Acupuncture questions???

Faith722

I apologize b/c I know this has been asked a million times, but I can't seem to find the old posts.

I'm going in for my first meeting with an acupuncturist.  Anyone have any tips?  This is my first experience with anything non-Western medicine and I guess I'm a little nervous, mostly b/c I don't want to say or do something stupid and offend her.

Do they usually recommend herbs in addition to acupuncture?  The added cost of this concerns me a little since we're already stretching to pay for everything OOP.  But I feel like if I refuse herbs recommended then that would be like going to an MD and not taking your prescription.  Does that make sense?

Also, sorry for the dumb question, but what do you wear?  Are you dressed during the treatment?  Do they give you a robe or something?

TIA

JackieMac824

Acupuncture is wonderful - my acupunctist suggested different things I could take to help but I do not always get the things she tells me to get - they ask alot of questions at the first appointment so be prepared - they just need to get a history and a background - I hope it helps - I love acupuncture and it has helped me so much - to me it is worth the cost if you can afford it.  Good luck.

orange1414

I went to an accupuncturist who specializes in IF. They recommended some dietary changes (no glutten, dairy or sugar) but did not recommend any supplements, so no additional cost there.

I wore my own clothes. Most of my needles were in my legs and feet, so I just wore pants that were loose enough to roll up above the knee. Just be comfortable, as most of the appointment is just you laying down, relaxing, with the needles in.

My practitioner was a very white, young American man, so I didn't have any particular cultural concerns about giving offense. He walked me through everything and I didn't really need to ask any questions.

I hope you enjoy it!

Bella2u07

Here are a few recent threads about Acupuncture;

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/52426612.aspx

and

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/52450944.aspx

Edit:  As far as herbs, don't let them pressure you into buying them (I don't buy them), being OOP for Acu appts & IVF is enough for me...I don't need the extra expense of herbs.  Most Acu's rec a dietary change, that is "free" so I can handle that.

Good luck!!!!

Faith722

Thanks everyone!

And thanks for the links, Bella!

Bella2u07

Faith722:

Thanks everyone!

And thanks for the links, Bella!

You are very welcome!!!  

Nature Lover

mine offers a different set of herbs every time I go.  I used to feel like I HAD to take them but now jsut take what makes sense to me (which willprobably be nothing for you since you are new to this).  Also keep in mind that many REs don['t really want you starting any herbs because of the unknown affects to your cycle and interatctions iwth fertility meds.  Most of all jstu relax.  Whatever question you might ask that you might think is stupid they ahve probably already ehard before!

abbe19

Do not feel pressure to take any herbs they suggest. If they push then it defeats the purpose of the acu because it is supposed to be relaxing and help with stress. My acu offered them initially but I was doing IVF at the time so I declined so it didn't clash with my meds. Now that I am taking a treatment break, I have decided to give them a whirl to see if they make a difference. Dress comfortably. If you have dress clothes on or tight pants they may make you put on a gown so they can access your legs freely. Good luck!!

Mandy_Lou83

Thanks for posting this! I need to set up an appointment for my first visit and some of the questions I had were answered.