Acupuncture Demystified: Here's What to Expect When You Come to Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness

Are you considering acupuncture but are unsure of what to expect?  Let us walk you through a typical session at Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness. 

New Patient Consultation

Your journey with us begins with an initial consultation with Alyson Kramer, our licensed acupuncturist. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your health history, symptoms, concerns, and health goals. This information helps us create a treatment plan specifically designed to meet your unique needs.  Alyson will provide recommendations on the frequency of treatments, the modalities she'll use, and the associated costs. 

An initial consultation lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.  Most patients decide to move forward with their first treatment immediately following the consultation.  If you’ll be doing a consultation and treatment, you can plan on being here for about an hour on your first visit.  

Acupuncture Treatment in a Private Room

Our office features serene, private treatment rooms.  To begin you'll remove your shoes and socks and get comfortable on one of our fully-adjustable heated tables.  It’s best to wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing that will allow access to the area of the body being treated.  Alyson will explain the treatment before beginning. Then she will place thin, sterile needles at specific points on your body.   

Getting acupuncture feels different for everyone, but for many people, it's a relaxing and even enjoyable experience.  When the needles are inserted you might feel slight pressure or tingling, but it's usually brief and relatively mild.  Acupuncture needles are very thin and flexible, similar in width to a strand or two of hair; because of this they can be inserted very gently.   

After the needles are in place, you’ll rest on the table for about 20 to 25 minutes.  This time is yours to relax and recharge. Many of our patients find the experience deeply calming and use it as an opportunity to meditate or simply unwind from the stresses of the day.  Some even take a nap!  We encourage you to silence your phone and go screen-free during your treatment to maximize your relaxation. 

How Acupuncture Works 

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on your body.  These points are connected by pathways that create a flow of energy called Qi ( "chee").  According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Qi is the vital energy that flows through the body, supporting its functions and maintaining health. When Qi is balanced and flowing smoothly, the body is in a state of health. However, disruptions or imbalances in the flow of Qi can lead to illness or discomfort.  By inserting needles into these points, we can help restore the balance of Qi. 

From a Western perspective, acupuncture's effects on the body may be explained through various mechanisms, including:

1. Neurotransmitter release: Acupuncture can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, which can help reduce pain and promote feelings of well-being.

2. Blood flow: Acupuncture improves blood circulation in the body, which can help deliver nutrients and oxygen to tissues and remove waste products.

3. Modulation of the autonomic nervous system: Acupuncture can influence the balance between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

4. Anti-inflammatory effects: Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with many chronic health conditions.

Overall, the goal of balancing Qi through acupuncture is to support the body's natural healing processes and promote overall health and well-being.

Additional Therapies

While acupuncture is the cornerstone of our practice, Alyson is well-versed in a variety of supplemental modalities that can be used in conjunction with acupuncture treatments to further enhance progress for our patients.  We also offer electro-acupuncture, ATP Resonance Biotherapy™, O3 Reboot Therapy™, cupping and infrared sauna.   Additionally Alyson specializes in Chinese herbology and often incorporates herbal formulas into treatment plans.   

Treatment Frequency 

Consistency is very important when it comes to maximizing the results of acupuncture treatments. While some people may experience immediate relief after just one session, the effects of acupuncture are often cumulative and tend to build over time.  For this reason, more frequent treatments are often recommended in the beginning, followed by a maintenance plan once the desired results are achieved.  Factors such as the type of injury or medical condition being treated and the duration and severity of symptoms impact what a treatment schedule may look like.  

Open lines of communication are a key to success.  Sharing how you're feeling and the progress you're experiencing allows Alyson to adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure you're getting the most benefit from your acupuncture sessions.  Remember, acupuncture is a holistic therapy that takes into account your overall health and well-being; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.  

Live Your Best Life

Here at NEAW we take your concerns seriously and offer highly individualized care to each patient.  ​Many people find acupuncture as an alternative when other forms of therapy have not helped.  We specialize in hard to treat cases and help restore hope for those in need.  

Alyson bridges the gap when traditional interventions have failed.  Her attention to detail and 17 years of experience allow Alyson to really hear her patients, get to the source of their problems and bring about lasting relief.  Alyson has a special focus in the fields of women's health and pain management.  Her greatest inspiration is working in collaboration with her patients to help them achieve their full potential and live life to their fullest.

Give us a call to set up your consultation and explore how acupuncture can help you live your best life.