If you’ve recently been told your baby is breech, you’re probably wondering what your options are. Many parents hope to avoid a planned Caesarean section if possible and start looking into natural ways to encourage their baby to turn head-down.
One treatment you may come across is moxibustion. Although many people have heard of acupuncture, fewer are familiar with moxibustion and the growing body of research supporting its use for breech presentation.
What Is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning a small amount of the herb mugwort (moxa) near a specific acupuncture point on the outer corner of the little toe, known as Bladder 67 (BL67).
The gentle warmth is believed to stimulate hormonal changes, including placental estrogen and prostaglandins, which may increase fetal movement and encourage a breech baby to turn naturally into a head-down position.
Acupuncturists and midwives have used this technique successfully for many years. That said, it’s important to be realistic—no treatment can guarantee that a breech baby will turn. Every pregnancy is different.
What Does the Research Say?
While moxibustion has been used for more than 2,000 years, Western research over the past few decades has helped us better understand its effectiveness.
A 2023 Cochrane Review analysing 13 studies involving more than 2,100 women found moderate-certainty evidence that moxibustion, when combined with standard prenatal care, reduced the number of babies who remained breech at birth.
Earlier research published in JAMA in 1998 also found encouraging results. In that randomized controlled trial, 75% of babies in the moxibustion group turned head-down compared with 48% receiving standard care alone.
In 2017, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) became the first major Western obstetric organization to include moxibustion in its clinical guidance, suggesting it may be considered between 33 and 35 weeks’ gestation with an appropriately trained practitioner.
Compared with an external cephalic version (ECV), moxibustion is a much gentler approach. There is no manual pressure applied to your abdomen and no procedure-related pain, making it an appealing option for many expectant parents.
What Does Treatment Involve?
The ideal time to begin treatment is between 33 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
During your first appointment, you’ll receive treatment in the clinic and learn exactly how to perform moxibustion safely at home. You’ll also be provided with a moxa stick to continue treatment.
Typically, you’ll apply heat to Bladder 67 on both feet for 15–20 minutes per side, twice daily. Many patients find it easiest if their partner performs the treatment while they relax.
Consistency is one of the most important factors for achieving the best possible outcome.
Is Moxibustion Safe for Everyone?
Not everyone is an appropriate candidate for moxibustion.
According to the Maternity Acupuncture Mentoring and Peer Support (MAMPS) practice guidelines, you should first discuss treatment with your primary maternity care provider if you have:
- Too much or too little amniotic fluid
- Placenta praevia
- Vaginal bleeding
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Known fetal abnormalities
- A history of premature rupture of membranes
- Previous preterm labour
Even if your baby doesn’t turn or turning your baby isn’t the goal acupuncture can still provide valuable support throughout pregnancy, including preparation for a planned Caesarean birth and postpartum recovery.
Book a Breech Baby Consultation in Vancouver
If your baby is breech and you’d like to explore whether moxibustion for breech presentation is right for you, I’d be happy to help.
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation or schedule a Breech Treatment with Kim Juneja, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Together, we’ll discuss your pregnancy, review the evidence, and determine whether moxibustion is an appropriate option for you.
