Who has tried acupuncture?

[preppy]

I know a few ladies here have tried this. I have my first appointment on Weds next week. I live close to the large acupuncture school outside Boston and they have a clinic their where last year students do treatments with liscensed providers for private sessions for 70 mins for only $40. I figure it's worth a shot.

Did people find it relaxing? Painful? Any tips?

[christy082]

I know a lot of people on the boards have done it for various reasons and had great experiences. I unfortunately did not have a great experience. It was relaxing, and placing the needles didn't really hurt at all (maybe a small pinch here or there). The first time I had it, it made my wrists ache. I left feeling like I had arthritic wrists afterwards. It took several hours for them to feel normal again, and the right one still bothered me some after that. After the next session, I had pain and swelling in my right wrist, so I stopped going. It took 6+ months for my wrist to feel back to normal.

I think I'm in the minority, though. Even googling, I really didn't find many stories of people having similar experiences. I think it's definitely worth it for you to try it out. And that price is awesome- mine was $100/session.

[krystee]

I do it and mostly like it. Some of the needles feel like nothing going in and others kind of hurt. But once in, I find it completely relaxing. It has not helped with pregnancy yet, but it's definitely helped with stress relief.

I do it for 30-50 minutes in a community acupuncture setting (I pay $20 a session). 70 minutes would be really long for me.

[preppy]

Jul 16, 2014 19:26:48 GMT -5 krystee said:

I do it and mostly like it. Some of the needles feel like nothing going in and others kind of hurt. But once in, I find it completely relaxing. It has not helped with pregnancy yet, but it's definitely helped with stress relief.

I do it for 30-50 minutes in a community acupuncture setting (I pay $20 a session). 70 minutes would be really long for me.

The 70 minutes includes the consultation and discussion before. I suspect it's longer so the student and teacher can collaborate on the plan. I don't think the needles are in the whole time:)

I am glad it's helped for stress relief, that would be a nice effect even if it doesn't help with fertility.

[kellsbelles]

Here's mine pandce.proboards.com/thread/307780/fertility-acupuncture-experience

I didn't care for it since it was a bit painful and uncomfortable and I also didn't see much difference in my cycleso I haven't gone back. But others have totally loved it so I hope it works for you

[preppy]

Jul 16, 2014 20:11:16 GMT -5 kellsbelles said:

Here's mine pandce.proboards.com/thread/307780/fertility-acupuncture-experience

I didn't care for it since it was a bit painful and uncomfortable and I also didn't see much difference in my cycleso I haven't gone back. But others have totally loved it so I hope it works for you

Thanks! I was looking for this post since I remembered you writing about it:)

[achi]

I've had acupuncture before, but it was because of a car accident. In that case 95% of it was painless, except for one spot where the muscles were seized pretty badly - it wasn't terribly painful but I definitely knew the needle was being put in.

[belle55]

I'm going to try it next cycle if I don't get a BFP. I am hoping it helps but am trying to stay realistic as there is no evidence it will. We'll see!

[cilantro]

I did it when TTC #1. Honestly, I think it was a waste of money, when I just should have started fertility testing.

Of course, as I hit cycle 5 TTC #2 without using clomid again, I'm doing other desperate things which are potentially a lot worse (supplements), so I totally get wanting to try it.

[miamigirl]

I've been wanting to try it. Still looking for a good facility near my area.

Let us know how it goes Preppy!

[sarahsas]

I have had it, but not for fertility.

I found it painful (some spots) and not relaxing at all.

I don't think I'd be able to stomach it for fertility issues

[belovedbride07]

I started acupuncture when I did my last Frozen Embryo Transfer cycle in May, and since the FET failed DH and I are both seeing her now, and will for the next 3-4 months to see what Chinese medicine can do for us.

We're going once every 1-2 weeks.  She leaves the needles in for about 45 minutes, but the actual time in the office is longer (1.5+ hours, often...but that's largely because we make end-of-the-day appointments and you know how doctor's offices get progressively behind schedule).  She also has put us both on a bunch of supplements (the usual stuff you read about for TTC), and custom herb mixes.

My body is still regulating after the failed cycle, but she says we should be able to correct my short luteal phases, and we'll see what it can do for DH's sperm count.

I think what you get out of it will largely depend on the acupuncturist.  With mine, I find it very relaxing and relatively painless, but I did not find that to be true when I saw a substitute acupuncturist when my regular one was out of town. Her needle insertions were painful, and I never felt as relaxed during sessions with her.

The only advice I have is to wear two-piece outfits (no dresses) as needles in the belly are a likelihood.