What to look for when looking for a TCM practitioner?

[Kristin0105]

The title says it all. What should I look for when trying to locate a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner? I found this one and it looks good but I don't know. Should I be looking for something specific?

http://triangleacupunctureclinic.com..._practitioners

[pinkfriend]

What to look for when looking for a TCM practitioner?

I was in the same boat at you last week. Had an app't with a naturopathic dr that does acupuncture and TCM...I think you have to go in and meet the dr. We did so on Saturday and she was really great, asked good questions and seemed to know what she was talking about.

[blueRhino]

I would try to find a referral from someone who used TCM to treat infertility and it worked. I am going to to a woman who specializes in infertility. I think almost everyone she sees is there for that purpose. She gives me different herbs each week depending on where I am in my cycle and my general health at the time she sees me. The thing that is kind of weird, is that she doesn't really explain that much of what she is giving you or why. But she does ask me a bunch of questions every week. Hope that helps!

[papschmitty]

I would find someone with specific infertility experience but be weary of anyone who tries to promise you the moon. My provider used different acupuncture points and herbs depending on where I was in my cycle and my overall general health. I also wanted someone who would be supportive of treating while I did Western fertility treatments at the same time if it came to that.

When I was trying to get pg the first time, my acupuncturist treated me the same each time no matter where I was in my cycle. I got pg with 2 rounds of Clomid with IUI. She was great. After having DD, I found a provider closer to home who met the criteria I listed above. After 3 months, I got pg all on my own. I'm 13 wks pg now and she's treating me for horrible nausea.

I would also choose someone who you feel very comfortable with, who answers your questions, and who sees you as an active partner in your treatment plan.

Good luck to you!

[blueRhino]

I agree with the PP that is it good if your practitioner supports western medicine if needed. The woman I see asked to see my blood tests and charts to use them in my treatment plan. She explained that her father would not have wanted to see that but she thinks it can be helpful to use all the information we have. She helps women sometimes who are doing IUI, IVF etc. She also explains upfront that the plan is to continue treatment through the pregnancy. I am not looking forward to drinking those herbs during the first trimester but if it will help to have a healthy pregnancy and baby I will do it!

[Kristin0105]

Thanks guys. I did meet with a TCM practitioner and feel comfortable with her. I am going to give it 3 months and pray it works. My husband just told me he does not want to do other interventions so this is it for me unless I replace him.: JK. Trying to inject some humor in a bad moment for me.

[papschmitty]

Originally Posted by Kristin0105

Thanks guys. I did meet with a TCM practitioner and feel comfortable with her. I am going to give it 3 months and pray it works. My husband just told me he does not want to do other interventions so this is it for me unless I replace him.: JK. Trying to inject some humor in a bad moment for me.

Hopefully TCM will be just what you need! If you can afford it, I'd give it at least 6 months before you give up. If I remember correctly, TCM views a woman's cycle as 3 months instead of 1. I was told by both practitioners I saw to give it at least 6 months. The first time I got pg right at 6 months (with Clomid & IUI) and second time it only took 3. Best of luck you!