom management. Here are some of the most notable benefits:
Pain Reduction
Stimulates the release of natural painkillers (mostly endorphins), helping to ease migraine and headache pain.
Less Attacks
Regular head acupuncture sessions can reduce the number and severity of migraine episodes over time.
Stress Management
Deep relaxation and less muscle tension means less stress, which can contribute to migraines.
Better Circulation
Improves blood flow to the head and neck, which can lower tension and inflammation.
Fewer Side Effects
Unlike medications or more invasive procedures, acupuncture has way less side effects.
Better Sleep
Acupuncture for headaches and migraines addresses tension and discomfort, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested.
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How Acupuncture Can Relieve Migraines and Headaches?
Acupuncture can effectively address migraines and headaches by targeting specific acupuncture points for migraines to address pain and underlying triggers. Acupuncture points for headaches improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and calm down the nervous system, which can both ease the intensity and frequency of migraine episodes.
Migraine acupuncture works by stimulating the release of endorphins and other natural painkillers in the body, reducing the reliance on medications, which usually come with numerous side-effects. Acupuncture for headaches also helps ease tensed muscles which usually contribute to pain.
But consistency is very important. Consistent acupuncture for migraines can provide long-term results by addressing the root causes and preventing future episodes. But if you need consistent results, you need consistent acupuncture for migraines sessions.
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Acupuncture for Migraine and Headache Relief at Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL
- At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, we pride ourselves in providing acupuncture for migraine and headache relief as part of our integrative health care. Our expert acupuncturists combine ancient Chinese medicine for migraines practices with modern knowledge to deliver high quality treatment. For even better results, we can combine acupuncture for migraines with chiropractic care.
- Acupuncture therapy for headaches targets pressure points to reduce pain, improve blood circulation, and balance hormones, which all are linked to migraines and headaches. By addressing underlying causes we aim to provide long-lasting results in a holistic and natural way.
- If you want to find lasting migraine and headaches relief, contact us today to see how our holistic therapies can help you feel your best!
About results
Reviews About Acupuncture for Migraines
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 Migraines
Does acupuncture help migraines?
Yes, acupuncture for migraines and headaches can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. It works by improving blood flow, releasing tension, and balancing energy, helping to prevent and alleviate pain. Many patients report significant relief with regular treatments.
How often should I get acupuncture for migraines and headaches?
At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, we typically recommend starting with one to two acupuncture sessions per week for migraines and headaches, especially during the first few weeks. As your symptoms improve, the frequency may decrease to once a month or as needed for maintenance. The exact schedule depends on individual needs and response to treatment.
Acupuncture for migraines where do the needles go?
At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, acupuncture for migraines typically involves placing needles in specific points on the head, neck, and sometimes the arms or legs. These points are chosen to relieve pain, reduce tension, and restore balance in the body. The exact locations depend on your individual symptoms and areas of discomfort.
Can I combine acupuncture with my current headache or migraine medications?
Yes, acupuncture can be combined with your current headache or migraine medications. It may help reduce symptoms and improve overall treatment outcomes. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.
How long does it take to see results from acupuncture for migraines and headaches?
At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, many patients begin to notice improvements within 3 to 5 acupuncture sessions for migraines and headaches. For long-term relief, regular treatments over a few weeks are typically recommended.
Does insurance typically cover acupuncture treatments for migraines and headaches?
At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, insurance coverage for acupuncture treatments for migraines and headaches varies. Many plans cover acupuncture, but it’s best to check with your provider to confirm coverage and any requirements. We can assist with verifying your insurance benefits.
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