acupuncture or massage??

[hope28]

Hello,
I was wondering what should I do. I am looking at getting my retrieval this weekend. I feel fine but I have tension in my neck and shoulders. I have an appointment for acupuncture on Thurs. Do you think I should get a massage instead? I have never had acupuncture before so I don't know if it will help with stress. What do you all think? Thanks

[Shellg76]

It's a personal decision. I got a massage during my stim phase. I didn't want to do it during the wait because massages can (so they say) release toxins into your body, and I don't have any experience with accu. Good luck to you on your retrieval!

[AmyLeigh]

I get both done...

I have been getting Acupuncture for 2 months prior to our cycle... and have been getting Massages for 1 month.

The Acupuncture does relax me... it is weird, it relaxes me OVER TIME. I feel a constant mellowness ... it eventually wears off.

The Massages... I had been getting deep tissure/pressure point massages before our cycle. Now, after transfer... I will be getting ONLY light massages.. not deep... just light rubbing.

So, it depends on what you like.... to be touched or to be poked. Really... either one would work, just in different ways. I would recommend you asking your RE about each and if they recommend one over the other... or neither.

best of luck to you !!!

[catmom]

I am a huge fan of massage, but I have to say, acupuncture is awesome for stress. Plus, acupuncture is great for your general health, so if I had to choose between the two, I'd probably say acupuncture.

[SomedayMommy]

I like the idea of both as well. But if it's a matter of one or the other, I say acupuncture, and then have your DH give you a massage after a nice warm bath.

[Kerrie3]

I'm doing acupuncture for my next cycle. I'm hoping it's the way to go!

[Sandysignr]

I had the exact same question. Turns out accupuncture was more expensive and they wanted me to come in 2x week which with all the IVF costs, I just couldn't afford. I opted for a package deal at the spa during stim phase and it was LOVELY! But I've heard most people swear by accupuncture too.

I'd agree to ask your RE if they have recommendations.

S-

[tle]

I have used massage to help reduce the scar tissue in my hips from several rounds of PIO.

I've been using acupuncture since last July to help regulate my cycles and prepare my body for ivf and pregnancy.

My vote would be for the acupuncture. It can do much not just for "surface" relaxation, but also for preparing the body to accept embryos and pregnancy. My RE is very supportive of the idea because it can calm the uterus and keep it quiet. In fact, if my acu's schedule allows, the RE permits her to come to the clinic and do treatment immediately prior to transfer and immediately after.

It may seem like 'hocus-pocus' (as my dh thinks), but acupuncture is the only thing that keeps my cycles with any kind of regularity, INCLUDING bcp's (which I can no longer take) and provera. It's been beneficial for my reproductive health and also my stress levels. I actually find myself sleeping during my treatments.

What a fun decision to make, I must say!

tle