Accupuncture/reflexology - advice please

[Lol78]

I was wondering how many people have tried reflexology or accupuncture when TTC.

Is there any evidence for either helping? I guess reflexology may help stress levels if nothing else

 

[muncho]

hi, im about to start soon. I read that having acupuncture can help more blood to go to the womb and making it better to concieve, if you read the zita west website , she explains why..

www.zitawest.com

hope that helps..

 

[shalagirl]

Hi Lol78 - I had 12 reflexology sessions from Jan 09 to June 09. I very much enjoyed each hour session having my feet rubbed, lying listening to mood music & the lovely smell of the oil used on my feet. The lady who preformed the reflexology for me was lovely and we would chat about my ttc situation. We also talked a lot about learning to relax and how its something you actually need to teach your body to let itself do. She helped me examine how I take time to relax and things in my life that prohibit relaxation and cause me stress.

I actually felt I got more from talking things throught with the reflexologists herself than from the treatment. I began look at things in my life to see what I could change in order to alter my stress levels. For example I would consciously plan time at the weekend to sit down and read a book. If I have any spare time at all I clean ( a trait I have inherited from my mum) and I have really tired to either share the cleaning with my DH and ask myself does this really needed cleaned right now.

In June 09 I got my BFP and I stopped reflexology. I am not sure how much it contributed to the BFP to be honest.

Anyway I miscarried at 11 weeks and how I have started acupuncture (I have had 2 sessions so far - my 3rd is later this week). The acupuncture for me is less relaxing. At my session the needles are applied and then I just lie there for 30 minutes or so. Really I have just chatted with the acupuncturist while resting. I am prepared to give accupuncture as much as a try as reflexology.

After a suggestion from the acupuncturist I ordered Zita West's pre-conception relaxation cd (it's on the website about £14) and have found it very good. It ties in alittle with the acupunture highlighting parts of the body connected with acupunture points.

As I have only started the acupunture I don't know what I would recommend. Reflexology is definitely relaxing while it is being carried out but just from reading things here and there acupunture may be able to do more for your body (and mind) in reaching that BFP.

Even with acupuncture around ovulation time I don't think my luck is in this month due to poor timed / lack of BDing but who knows - my fingers are still crossed. If you can afford it give one of them a go. For me having the reflexology / acupuncture helps me feel like I am doing my upmost to get that bfp. Let us know what you decide to go for and how you get on. Best wishes.

 

[Lol78]

Thanks ladies for your responses, they are very helpful.
How do you find Zita Wests book? Is it helpful? I have been told it's a bit severe and makes you feel all the time like you are failing because you can't follow the strict diets, etc. But is it useful for other things?
I think I prefer the idea of reflexology and perhaps that is what I need because I'm so stressed about the whole TTC thing right now - I feel like I think of nothing else.

But acupuncture seems somehow a bit more scientific!! Probably stupid thing to say, but I guess if you are going to stick a load of needles in you, you probably want to know it's going to do some good!

Shalagirl, having tried both, which would you recommend? Why did you stop reflexology and try accupunture?

 

[Lou32]

Hi there, I just want to say that I'd definitely recommend acupuncture, but I've never tried reflexology. I got the Zita West book - How to get pregnant - when I first started TTC and to be honest just skim read some of it. 16 cycles down the line and I now really wish I'd read it properly as she has a lot of good advice. Tbh I haven't really paid much attention to the diet advice, although we eat healthily, but the rest is useful.
My acupuncturist is part of the Zita West network (look on her website and you'll find them around the country).
I've been going every week for about 2 months and absolutely love it. I just wish I could afford to continue every week! She has increased my cycle length by a couple of days already (it was about 24 days before) and I feel so much better and relaxed. There are certain points she uses to relax you and it makes such a difference.
Like Shalagirl said about her reflexology, I also feel much better for having someone to chat to about things as she's lovely and she's treated so many other women in a similar situation to me. She's also helped women reduce their FSH levels and reduce their cycles, although she's honest and says she can't work miracles and it doesn't work for everyone. We're heading for ivf and I'll definitely be going to her throughout the whole treatment as it apparently increases your chances and I'll really need her to chill me out! I know what you mean about thinking about it constantly though, as I'm exactly the same! Can't remember what i used to think about before.
Good luck x

 

[Lol78]

I know what you mean about thinking about it constantly though, as I'm exactly the same! Can't remember what i used to think about before.
Good luck x

! That's how I feel too! I wish I knew how to stop it!

Thanks ladies, on your advice, I have just emailed an acupuncturist in the area who I found through Zita Wests webpage. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[harmonygirl72]

I tried acupunture. It was meant to help with my stress/anxiety and therefore hopefully help me get pregnant. She told me that I should notice a difference after 6 sessions at the most and since I didn't, I quit. I have heard of it being successful, though, so I hope it works for you! Good luck!

 

[subaru555]

I've just finished my 6th week.

I know the owner of the practice and have been getting the treatments for free. He has said to beware because it only works for 6 sessions - as that's when it hits it's peak. After that you should only get boosters i.e. 1 session, once a month.

I also had electrical stimulation to my points via small clips attached to the needles. I have also been given tablets for 1 evening after each session. But anyway..to the point. I have had severe dysmenorrhea and it has improved amazingly. I was on morphine for my periods! And last cycle I didn't need it! For the first time in 2 years.

 

[Farie]

I had about 3-4 months of reflexology ... very good for stress and relaxing etc but I'm still not up the duff, so the juries still out on whether its actually successful for conceiving!

