Thoughts on Acupuncture and Reflexology

[MoonlightDreamer]

I'm interested to hear from anyone who has tried acupuncture or reflexology prior to or during ivf.

I'm currently awaiting to start the ivf process, possibly as soon as next cycle.

Did you feel acupuncture helped to achieve anything for you? Weather it be physical or mental.

I've read alot of articles online that suggest it can improve egg quality. What's your thoughts on that ?
Did it help to alleviate any stress?

I've been on ovulation induction medication for the past few months and a concern I've had is that one of the associated side effects is a reduced blood flow to the uterus. Acupuncture interests me as apparently it can improve blood flow.

Any thoughts you have at all would be appreciated.
Would like to know if you found it helpful or just a waste of money

I tried both.
Both were very relaxing, neither helped success wise in any of my (many) cycles. The one time I was successful was when I did absolutely nothing, apart from the usual zero alcohol and eating healthily.
Wishing you lots of luck on your fertility journey

I've not used it for IVF but I have used it to regulate cycles post-miscarriage (first time just reflexology, second time with acupuncture too). I find both very relaxing, and both people I go to are specifically focused around fertility in their relevant fields. The worst that happens is either you feel nice and relaxed (I feel so relaxed I actually fall asleep in reflexology sometimes!), you might get a placebo effect, or it might genuinely help. If you have the money available I'd say there's no harm in trying it out x

Reflexology is more than just a foot massage. I had it when I was struggling to conceive many years ago. It is deep pressure massage to all the reflex points on the feet which correspond to the different parts of the body e.g. there are reflex points for the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, pituitary gland ( to stimulate production of ocytocin leading up to labour), digestive system etc. It stimulates the nerve endings and is very relaxing but powerful. Wonderful pre pregnancy, during pregnancy and post pregnancy. I was so convinced of it's benefits and went on to re-train as a reflexologist and now offer one to one online guided reflexology for couples.
www.reflexology4women.co.uk