The Infertility Cure: chinese herbs and acupuncture...does it work?

[Anonymous]

This book, written by Randine Lewis, was recommended to me by my acupuncturist. She doesn't push the herbs, or the special diet, but I'm curious if anyone has used either. The diet is based on your body's and your infertility. For example, I should eat lots of protein and cooked vegetables, no fruits, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol. No processed food at all.

I've had a few things fail on me with my RE and wonder if I should just start doing this for a few months. Anyone know how much the herbal concoctions from the acupuncturists cost? She said they taste terrible and most people down it fast. She feels it will definitely help me conceive naturally in 6 months or so. I'm 41.

Comments??

[Anonymous]

I read the book and I was seeing an acupuncturist for about 3 months. To be honest, I didn't really follow the diet as prescribed but I did take herbs. I think she charged me about $14 each time she gave me some new stuff. I found the acu itself very relaxing - I almost felt as though I had taken a quick nap and often did nod off. Once when I complained of constipation she targeted that during my treatment and the issue resolved itself within hours. I did not get pregnant during treatment. But, my practitioner told me it would take 3-6 months and I stopped treatments after only 3 months. The main reason being that I wanted to do TCM along with western medical tx but my practitioner only wanted me to do TCM. So, we parted ways. I know there is a clinic in DC that works along with western tx - if you call Columbia Fertility they can tell you the name of the clinic. Overall, I was a bit too impatient (and to be completely honest, a bit skeptical) but I did find there were benefits to TCM. But, there are many women who swear by that book and TCM in general and have beautiful children to show for it. With your age in mind, you might consider the combined approach of western and TCM as treatment.
Just my two cents!

[Anonymous]

I've been doing the acupuncture but not the herbs. Should I buy this book and try them? Anyone here done this without Western medicine?

[Anonymous]

I credit acupuncture and especially the herbal medicine of traditional Chinese medicine as having brought our dd into our lives.

We used both in conjunction with medicated IUI's. Due to my high FSH and poor response to the meds originally (only producing one mature follicle every cycle), I was not even a candidate for IVF and my RE had begun discussing the use of donor eggs. In my second cycle after adding acupuncture and TCM, I produced four mature follicles. A healthy baby was the result.

I also drank wheat grass shots (2 oz shots several times each week), simply in an effort to improve my diet overall.

[Anonymous]

I have heard from an acupuncturist that it really depends on the person: some people respond very well to herbs and acupuncture and others not so well....maybe, you can give it a try and see if you are a good responder?
About caffeine, I've read a lot of medical literature stating that there is a link between caffeine and infertility and that women who have trouble conceiving should consider quitting caffeine...

[Anonymous]

As an acupuncturist I have to say I recommend this book a lot but I help my patients through it pointing out what is specifically useful to them. Over the last year I have helped women through IUIs, IVF, and natural fertility with no chinese herbs and they have all been successful. I would recommend that if you like the concept of the book, that you find an acupuncturist to work with you. The book on its own is a little much to have to sort out by yourself.