4 replies to this topic

[RFree83]

I am looking into my 3rd cycle and may or may not try acupuncture. I understand that it increases blood flow to the reproductive organs but I'm just not sure how that improves embryo quality or lowers FSH. It's pricey and finding a way to pay for it and the cycle fees seems pretty much impossible right now.

How does is truly help quality (which seems to be my problem)
What is the minimum you would have to do it to see a result?

[Fuelgirl]

Hi there,

Where are you in your journey?

Have you found an acupuncturist that is TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)? I find they are more in tune with pre and post IVF cycles, but I also use an english speaking TCM practitioner right now. Experience is key.

 

I just took the first of many acupuncture courses this past summer. The idea scientifically is that your body is stimulated in the exact points relative to where you are in your cycle or pregnancy, to maximize blood flow to uterus, ovaries and any other part that is needing more nutrients. The Chinese aspect of health believes Qi is moved to areas in need or excess, so the body as a whole, spirit too, is more calmer, struggles less to function thus improving the quality of our Qi. It's well worth the $50 fee for 45 minutes of pure relaxation, bliss and if you believe in it, can help you visualize light and energy filling your body. Its quite an experience, if you are open to it. Even 2-4 sessions will bring you into balance. I have done it twice weekly for 3 months to regulate my periods (heavy clotting, irregular cycle, cramping, severe migraines) to now once every week or so prior to this donor cycle, and then day before ET and day of ET, then again weekly to support my uterus, and Qi. 

Some people believe in it, others don't, but years and years of eastern belief system has to help in some way, but again, you need to trust and speak to your acupuncturist and make a plan. once you are comfortable with the needles going in, you will find you are more relaxed, feeling more settled and I find it really helps me stay calm throughout the time I am laying there, thinking of my body and how it serves me, being positive in all the appointments and waiting. 

I hope this helps you a little bit, but do your research and find a good one. Most people need 2-3 times to decide if its for them, but it is always doing something good!

[RFree83]

I have done it in the past in an effort to improve fertility and I did find I felt better but at the end of the month and I was broke, I no longer felt like it helped. $120 weekly adds up pretty fast.

Now that I have two failed IVFs due to embryo equality I'm trying to find something that will help.

[manders]

I have had a journey...read below. With my last cycle failing, I'm willing to do anything for a healthy positive pregnancy. So I did my research and am doing acupuncture this time around. I don't live te needles going in, but most of the time I can relax for the 45min while laying on the table. Although expensive and definitely adds up, perhaps it's worth a shot! Good luck.

[Dr. Brown FABORM]

Hi

 

I will give a very Coles notes version of this in the post here today.  For those who live in Vancouver area we do offer regular talks on all the natural approaches to optimize your fertility.   Acupuncture is just one of many options available to help with optimizing fertility. 

 

The goal is healthy baby

healthy baby = healthy egg + healthy sperm + healthy uterine environment

 

For the egg's part, it is beneficial to have a healthy ovarian environment during the 4 -12 month of the follicles recruitment.

 

I just saw a video by my colleague today on acupuncture's role in supporting you on your fertility journey.  See video below using Youtube link

 

At Acubalance we use a multifaceted and integrated approach.  Diet, lifestyle, naturopathy, functional medicine testing and treatment, acupuncture, supplements, stress reduction and herbs.

 

 

https://www.youtube....zgDkoxuEs#t=213