Acupuncture or Reflexology

Dolly · Post by **Dolly** » Thu Sep 04, 2003 9:39 am

Hi there, I am considering having either acupuncture or reflexology before my next IVF attempt. I am not sure which one to try ... I am thinking reflexology - but mainly because I hate needles! I would really appreciate any opinions.... or even better still success stories. Thanks for your help. Dolly

Dawn Blake · Post by **Dawn Blake** » Thu Sep 04, 2003 10:24 am

Hi Dolly, Great idea! I personally had both, and loved each and every minute of both treatments, but if you have a phobia of needles acupuncuture probably isn't the best one for you, as you do have lots of needles put in, up to 20! But if you can overcome this then go for it. It could also be worth asking for acupressure, rather than acupuncture, it can still help and no needles! I was also given some chinese herbs (in tablet form) to take, these are supposed to help keep your liver and kidneys healthy, something they in China strongly believe is a major factor in infertility. Reflexology is my absolute favourite treatment, and I am extremely fortunate enough to have my mum as a therapist, so get it for free whenever I want! Research has shown that both have positive effects with IVF, and they are both relaxing, and I am all for that! Anything that is shown to decrease stress has got to be good, especially during something as traumatic as an IVF cycle. By the way, I am now 10 weeks pregnant following my 5th cycle, and I am sure they helped. Wishing you all the luck in the world! D x

Nikola · Post by **Nikola** » Thu Sep 04, 2003 3:36 pm

Dawn Did you have reflexology during tmt? I was told it was ok as long as the therapist didn't stimulate the ovaries, but I read on one of the other threads its not a good idea during tmt. I'm due to have my first 'go' on Saturday, but I'm 7 days into my injections - do you think this is ok??? What does your mum think?? After having a wee and then a bath straight after ET last time, I'm convinced my embies either went down the loo or the plug hole on day one, so I'm paranoid of doing anything 'wrong' this time! I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks nikola.xx

Catherine · Post by **Catherine** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 1:45 am

Though personally I would do both if the pocketbook allows, but if you are choosing one, I'd stick with Acupuncture. I too have a horrible needle phobia (it's been a real struggle with all my med injections), but I think the benefits of acupuncture are certainly worth it. I am nearing the end of my 2WW on my first cycle and don't know the results yet, but there was a big German study that showed it increased IVF success by almost 50%. You can do a search on the Internet and find a lot of mentions regarding the study and there is supposed to be a whole book on acupuncture and IVF coming out later this month. As for the needles, let your acupuncturist know that you don't like them, and they don't necessarily have to use as many. Usually points are done on the same point on both sides of the body, but knowing I was a needle-phobe my acupuncturist said that she could alternate sides and that the benefit would be virtually the same. I choose to have acupuncture 1/2 hour before ET (as the study suggested) and went to the acupuncturist that usually works with my RE (I live 2 hours away from my center, so I couldn't use the acupuncturist I usually go to). He only used 9 needles for his specific pre-ET proceedure. In his lobby he had an impressive baby board filled with photos and birth announcements. The most impressive part was that the photos only dated back to Feb 03. What ever you choose, good luck and I'll be thinking good thoughts for you!

Dawn Blake · Post by **Dawn Blake** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 6:05 am

All sounds good doesn't it?! Nikola - sorry to hear about your -ive, but don't beat yourself up about it and blame yourself, nothing you could have done would have made any difference, you have just got to try and maximise your chances, so don't have baths at all after ET until you have a +ive, and try not to go to the loo for a while as well - if you can lay down for 15 minutes (just to be on the safe side, all the better!). I also had acupucture the day of EC and the day of ET. My hospital also practiced it during the EC procedure, but I was under general so have no idea how many needles etc. With regards to reflex and IVF there are mixed opinions. My Mum didn't go mad on my ovaries through treatment, she was concentration more on my glands, adrenal etc and just a little stimulation around uterus, ovaries etc. A lot of the treatment was purely for relaxation too, and I have fallen asleep a number of times while she has been massaging, I also sleep exceptionally well that evening - which is all good! Have a look on the associate of reflexologists site for more professional advice, and to see if there is a practitioner near you (link below). http://www.aor.org.uk/index.asp Wishing you a +ive next time round, so take care! D x [Edited by Dawn Blake on 04-Sep-03 23:07]

Karen W · Post by **Karen W** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 8:31 am

Hi Dawn, I have had acupuncture previously, but my clinic said not to during treatment, purely because my clinic hasn't done any research in that area and I imagine it was a back covering exercise as I have also read the studies. My acupunturist won't do treatment during the down reg stage as she says that the acupuncture stimulates you and so goes against the down reg drugs. I had my first reflexology session yesterday. Some of it was quite painful as I had a lot of "blockages" (surprise surprise) around my ovaries and uterus. My solar plexus point was also painful and that governs stress etc!! Afterwards I was completely zonked. I had the treatment at 2.00pm and had to go to bed as soon as I got home!! I din't snap out of it at all yesterday, but I slept like a baby last night and feel very relaxed so will definately be going back. She says it is o.k to have treatement after embie transfer, but I think I will wait to see how I feel at the time. Good luck whatever you choose. Karen

Dolly · Post by **Dolly** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 12:36 pm

Hi there, thanks for your replies. I went on to the Association of Relflexologists website and found a woman who is in the same postal area as me. I spoke to her last night and she will come round to your house... so first appointment is on Monday. I am currently waiting for AF to arrive (the old bag is 7 days late!) before I can start again .. so hopefully the first thing she can do is help get my system back on track. Thanks for your help - I really appreciate it. Love Dolly

Nikola · Post by **Nikola** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 8:09 am

Hi Dawn Thanks for your advice. I'm going today at 1pm, so I'll see how it goes. I'm quite looking forward to it really. Dolly - hope AF turns up and you can try it too. We must compare notes!! love nikola.xx

Dawn Blake · Post by **Dawn Blake** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 9:40 am

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Let me know how you get on. D x

Dawn Blake · Post by **Dawn Blake** » Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:03 am

Brought this to the top so Lisa could find it!

clairey bugs · Post by **clairey bugs** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 8:33 pm

I have been very interested in reading about whether or not to try acupuncture/reflexology with regard to enhancing IVF success rates.I became aware of reflexology when a family member had cancer of the liver, every visitor was asked to massage her feet and press in a certain area on the right foot. I managed to study at college over the last three years reflexology/massage and aromatherapy, I was amazed at the outcome of some of my clients treatments. One of my case studies was having problems conceiving, and after six weeks of treatments it did not seem to have helped. I asked if I could come back around her next time of ovulation and after afew weeks it was good news! sadly the pregancy ended in a miscarriage at ten weeks. I do feel the emotional rollercoaster of all that IVF treatments involve is incredibly difficult for both partners, and anything that can ease the stresses is very rewarding. I have been a case study for students recently and after missing one reflexology treatment I was awake at 4am desperate to have my feet done! So what ever it may be, be it retail therapy,pampering yourself, a weekend away try to enjoy your journey and hopefully you will have something to cuddle at the end of it all. Most importantly - never give up hope!

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