Saturday, May 23, 2009

On pins and needles

I have to tell you that my first visit to acupuncturist was everything that I thought it was going to be and nothing that I thought it was going to be. Yes, it was awkward. . . at first. Nope, it didn't hurt, though I was jumpy. I don't really know anything about Chinese Traditional Medicine, nor did I really want to learn a lot about my Chi. I was scared that I was going to get a bunch of mumbo jumbo about "releasing my inter spirit" or whatever. It didn't happen. I was pleased.

The guy made some comments that won my mind over to him and this process. He said that there wasn't anything that he could do about my blocked tubes. No hard sale on something I am positive is totally broken. He did say that he could increase the blood flow to the uterus. But that the drugs that I was about to take was going to control the entire process more than anything he could do. He said that it would take months/years to increase egg quality with acupuncture and herbs . The comment that he most impressed me with was that acupuncture can be used to relieve some of the side effects of the drugs that I am about to take. I hadn't thought about that but it made sense in my mind.

It made even more sense after my first session. After the initial awkwardness and a few giggles at the mental picture of myself laying on the table with about 30 needles from my neck to mid calves, I really began to relax. It was right up there with dental gas for me. I think I fell asleep at the end. My hands got cold. I wish that I had been brave enough to ring the bell and ask for cover. For anyone wondering (I know I was before I went), I removed all my clothes except bra and underwear, put on a paper gown, face down on a massage table, with a towel over my bum. The heat lamp on my feet was especially nice. Lights down low. Flute music playing in the background--yeah, I giggled over that too.

The first session included a long question and answer period. He looked at my tongue and felt my pulse. A trainee was with him, but he asked permission before inviting her into the room. The first visit for fertility cost $130 and lasted an hour. I have 3 more sessions scheduled over the next couple of weeks (at my request, no hard sale from him). The follow up visits are a bit cheaper at $70 each.

I was lethargic and slow moving when I left. The dreamy state continued through out the evening---though that might have had something to do with the chocolate martinis that I was drinking at a party later than evening, rather than the acupuncture. ;-) I am really looking forward to going back.

15 comments:

Once Upon A Time said...

I am right with you that I didn't really want to learn a lot about my Chi or the meridians, etc. I just wanted her to ask what she needed to know to effectively stick the needles in to get me pregnant! Interesting that you removed your clothes... I kept mine on but wore short sleeves and shorts- my knees were the only location with needles that would be typically covered. I liked the foot heat lamp too!

I was lethargic and out of it after I left as well- it reminded me of what it feels like after leaving a massage, but not quite the same level of relaxation.

Kristin said...

It sounds like you found a fabulous acupuncturist.

Mmmmmmm...chocolate martinis...delish!

~ICLW

Jennifer said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! It sounds like your experience was similar to mine. I hope it works for both of us!!

(ICLW)

theworms said...

I <3 acu, it is my me time and so relaxing. GL on your upcoming IVF cycle, I hope you get your BFP.

ICLW

Alana said...

What an awesome acupuncturist! Glad things are going well with your sessions. :)

*ICLW*

..al said...

Glad that the acupuncture session went so well! Also like the fact that your BIL is so caring and considerate. Good Luck for the IVF!

*ICLW*

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have found a wonderful acupuncturist. Best of luck to you in your upcoming cycle.

ICLW

Barefoot said...

Mmmm, acupuncture. I love it, and the wonderful dream state it leaves you in.

Good luck with your cycle!!

Beautiful Mess said...

I've never had acupuncture, although you really make me want to try it. As well as a chocolate martini. I usually like mine dirty, with an extra olive ;o) Good luck with your cycle!
*ICLW*

Fat Chick said...

Thanks for the post - I've been wondering what acupuncture would be like!

ICLW

Anonymous said...

I love that warm dreamlike feeling you get after an acupuncture appointment! And the nice thing is, the longer you do treatments, the longer that feeling lasts :)

Jaymee said...

it is wonderful that you found someone that you are comfortable with. best of luck with cycling.

ILCW

just me, dawn said...

I have never tried accupunture, but now am intrigued by your description....hmmm. thanks!
*ICLW*

Stefanie Wolfaardt said...

I'm so glad your accupuncture session worked out well. I also go, first just went for fertility reasons, then stopped because I thought while going to the clinic it wasn't needed, but my Dr said I needed to continue, which I now do. I started with a Chinese Herbalist, and he is great

~Stopping by for ICLW~

BB said...

I remember my first acupuncture experience... I had similar thoughts! And the dreamy state that I am it after it... keeps me yawning for a few hours after the session! Its funny!

Good luck with your journey!

~ICLW