I was wondering how many people have tried reflexology or accupuncture when TTC.

Is there any evidence for either helping? I guess reflexology may help stress levels if nothing else

hi, im about to start soon. I read that having acupuncture can help more blood to go to the womb and making it better to concieve, if you read the zita west website , she explains why..

www.zitawest.com

hope that helps..

Hi Lol78 - I had 12 reflexology sessions from Jan 09 to June 09. I very much enjoyed each hour session having my feet rubbed, lying listening to mood music & the lovely smell of the oil used on my feet. The lady who preformed the reflexology for me was lovely and we would chat about my ttc situation. We also talked a lot about learning to relax and how its something you actually need to teach your body to let itself do. She helped me examine how I take time to relax and things in my life that prohibit relaxation and cause me stress.

I actually felt I got more from talking things throught with the reflexologists herself than from the treatment. I began look at things in my life to see what I could change in order to alter my stress levels. For example I would consciously plan time at the weekend to sit down and read a book. If I have any spare time at all I clean ( a trait I have inherited from my mum) and I have really tired to either share the cleaning with my DH and ask myself does this really needed cleaned right now.

In June 09 I got my BFP and I stopped reflexology. I am not sure how much it contributed to the BFP to be honest.

Anyway I miscarried at 11 weeks and how I have started acupuncture (I have had 2 sessions so far - my 3rd is later this week). The acupuncture for me is less relaxing. At my session the needles are applied and then I just lie there for 30 minutes or so. Really I have just chatted with the acupuncturist while resting. I am prepared to give accupuncture as much as a try as reflexology.

After a suggestion from the acupuncturist I ordered Zita West's pre-conception relaxation cd (it's on the website about £14) and have found it very good. It ties in alittle with the acupunture highlighting parts of the body connected with acupunture points.

As I have only started the acupunture I don't know what I would recommend. Reflexology is definitely relaxing while it is being carried out but just from reading things here and there acupunture may be able to do more for your body (and mind) in reaching that BFP.

Even with acupuncture around ovulation time I don't think my luck is in this month due to poor timed / lack of BDing but who knows - my fingers are still crossed. If you can afford it give one of them a go. For me having the reflexology / acupuncture helps me feel like I am doing my upmost to get that bfp. Let us know what you decide to go for and how you get on. Best wishes.

Thanks ladies for your responses, they are very helpful.
How do you find Zita Wests book? Is it helpful? I have been told it's a bit severe and makes you feel all the time like you are failing because you can't follow the strict diets, etc. But is it useful for other things?
I think I prefer the idea of reflexology and perhaps that is what I need because I'm so stressed about the whole TTC thing right now - I feel like I think of nothing else.

But acupuncture seems somehow a bit more scientific!! Probably stupid thing to say, but I guess if you are going to stick a load of needles in you, you probably want to know it's going to do some good!

Shalagirl, having tried both, which would you recommend? Why did you stop reflexology and try accupunture?

Hi there, I just want to say that I'd definitely recommend acupuncture, but I've never tried reflexology. I got the Zita West book - How to get pregnant - when I first started TTC and to be honest just skim read some of it. 16 cycles down the line and I now really wish I'd read it properly as she has a lot of good advice. Tbh I haven't really paid much attention to the diet advice, although we eat healthily, but the rest is useful.
My acupuncturist is part of the Zita West network (look on her website and you'll find them around the country).
I've been going every week for about 2 months and absolutely love it. I just wish I could afford to continue every week! She has increased my cycle length by a couple of days already (it was about 24 days before) and I feel so much better and relaxed. There are certain points she uses to relax you and it makes such a difference.
Like Shalagirl said about her reflexology, I also feel much better for having someone to chat to about things as she's lovely and she's treated so many other women in a similar situation to me. She's also helped women reduce their FSH levels and reduce their cycles, although she's honest and says she can't work miracles and it doesn't work for everyone. We're heading for ivf and I'll definitely be going to her throughout the whole treatment as it apparently increases your chances and I'll really need her to chill me out! I know what you mean about thinking about it constantly though, as I'm exactly the same! Can't remember what i used to think about before.
Good luck x

! That's how I feel too! I wish I knew how to stop it!

Thanks ladies, on your advice, I have just emailed an acupuncturist in the area who I found through Zita Wests webpage. I'll let you know how it goes.

I tried acupunture. It was meant to help with my stress/anxiety and therefore hopefully help me get pregnant. She told me that I should notice a difference after 6 sessions at the most and since I didn't, I quit. I have heard of it being successful, though, so I hope it works for you! Good luck!

I've just finished my 6th week.

I know the owner of the practice and have been getting the treatments for free. He has said to beware because it only works for 6 sessions - as that's when it hits it's peak. After that you should only get boosters i.e. 1 session, once a month.

I also had electrical stimulation to my points via small clips attached to the needles. I have also been given tablets for 1 evening after each session. But anyway..to the point. I have had severe dysmenorrhea and it has improved amazingly. I was on morphine for my periods! And last cycle I didn't need it! For the first time in 2 years.

I had about 3-4 months of reflexology ... very good for stress and relaxing etc but I'm still not up the duff, so the juries still out on whether its actually successful for conceiving!

Hi, I've been having reflexology for a few months, but still no BFP! I do find it very relaxing though and really look forward to going each month. My reflexologist says that it works by making sure the energy in each area of the body is balanced. She said last month that she could feel no energy on one side of my uterus so worked on this area until it was balanced. Some people will think its a load of rubbish Im sure, while others probably swear by it. When I was thinking about whether to try reflexology or acupuncture I decided to go for the one I found most appealing. I didn't want to be disappointed if it didn't work and feel that I'd wasted my time and money. With reflexology I don't feel like that as I do enjoy going and to me I'm just treating it as an hour of pampering (just like going for a facial or manicure) and if it brings me my BFP in the process then that's a huge bonus!! Good luck x