Are you curious about acupuncture and what to expect during a session? Whether you’re preparing for your first treatment or simply exploring how acupuncture can support your health, Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness in Bedford, NH is here to support you.
Alyson Kramer, Licensed Acupuncturist and Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness founder, has over 17 years of experience and is Board Certified and State Licensed in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. She specializes in the fields of women's health and pain management. Alyson and her team are committed to helping each patient overcome obstacles and live life to the fullest.
Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you feel confident and comfortable before your visit.
How should I prepare for my treatment?
Preparing for your acupuncture session can help you get the most out of your treatment.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
Avoid coming to your session on an empty stomach, as acupuncture can sometimes cause lightheadedness if your blood sugar is low. However, we don’t recommend eating a heavy meal right before your appointment either. Aim for a light meal and plenty of water to hydrate before each acupuncture session.
Give yourself enough time to arrive at your appointment without feeling rushed. Stressing before treatment can make it harder for your body to fully relax.
Let Alyson know about any health concerns, medication changes, recent illnesses, or new symptoms. This will help her tailor the treatment to your needs.
What Should I Wear?
For your acupuncture treatment, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to arms and legs and any other areas of the body being treated. You’re welcome to bring a pair of shorts and/or tank top to change into before your session.
What Should I Do During Treatment?
Your acupuncture session is a time to rest, recharge, and allow your body to heal. Take deep breaths, meditate, or even drift off into a peaceful nap.
To maximize your relaxation, we encourage you to silence your phone and set aside any distractions. Give yourself permission to take a break from your to-do list and endless notifications—this is your time to focus on your well-being.
Can I Use Headphones During My Treatment?
We play soothing music and white noise in all our treatment rooms to enhance relaxation. However, if you prefer to listen to your own playlist or meditation track, you are welcome to use headphones or earbuds as long as they don’t interfere with the placement of acupuncture needles for your treatment. We recommend choosing something calming to enhance your experience.
What can I do after my treatment?
After your treatment you can resume your usual daily activities, such as driving, working, showering, etc. We do recommend that you continue to hydrate with extra water throughout the day after your acupuncture session to help maximize the benefits.
Can I Work Out After My Acupuncture Session?
To allow your body to fully integrate the benefits of acupuncture, we recommend sticking to gentle activities such as walking or yoga after your treatment. If you have a more intense workout planned, it’s best to complete it before your session rather than afterward.
What are the treatment rooms like?
All of our treatment rooms are private. While some acupuncture clinics offer a community setting with multiple patients receiving treatment in the same area, we provided individual rooms to maximize privacy and relaxation.
Each room is equipped with a fully adjustable, heated table, infrared heat lamp and white noise machine. We’ve got pillows, blankets and bolsters ready to make every treatment as comfortable as possible.
Is the office handicap accessible?
Yes. We have a ramp entrance patients can use, as well as a handicap accessible restroom and treatment rooms.
How Soon Will I Feel the Results?
The effects of acupuncture vary from person to person, depending on factors such as the condition being treated, the severity and duration of symptoms, and overall health. Some patients may notice improvements after their first session, but more often it will take several treatments to experience noticeable results.
During your consultation Alyson will discuss a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, including an estimated timeline for seeing improvement. Consistency is key to achieving the best outcomes with acupuncture.
How Often Will I Need to Come in for Treatment?
Treatment frequency depends on your condition and individual response to acupuncture. Your personalized treatment plan will be discussed during your initial consultation.
In most cases, 1 to 2 sessions per week are recommended at the beginning of treatment to jumpstart the healing process. As symptoms improve, treatments can be spaced out. Once optimal improvement is achieved, many patients benefit from a maintenance schedule, which may be as little as once or twice per month to prevent recurrence and maintain wellness.
How Long is Each Treatment?
Initial Consultation: This is a 20 minute appointment to meet with Alyson and discuss your health history, symptoms, concerns and goals. Alyson will answer all your questions and then make recommendations for an individualized treatment plan.
First Treatment (Following Consultation): Many patients opt to move into their first treatment immediately following their consultation. If you choose to do so, plan for about an hour in total for both the consultation and acupuncture session.
Return Visits: Patients are typically in the clinic for about 45 minutes.
What Are Acupuncture Needles Like?
The acupuncture needles used in our clinic are made of very fine, surgical-grade stainless steel. They come in sterile, single-use packaging to maintain high standards of hygiene and safety. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than hypodermic needles used for injections, often as fine as a couple strands of human hair, making them comfortable for patients.
Acupuncture needles do not contain medication or any other substances. They are designed to stimulate specific points on the body to promote natural healing. Acupuncture is a 100% drug-free treatment option.
What Does It Feel Like?
Most patients describe acupuncture as a calming and soothing experience. Some feel a slight tingling or warmth as needles are inserted, while others barely notice them at all. Many people enter a deep state of relaxation and even fall asleep during their session.
The best way to truly understand what acupuncture feels like is to try it for yourself!
Can Acupuncture Treat __________?
Most likely, yes! Acupuncture is a holistic practice that supports the body’s natural healing abilities. It is used to address a wide range of conditions, including:
✔ Fertility support, hormonal balance, pregnancy support
✔ Perimenopause symptoms
✔ Chronic pain (back pain, neck pain, arthritis, headaches, sciatica)
✔ Stress, anxiety, and insomnia
✔ Neuropathy and nerve pain
✔ Digestive concerns (IBS, bloating, nausea)
✔ Support during cancer care (reducing chemotherapy-induced symptoms)
✔ Allergies
And so much more! If there is a specific condition you are wondering about, feel free to give us a call to discuss it.
Because acupuncture focuses on treating the body as a whole rather than just individual symptoms, it is beneficial for a wide variety of conditions.
Experience the Benefits of Acupuncture
Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness is dedicated to helping you feel your best and supporting your health naturally. Whether you're seeking relief from a specific condition or looking to enhance your overall well-being, acupuncture can be a powerful tool for healing.
If you have questions, we're here to help—don't hesitate to reach out!
Ready to experience the benefits of acupuncture for yourself? Give us a call today to schedule your consultation or use our contact form and we will get in touch with you.
At Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness, we're committed to supporting you on your journey to better health!