Business Focus

Clear Choice Acupuncture and Wellness

Postcards August 26, 2026

Ruth Fields
August 26, 2026
Tom Miller

Methods with many patient success stories…including the owner!

Alyson Bayer was nine years old when she experienced her first migraine. More headaches followed. Alyson’s family lived in The Woodlands, and her parents took her to many doctors in the Houston area. “I saw quite a few neurologists,” she says. She underwent MRIs and EEGs, and was prescribed pain medications that were available at the time. Unfortunately, the drugs gave Alyson only two choices: to endure “eye-watering pain” or to be “knocked out.”

After high school, Alyson attended the University of Texas at Austin before transferring to Texas Women’s University (TWU) in search of a smaller college experience. As she approached the completion of a degree in human biology, her migraines increased in frequency, often arriving every week or two. About that time, a confluence of events put acupuncture on Alyson’s radar: her sister began seeing an acupuncturist, their parents began exploring alternative medicine, and one of Alyson’s physiology professors lectured at length about the efficacy of acupuncture. Alyson remembers thinking, “I am going to try it.” While visiting friends in Austin, she sought treatment from a respected acupuncturist.

“It was life-changing,” Alyson says.

Although she had previously seen many healthcare professionals, acupuncture introduced her to a holistic approach unlike anything she had ever experienced. The acupuncturist helped Alyson pay attention to migraine triggers and prescribed Chinese herbs that Alyson still takes today (more than 20 years later). With continued acupuncture treatments, Alyson found considerable relief from the pain that had robbed her of many childhood activities. She was even able to discontinue taking migraine medications.

Alyson’s experience was so transformative, she began to consider acupuncture as a career, successfully applying for admission to the AOMA Integrative Medicine School in Austin to study acupuncture and Chinese medicine. After graduating from TWU, she earned a four-year master’s degree–and ultimately a two-year doctorate—from AOMA, amassing thousands of hours of practical training in acupuncture and herbal medicine.

A famous appendectomy

Acupuncture was practiced in China for nearly 3,000 years before other countries began to take note. When New York Times journalist James Reston was on assignment in China in 1971, he developed acute appendicitis and underwent an emergency appendectomy; he later reported that acupuncture successfully relieved his post-operative pain. His story caught the attention of then-President Nixon, and interest in the ancient art surged. In 1973, Nevada became the first state to legally recognize acupuncture; all other states eventually followed suit.

Alyson often told this story while working as the onboard acupuncturist for Crystal Cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, a job she took after graduation from AOMA. “I helped a lot of people and got to see a lot of the world,” she says. Alyson enjoyed the adventure, but after about a year, dry land beckoned. In 2012, she opened Clear Choice Acupuncture and Wellness in Conroe. In 2023, she moved her practice to Montgomery after relocating to the area. She was the first and remains the only licensed acupuncturist who practices in the growing town of Montgomery.

Alyson is pleased that she has been able to help so many people who suffer from migraines. She has also successfully treated numerous patients for many other conditions, including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and infertility in both men and women. Acupuncture, she says, can relieve many painful conditions, often alleviating the need for drugs, and sometimes even surgery. Alyson also has a passion to honor our nation’s veterans and has helped many who suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

Patients praise Alyson for listening and genuinely caring about them. “Alyson takes the time to get to know you and your symptoms and treat you holistically,” one patient says. “Alyson is a great and caring practitioner,” says another. Some patients specifically mention freedom from the stress of failed conventional treatments.

Patients often comment that Clear Choice Acupuncture offers a relaxing, tranquil atmosphere. While some patients opt for private rooms, others choose semi-private, lower cost treatments, while still enjoying a soothing ambience. Patients can also have peace of mind in knowing that Clear Choice Acupuncture uses only FDA-approved equipment.

Patients sometimes seek help through acupuncture in desperation, after other avenues have been unsuccessful. Although some patients are skeptical at first, Alyson says, many now report significant improvements in their health and well-being. “I see her often, and I walk out every time feeling so much better,” one patient says. “Alyson is very thorough and honest,” says another, noting that Clear Choice Acupuncture offers a complimentary initial consultation with no commitment. The patient reports that Alyson was clear about what to expect based on previous experience with others who have the same condition; she then outlined a realistic treatment plan.

Clear Choice Acupuncture also offers two innovative therapies: ATP Resonance BioTherapy® uses low-level electrical currents to relieve pain, while O3 ReBoot Therapy® detoxifies and heals by combining oxygen and gases naturally found in the earth’s atmosphere.

Blending old and new

Although none of her ancestors are Asian, Alyson has great respect for Chinese culture and enjoyed visiting China. She is passionate about acupuncture and the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine. “Chinese medicine is more holistic,” she says, noting that it concentrates on finding the cause of illnesses, rather than simply treating the symptoms. “It treats the roots rather than the branches,” she says. Chinese medicine also recognizes the body’s ability to heal itself.

Alyson uses an integrated approach, relying on western medicine when needed, and also recommends improved nutrition, lifestyle changes and herbal supplements. She partners with Standard Process, a trusted company that makes vitamin and herbal supplements from whole foods grown on a certified organic farm in Wisconsin. “It is the largest organic farmland in the U.S.,” Alyson says, “and probably the world.”

Alyson has been dedicated to the mastery of Chinese medicine for more than 20 years. Although she is already an accomplished practitioner, she hones her skills through continuing education. She is currently seeking certification in neuropuncture, a blending of traditional Chinese medicine and neuroscience. Neuropuncture treats many neurological conditions with a combination of acupuncture and mild electrical charges.

Alyson studies with Michael Corradino, who developed the protocol, and finds it interesting that he sees no conflict in the traditional and scientific explanations for the effectiveness of acupuncture. The traditional view is that good health depends on the smooth flow of life energy, and that small needles placed at specific points clear blockages of that energy. Meanwhile, the scientific view holds that inserting fine needles stimulates sensory nerves; endorphins are released, thereby reducing pain. Alyson explains that ancient Chinese people who first mastered acupuncture spoke with the language of their time and culture, not modern, scientific jargon. “If you went back 3,000 years, would you be able to communicate with them?” she asks.

Many loyal patients have conquered pain through Alyson’s integrated approach. Success stories abound, and one of them is Alyson herself. Today, thanks to acupuncture, avoiding triggers and focusing on nutrition, she rarely gets a migraine.

Clear Choice Acupuncture is located near the intersection of SH 105 and FM 149 in downtown Montgomery. For more information, visit clearchoiceacupuncture.com or call 936-703-5040.