Exploring moxibustion for turning breech babies

1. Overview

Moxibustion is an ancient Chinese technique gaining attention for its potential to turn breech babies. This non-invasive method involves burning mugwort near specific acupuncture points . It is believed to stimulate foetal movement and encourage a head-down position.

Expectant parents often seek natural options for breech presentation. Moxibustion offers a gentle alternative to more invasive procedures. It is typically performed between 35 and 39 weeks of pregnancy.

Understanding how moxibustion works and its benefits can empower parents. This article explores its effectiveness, safety, and how to perform it at home.

2. What is moxibustion and how does it work for breech babies?

Moxibustion is a traditional practice that involves burning dried mugwort (Ai Ye), often rolled into a stick. The process targets specific acupuncture points (UB 67) to potentially encourage a baby to move.

For breech babies, practitioners focus on the BL67 acupuncture point. This point is located at the outer corner of the little toe. The aim is to stimulate foetal activity and promote a head-down position.

The warmth from the moxa stick is thought to enhance energy flow. It may increase blood circulation to the uterus, which could help the baby turn.

How moxibustion for breech babies works:

Stimulates the release of hormones.
Encourages foetal movement.
May improve blood flow and energy around the uterus.

3. Benefits and effectiveness of moxibustion for breech presentation

Moxibustion offers a non-invasive alternative for turning breech babies. This traditional method has been practised for centuries with reported success.

Many women notice increased foetal movement during the sessions. This boost in activity may encourage the baby to shift position naturally.

Studies suggest moxibustion may increase the likelihood of turning babies to a head-down position by 72.5%. However, outcomes can vary for each individual.

Potential benefits:

Safe with minimal side effects
Cost-effective compared to invasive procedures
Enhances the body’s natural processes

While anecdotal reports praise its effectiveness, more scientific research is necessary. It remains a favoured method among those seeking natural birthing options.

4. How to do moxibustion at home for breech baby: step-by-step guide

Moxibustion can be performed at home with the right guidance. A trained acupuncturist such as myself should first demonstrate the proper technique to ensure safety.

Acupuncture point Zhiyin (UB 67)

If your baby is breech, you can start performing moxibustion from week 35 onwards. Firstly, you will need to purchase a box of smokeless moxa sticks. There are usually five in a box, which should be enough. Before using moxibustion you will need the following:
A lighter, preferably a BBQ lighter or Zippo lighter as a regular lighter can break when the flame is kept lit for long periods of time.
A small ceramic or glass dish (or an ash tray) to place the moxa stick in.
A glass jar, such as a jam jar, with a lid to extinguish the moxa stick when the treatment is finished.

How to apply moxibustion to turn a breech baby

Light one end of the moxa stick with the lighter. This can take a few minutes. Blow on to the end to get it nice and red hot and remove any ash that forms by tapping the stick on to the dish.
Hold the lit end 2cm (1in) from the outer edge of your little toe, making sure there is never any direct contact with the skin. You will need a steady hand for this. I use my other hand to keep steady the hand that is holding the moxa stick.
When the area starts to feel too hot, switch toes.
Remember to flick any excess ash on the end of the moxa stick into the dish and blow on the end to keep it red hot.
Apply near each little toe for approximately 20 minutes for 10 days. The best time to do this is between 3 and 5 p.m., as this is the time when the urinary bladder acupuncture channel is active.
After 40 minutes are up, place the moxa stick in a glass jar with the lid screwed on firmly to extinguish it.
When you feel any movement, visit your midwife and have a scan to see if the baby has moved into the correct position.

If the baby has moved into the correct position, reduce the treatment time to 10 minutes for each toe until the tenth day. Before performing moxibustion on yourself, I recommend visiting your acupuncturist first and watch them perform moxibustion on you. They will also be able to instruct you on how to perform moxibustion.

When to avoid Moxibustion:

High-Risk Pregnancies: Avoid moxibustion if classified as high-risk.
Certain Medical Conditions: It may not be safe with specific health issues.
Lack of Training: Skip moxibustion without proper guidance.

Always prioritise your health and consult a professional before proceeding. Following safety guidelines ensures a safe experience with moxibustion.

Final thoughts: is moxibustion right for you?

Moxibustion offers a natural option for turning breech babies. Its non-invasive nature appeals to many parents seeking alternative methods. However, it may not suit everyone.

Consulting with healthcare professionals is critical. They can assess if moxibustion fits your needs and health status. Consider combining it with professional advice and other techniques for best results.

6. My pregnancy guide

To ensure a healthy pregnancy and labour I've written a self-help guide that will support you all the way through your pregnancy. The self-help book is titled My Pregnancy Guide.

References

Caron, J. Breech Presentation. s.l. : StatPearls Publishing LLC, 2020.
Impey, L and Child, T. Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Chichester : John Wiley & Sons, 2012.
Cost-effectiveness of breech version by acupuncture-type interventions on BL 67, including moxibustion, for women with a breech foetus at 33 weeks gestation: a modelling approach. van den Berg, Ineke. 2, s.l. : Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2010, Vol. 18.
Moxibustion and other acupuncture point stimulation methods to treat breech presentation: a systematic review of clinical trials. Li, X. 4, s.l. : Chin Med, 2009, Vol. 4.
Effectiveness of acupuncture-type interventions versus expectant management to correct breech presentation: A systematic review. van den Berg, Ineke. 2, s.l. : Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2008, Vol. 16.
Turning Foetal Breech Presentation at 32-35 Weeks of Gestational Age by Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Brici, Paolo. s.l. : Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.
Effect of stimulating the BL67 point on fetal correction from breech to cephalic presentation and natural delivery after the 36 weeks of pregnancy: A randomized clinical trial. Sourani, Khatereh. 2, s.l. : Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, 2020, Vol. 4.
Correction of nonvertex presentation with moxibustion: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Vas, Jorge. 3, s.l. : American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2009, Vol. 201.
Betts, Debra. The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth. Hove : The Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2006.