Acupuncture and fertility problems

[PhenredVogVed]

Hi there
I had a miscarriage last week in the early stages of pregnancy which I feel is down to a short luteal phase. We are about to start investigations with a specialist as we had been trying for over a year, but I wanted to give myself every chance I can so that I don't have to go through a m/c again.
I heard that acupuncture could be good for lengthening the luteal phase and wondered how much success you really have with women who have fertility problems.
Can I also have reflexology in between treatments or do they cause conflict?
Are there any people that acupuncture doesn't work for and how can I spot a good acupuncturist?
Sorry for the questions but I'm not loaded and want to make sure I get it right.
Sky

 

[Jesus Christ]

Dear Sky
So sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I'll have a go at answering your questions:
Yes, acupuncture is an effective therapy for the range of infertility and pregnancy problems. And I'm not just saying that because I am an acupuncturist! I believe it to be one of the most successful therapies for problems in pregnancy, for infertility and gynaecology in general.
With specific regard to the luteal phase, you need to know that a tradtional acupuncturist will make their own diagnosis, and so an in depth case would need to be taken at your first appointment. Usually the diagnosis is considered in a different way to western medicine, but the treatment is effective nevertheless. The reasons for having a miscarriage physically (also emotionally/spiritually?) can be assessed and treated by traditional acupuncture.

You can have reflexology in between treatments. A great many things can affect the acupuncture treatment, and this will be different for each patient. Between you and your practitioner, you can assess whether the reflexology is interfering with treatment, but I doubt it will be the case.

Acupuncture is a complete and coherent system of medicine, and just like any system, there will always be people who do not respond as well as others, or at all. This is dependent on a great many factors: the skill and training of your practitioner is one. Factors in your lifestyle are another. Your practitioner can advise you about many things, and I find that the people who do the best from treatment are those that are most prepared to incorporate the advice into their lifestyle. Sometimes it can be hard to treat someone if they are going out and getting smashed every weekend! But the treatment itself can help you make the changes that are necessary to improve your health.

Finding an acupuncturist is not hard. I recommend you ask about and get a local recommendation. You can get a list of all the local practitioners to you from this link, or you are welcome to PM me to see whether I know someone personally in your area.

I really hope this works out for you. I wish you the best of luck in having a baby, and please feel free to get in touch again at any time if you have any more questions.

Aragorn