Moxibustion can be used to help turn a non-cephalic presenting fetus (breech baby) into correct birthing position and reduce the chance of a cesarean section.
Being told your baby is in breech presentation can be very stressful news to hear. Most women want to avoid having a c-section and are willing to try anything to help their baby turn before their labour starts. Moxibustion is an non-invasive way to help your baby turn and studies have shown promising results. Read below to find out more.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a therapeutic modality used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves the burning of mugwart herb (artemesia) over a specific acupuncture point. For turning a breech baby, your Acupuncturist will give you a moxa stick to use at home as well as an educational session on where to use it and how to use it safely.
The idea is that the heat from the moxa stick will warm acupuncture point Ub-67 (located on the little toe). The heat stimulates the production of maternal hormones (estrogen and prostaglandin) which, in turn helps stimulates fetal activity and the baby to reposition.
How long does it take for a breech baby to turn?
Moxa Treatment is done daily for 11 days in the comfort of your own home, in addition to acupuncture treatments done at the clinic 2x per week. The goal is for the baby to be in cephalic presentation at the end of the 11dsay course of treatment.
The moxa stick is held over a specific point on the lateral side of your small toe (Acu-point UB-67) and alternated between left and right toes for 20 minutes each side.
Treatment is best started sooner rather than later with ideal turn time to be before 36 weeks gestation.
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