Needle Time

As I began researching different ways to help with infertility I read a few articles about acupuncture, but I dismissed it because that just sounded crazy.  Then a good friend suggested it, after it helped a friend of hers. So I talked to the Dr. about it and she said that they’ve seen good results with it and it couldn’t hurt anything. So what the hell, let’s try it!

Acupuncture is safe and mostly pain-free. In treatment, they will insert 10 to 25 needles and leave them for about 30 minutes depending on the condition and the treatment required. I’ve read that most individuals feel a sense of deep relaxation; some may even feel refreshed and have prompt relief from symptoms after the treatment. I always feel relaxed when I leave. You aren’t supposed to stress your body after leaving, but that’s easier said than done. Those people must not drive in St. Louis or must not me a housewife.

I started my search on the internet and came across several licensed acupuncturist in the area.  I made several calls to talk with them and get a feel for who they were and if I liked them. I mean I’m going to let them stick me with needles, they better at least be nice. After talking with several different people I decided on Maureen Fox. She is a licensed acupuncturist who was also a registered nurse for over 25 years. I just felt like she seemed to understand my concerns and knows both eastern and western medicine.

The Cloud & one of the origami mobiles 

At my first visit we discussed everything; both past and present medical history and even other concerns besides my infertility. Then it was time to get on the table. It’s very similar to a massage table; I refer to it as the cloud. She places needles in different areas of the body for different reasons. Some points on the body tend to be slightly painful, while others you don’t feel at all. 

Some points in my ankle and some points in my thumb

Some points in my abdomen (normally people have this picture but with a beach in the background... not this girl LOL)

Some point in my ear (this is my favorite - she calls it the Super Shot of Relaxation and its amazing!!!!)

My 3rd eye

She recently also asked that I start using Moxa (or Mugwort). The ‘moxa stick’ is the most common form in which moxibustion is used to promote healing. The dried mugwort is rolled up tightly and wrapped in paper forming a cigar-like stick. The moxa stick can be held in one place, rotated in circles, or ‘pecked’ in a motion similar to a sparrow pecking at food over the area of an acupuncture point. The moxa stick is held approximately a half inch from the skin, although this may vary from patient to patient. The moxa stick is primarily used to treat a deficiency of ‘yang’ energy in the body. It is yang energy that governs movement and warmth, and a deficiency of yang results in cold symptoms. The patient may feel cold, or may complain of cold hands and feet.

I was told to hold it just above the ankle

 Question: How can Acupuncture support healthy fertility?
Answer: Acupuncture enhances circulation of blood in the pelvis, relaxes the cervix and uterus, regulates the menstrual cycle and can even dissolve small fibroids, when combined with Chinese herbal therapy. Acupuncture is also helpful in regulating hormone levels- especially low progesterone, and treating PCOS. Acupuncture is also excellent at treating stress and anxiety, which often occur with a diagnosis of infertility.

Question: Can acupuncture be complimentary treatment for medical fertility treatments?

Answer: Absolutely. In fact, fertility MD’s often recommend acupuncture treatments while a patient is undergoing IVF, as acupuncture has been clinically found to enhance success rate of IVF from 40-60%!

Question: Who is a good candidate for acupuncture specific to fertility?

Answer: I have worked successfully with patients who have a diagnosis of poor pelvic blood flow, blocked fallopian tubes, PCOS and luteal phase defect. Often, there is not a definite western medical diagnosis for the infertility, but Chinese medicine can uncover more subtle imbalances that are at the root of a patient’s infertility.(http://providencecommunityacupuncture.com/about/faq/)

Here are a few issues that acupunture has been known to help with, but is not a complete list:

·                    Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)

·                    Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)

·                    Headache

·                    Hypertension, essential

·                    Low back pain

·                    Nausea and vomiting

·                    Neck pain

·                    Rheumatoid arthritis

·                    Acne vulgaris

·                    Alcohol dependence and detoxification

·                    Bell’s palsy

·                    Bronchial asthma

·                    Earache

·                    Female infertility

·                    Insomnia

·                    Obesity

·                    Tobacco dependence

I’ve been going for about 2 months now and I’m not sure if it’s helping anything with my issues, but I can tell you it truly helps relief my stress. I never feel as relaxed when I’m there, anywhere else. I would recommend it, as I love it!

Praying for Baby B!

Jacki