Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine - Any experience?

[Cantbelieveimdoingthisagain]

Hi ladies,

I am currently on Day 49 of cycle and still havent ovulated. This is normal to my cycle and can sometimes be up to 90 days.

My GP advised me that she has lots of positive feedback about acupuncture so I have booked a consultation with my local chinese medicine practioner. He advises that they may treat with acupuncture but would look at other options too. Just wondered if there was anyone with any experience they could offer me?

Thank you in advance all :)

I would add that my therapist has always encouraged me to have the 'standard' western medicine tests and had been interested in the results. She seems to treat on a whole system basis rather than 'just' specific fertility points. For example, at my last session she found that my liver points were not right and worked on them for a while. I find it quite fascinating - she will press my abdomen and suddenly find a point that is really painful. She will then put a needle somewhere in my foot or lower leg, and the discomfort in my abdomen will vanish! I had a headache when I went to one of the sessions so she treated that as well and by about half way through the session it was completely gone.

Really positive for you then thistle and that is definitely more than just coincidence.

My lady checks pulse and looks at my tongue, but doesn't press or feel anywhere else.

I don't get that spaced out feeling either, so bit worried it's not having desired effect.

I shall persevere though!

allchat maybe you could ask for a more comfortable position it something? I'm sure they will be accommodating, I hope it gets easier for you! Do you have a red lamp above you? I have a warm lamp over me.

Oh I'm sorry it didn't work for you newleaf hopefully I will have a positive story for you soon and will encourage you to try again! I'm dreading herbs

I had acupuncture after 4 mc with all nhs tests coming back normal (I should say that the conceiving part wasn't an issue for us but obviously staying pregnant was so I don't have experience with acupuncture purely for ttc) and I can't recommend it enough.

My cycles were quite long with late ovulation around cd23 which she said could affect egg quality. After starting acupuncture this reduced to cd19, cd17 and cd15. We had other tests privately during this time (no issues) and tried on the cd15 cycle and fell pregnant with our now 6 week old DS. I continued acupuncture through the pregnancy and I don't believe he'd be here without it.

Sorry that turned in to an essay but just wanted to share my experience and wish you luck.

Sorry thistle, I didn't see your post until just then. That sounds like acupuncture is definitely working for you... And luckily for me also, my treatment and acupuncturist sounds very much like yours. (except male) It will be 5 days if my period starts tomorrow. No spotting yet but I've got a bit of back ache and cramping this evening so I have my fx!

I know what you mean about the spaced out but I like the feeling. Very relaxed and content!

Might help if she can get you more relaxed allchat - just easier said than done isn't it!!

That's a fantastic result murphy congratulations on ds! So lovely!

After years of not thinking treatments like this have any substance, I'm changing my sceptical ways!

Can I ask, are you continuing with acupuncture? Or do you think you will see if pregnancy and childbirth will have regulated your cycle?

I don't think I'll go back as I plan to go back on the pill so cycle will be dictated by that and we're not planning on any more DC given the struggle we had with him and the issues towards end of pregnancy. However, if we change our minds in future I'd definitely go back.

I'm the same! I'm an accountant and have a typical sceptical accountant brain about these things but I've been converted! This time last year was my lowest point after another mc and I started it just to try something different and can't believe a year on we finally have our little miracle.

The acupuncturist I went to specialised in fertility which I think made a difference and she couldn't do enough for her clients. I was also meant to have sessions at end of pregnancy to help with labour but I was induced early due to preeclampsia so never got to that stage!

If there's anything you want to ask about it please feel free

That is fair enough, however I do hope that you will change your mind :) I had dd and swore blind I would never have any more.. Not related to pregnancy/labour issues. It I was ADAMANT! 10 years down the line and I never thought I'd be having these desires (or troubles at that!)

Haha, I completely agree and understand! So pleased for you!!

Thank you, I will have to be in touch and thank you for the offer!

I'm pretty relaxed can'tbelieve, but I just don't want to push the needles in further! Last week they kind of went on the inside of my ankle.

Great to hear other stories.

Hope it does bloody work because it costs an arm and a leg!

Tell me about it! I have paid £450 for 12 sessions over 12 weeks with a 3 month supply of Chinese herbs. And I guess this would be quite cheap up against London prices..

Don't fancy one in the ankle - ouchie!

Not sure if anyone is still following this thread but thistle & murphy you are absolutely right! 6 days since my acupuncture & AF is well and truly here!! Have been in agony all night with stomach cramps like I've never had before and back ache which is normal to me! Ever heard of a woman ttc who is thrilled to have AF?! Haha. Time to start the soy isoflavones today and get me my little jelly bean! Fx!
Hope your all doing well

That's great news! So pleased it's working for you and now good luck with the rest of the journey

Thanks murphy

Hope you are enjoying DS & not been to harsh with the sleepless nights etc!

I'm still here! That is great news. Hope it's not long now for your little jelly bean!

Hey allchat thank you!
What's the news with you? Do you know when you'll be starting fet?

I'm fine thanks cantbelieve
I don't know when I exactly ovulated (because I don't temp), but I'm expecting period next Monday so I think I'll do it that cycle. Bit nervous that my AF will go a bit squiffy as I've often read it does and I'm doing natural so I need my body to play safe and not silly beggars!

let's hope this is the start of shorter, more regular cycles for you that you can track and voila! baby time!

Hooray! Glad it's doing something for you, here's hoping to actually conceiving now

Oh I have my fx crossed for you allchat Hopefully the acupuncture will keep AF in good nick and help with that!

Thank you owl it will be nice to be able to try properly. Here goes nothing!

ta.
Remember to come back to this thread with any other news…be good to know if it keeps you regular and when you get your bfp x

He's being good but lack of sleep is tough, I've always been a solid 8/9 hour sleeper but not anymore! First night out tomorrow so DH will have all the night feeds looking forward to a good sleep so much I'll probably not stay out late!

Thought you'd like an update... Got bfp this morning at 11dpo! This was second cycle with acupuncture (I had it fortnightly, so about 6 sessions in total). I'm going to keep going till 12 weeks though, as I had a miscarriage in April this year, and evidence points towards there being a slightly smaller risk of miscarriage for people that have had acupuncture (and that it's so darn relaxing I need a reason to keep going)

I certainly will allchat you too! BFP's for Christmas!

Have fun murphy try to relax and let your hair down!

Wow owl that's AMAZING news!! Congratulations!!! So happy for you & this positivity is awesome!! Wishing you an uneventful and relaxed 9 months. Keep in touch and let me know how the acupuncture goes through pregnancy!

Thanks, will definitely keep you updated, next session is Monday afternoon

owl - fingers crossed for you. Let's hope acupuncture really helps you get to the 12 week milepost. good luck. x

Jesus wept. I'm pregnant!!!! Just did a test. Now if that isn't a coincidence after a failed ivf cycle, I'm not sure what is!
I was not expecting that result in a million years. Over the moon, doesn't even come close.