Nix, i thought i'd respond though I don't really have much experience with acupuncture. I go to a clinic just down the road from MIVF, and i've only been around 4 times. The first time they did everything you mentioned - taking my medical history, talking about IVF, where we're up to and what we've done, looked at my tongue and took my pulse. I then had the acupuncture itself, and it was like you also mentioned - she stuck the needles in and left me alone. The other sessions have pretty much been the same, checking where i'm up to, checking tongue and pulse and then the acupuncture itself. Nobody has mentioned herbs or anything like that yet, and to be honest if they did i'm not sure what my response would be. I'd probably take it if it wasn't going to do any harm, but i'm not sure i'd take the advice of a TCM practitioner over my FS if it came to cancelling a cyle or anything like that. But that's just me. I did a science degree at uni, so whilst i'll try most things, deep down I know I personally trust my FS more then my TCM practitioner.

I think you're right - you've got to do whatever you feel comfortable with, which will be different for everyone.

Hope this helps somewhat and sorry if I seem a bit negative, i'm just trying to give an honest response.

lise xx