 

[peekaboo]

Hi, I've been having reflexology for a few months, but still no BFP! I do find it very relaxing though and really look forward to going each month. My reflexologist says that it works by making sure the energy in each area of the body is balanced. She said last month that she could feel no energy on one side of my uterus so worked on this area until it was balanced. Some people will think its a load of rubbish Im sure, while others probably swear by it. When I was thinking about whether to try reflexology or acupuncture I decided to go for the one I found most appealing. I didn't want to be disappointed if it didn't work and feel that I'd wasted my time and money. With reflexology I don't feel like that as I do enjoy going and to me I'm just treating it as an hour of pampering (just like going for a facial or manicure) and if it brings me my BFP in the process then that's a huge bonus!! Good luck x

 

[Wallie]

Well just yesterday I got in touch with a local woman who does accupuncture and I've set up a couple of appointments with her early in the new year. I'm really looking forward to it and to see if she can help me out a bit. I wish I knew of her before but I just couldn't find anyone local and I found her on the Zita West website too.

 

[shalagirl]

How do you find Zita Wests book? Is it helpful?

I borrowed the Zeta West book from the library as it is pricey to buy and found it too much to take in. There were useful parts but much of it you prob already know from ttc for a while.

But acupuncture seems somehow a bit more scientific!! Probably stupid thing to say, but I guess if you are going to stick a load of needles in you, you probably want to know it's going to do some good!

I agree with what your saying here and it makes me think acupunture must do for ttc than just stress relief.

Shalagirl, having tried both, which would you recommend? Why did you stop reflexology and try accupunture?

I stopped reflexology simply because I achieved by BFP. I don't think reflexology contributed to my BFP. At the time I had two appointments with a gynecologist and althought we hadn't started any treatments I think the fact I was recieving advice and help lifted the stress for me. My DH's SA was also queried by the gynecologist and the relief I felt at the time that not being able to concieve was not my fault was unbelievable. We were later told his SA was fine but I think that window of relief / help / advice was what helped my BFP more than anything.

After the miscarriage I just thought I had given reflexology a fair try and decided to opt for something different.

I totally agree with peekaboo how you can treat reflexology like an hour of pampering which I don't think you will get with acupunture. I think in my head I have more faith in acupunture helping achieve that bfp so I would opt for that. I am not totally convinced reflexology will play a big part in getting a bfp.

It seems to me reflexology and acupunture work along fairly similar lines in that they suggest weekly sessions for 2 or 3 weeks then cut back to fortnightly and then monthly. This is what I did for reflexology and the acupunturist has suggested the same.

Hope this is of some help in helping you decide. You do feel you want to get best value for your money with something that is going to benefit you. Let us know what you decide.

 

[peartree]

DH has been going to acupuncture and taking herbal supplements for just over two months now and he says that it's helping his stress if nothing else. We've asked for another SA to see if the change in diet that was recommended and the herbal stuff along with acupuncture will have boosted his count.

My first appointment is this Wed. The acupuncturist advised that I should also see her, as treatment for infertility should involve the couple. I have irregular cycles, but blood tests haven't come up with anything, so it'd be interesting to see if this will help regulate them a bit better.

Will report back with any results!

 

[lioness168]

I was having accupuncture and DH and I were having chinese herbs since about April this year. I started to see a Gynacologist in May. I had to stop the herbs in June prior to my laparoscopy as there is evidence that it does affect your blood. I noticed my blood in my cycles was a brighter red and fresher looking. I started the accupuncture back up during the IVF cycle as I heard it increases your chances of success. I achieved my bfp with my first IVF cycle, and FX my little bean/s stick .

As to whether it all helped towards the bfp....who really knows but it definately didn't do any harm. I do think it assists in your energy and blood circulation. Since we are investing so much into our dream, a few sessions of accupuncture can't hurt. Good luck

 

[Lol78]

Thanks everyone. I am starting acupuncture with a woman recommended on the website this Thursday. She sounds very nice from emails so I'm looking forward to it.

I will let you know how I find it.
congrats on your lioness!

Peartree, we'll be able to compare notes as we're both starting at the same time.

 

[muncho]

can i ask you all about your FSH levels, beacuse yesterday i found ou that even though the acu/reflex will reduce you fsh it will not make difference as its an artifical drop as nothing can increase the number of eggs you have..
the amh test is the most accurate for IVF
can anyone help?

 

[Lol78]

Sorry muncho, I'm not sure I can help with that. I have no experience of what reflex/acu does yet. My FSH levels are below 5 so I think they are OK.

Have you discussed the implications with your doctor? I know you are worried that clinics won't treat with FSH above 10. And that anything you do to reduce FSH may just be artificial. From a really naive perspective, could you not try whatever you can to reduce FSH (and I have no idea how this is done - I'm sure you've looked into it) and then at the very least you may fall below the cut-off for clinics to treat and may get some help with it?

Sorry about your situation hun.

 

[Lou32]

Just wanted to add that as my acupuncturist is part of Zita West network, she gave me loads of ZW advice sheets and even a ZW relaxation CD (which is great and makes me fall asleep) and you get money off her products too (now I sound like I'm advertising for her, which I'm not, but just so impressed with her!). I didn't go out looking for someone who was in her network, she happens to be closest one to me, so coincidence really.

 

[jeanettekaren]

I booked and paid for 15 sessions of acupuncture and chinese herbs from my local Dr & Herb branch and after 11 sessions I am newly pregnant after trying for nearly three years. Might be a coincidence but I'm convinced

 

[peekaboo]

Wow, congratulations! Thats wonderful! Did you do anything else differently or just the acupuncture?