Acupuncture, TCM, and herbs

KLake42

I know that some of you have tried acupuncture, but has anyone here had a TCM practitioner prescribe herbs for you while TTC?

I'd be skeptical, but my RE (and all the REs at her practice) endorse this guy, and approve of his herbs.  In part, it's because they know where he sources the herbs locally.  But my RE also told me that every patient she's had who has also seen him has gotten pregnant.  So the endorsement is good enough for me.

I've had three acupuncture treatments so far, and started the herbs yesterday.  They are disgusting (and I have a high tolerance for strange flavors).  But... I don't know if this is just a coincidence or not, but I ovulated naturally after two acupuncture treatments, and my temps so far have been beautiful (they'd been sort of sawtooth in the luteal phase previously).  I also observed EWCM for the second time ever (and I've been looking for it).  Last month, I found it once.  This time, it went on for two days, in abundance!!!  Maybe I'm not all dried up and dusty inside.

Really, maybe this is all a coincidence, but I'm persuaded to keep trying.  I'm just curious-- anyone else here try to drink this swill?  Does honey help?  Or maybe hot sauce?

Tomerine

I haven't tried it, but it all sound promising! Can't wait to hear more about how things go! I love acupuncture. Thinking about going back. Good luck and keep us posted!

emsmama15

I love acupuncture, I think I've said that before. I took some herbs a couple cycles ago but it was a tablet form. They tasted gross but it was short lived.

BulgariHeart

I am in awe of acupuncture and TCM! I've had three sessions so far and started the herbs right away. We addressing my sluggish circulation, painful and heavy periods and a somewhat short LP. My last period has been surprisingly milder and shorter, so I'm happy! The first two times she also applied Moxa (sp?) to warm up the body and conception channel. I find myself looking forward to my next appointment every week.

BulgariHeart

Oh, to answer your question.... My drops taste pretty awful but I don't mind them. I have to drop them underneath the tongue, although my doctor said that in case I couldn't handle them they could be diluted in some water.
Which ones do you have? I have two formulas, the one to help the circulation/period contains Si Ni San and Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.

KLake42

My acupuncturist cooks the herbs himself (from leaf and twig form), and saves the fluid in vacuum-sealed pouches.  I have a big grocery bag full of pouches, and I drink one of them three times a day, after heating them up a little (to warm, not hot) in a mug.  It's about a half cup of fluid in a pouch.  I have one week's worth.

I don't know what herbs he uses-- I'm going to ask for a list next time.  I know they'll change based on my cycle day, though.

emsmama15

Holy cow!  He cooks them himself?  He's the real deal!!  I'd definitely ask what the heck they are though!

KLake42

Yeah, I think that's why my RE approves of him.  

My RE had a patient who went somewhere else, and used herbs imported from Vietnam that ended up being contaminated with lead.  The lead poisoning meant she had to wait 6 months to try to get pregnant.  So, my RE's really particular about the source of herbs.  My acupuncturist's herbs are all locally sourced.

KLake42

And wow, how hipster is that?  My acupuncturist's herbs are all locally sourced.  I am ridiculous!

Goldsgirl9

I had a few acupuncture sessions prior to conceiving but no herbs. I go back to my RE next week for results and will talk to him about it depending what the test results are. I'm also looking into the Maya abdominal massage. It has great reviews. Anyone try that yet?

Knottie16743552

My one girlfriend recommended this:
https://www.circlebloom.com

After years of IF she now has two beautiful girls. She swears by that, healthy eating, reiki, and accupuncture! Apparently there's even a yoga to get pregnant DVD she's going to lend me!

Knottie16743552

By the way - there's a free version on there! Not trying to get anyone to have to put out $!

BulgariHeart

Goldsgirl9 said:

I had a few acupuncture sessions prior to conceiving but no herbs. I go back to my RE next week for results and will talk to him about it depending what the test results are. I'm also looking into the Maya abdominal massage. It has great reviews. Anyone try that yet?

Not yet but I want to try it so bad! It is offered where I'm being treated, at the YinOva center, so perhaps in September I'll make an appointment. Although I'd prefer being knocked up by then

Goldsgirl9

@BulgariHeart that's great! I'm going to ask my RE on Thursday about it. I literally just found out about it this week!

rowennagal

I just downloaded the free fertility relaxation module from circlebloom. Hoping it can help with the stress! Thanks @Knottie16743552

jlo1019

No but now I'm completely intrigued. I need to look it up and read more into it. Thanks for the tip.

lookforitall

Asians have used oriental medicine for years. In Korea, it is common for women to take Chinese medicine (combination of herbs) for a few months before TTC as preconception care - even if there is no fertility issue. But you're right, it tastes nasty lol  

Women also take Chinese medicine and get acupuncture after birth for post-partum care.

I think even if it's not backed by science, it is definitely worth trying since they are all natural substances and literally doesn't hurt to try!