Moxibustion in Helping Breech Babies

The question is, whether moxibustion technique can be effective enough in turning breech babies? Now, before discussing any further, you need to observe certain essential facts.

Nearly 5% of conceiving women experience the baby growing inside of them in breech position. Breech position basically refers to a condition where the baby is in a kind of bottom-first position. According to latest facts and figures, almost 90% of these babies are given birth through cesarean section. However, many women even try to avoid going through the cesarean process. Rather, they look for different methods that could help in turning the breech positioning of the baby.

The use of ECV

ECV stands for External Cephalic Version. It is a medical procedure used externally to turn breech babies. The use of hand movements around the belly region of the pregnant woman is carried out for turning the breech baby. This procedure is relatively safe and effective. However, women often find it not much of a comfortable experience and hence, look for other options to turn the breech baby. This is when moxibustion comes in handy.

The concept of moxibustion

This is a special type of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture process. In this process, a special type of herb (mostly, Artemesia vulgaria) is burnt close to the skin of the toes of each foot. The toe being selected is the fifth one. In traditional acupuncture terms, the fifth toe is commonly referred to as Bladder 67. 

Although the basic concept remains same, there is no specific procedure being followed to carry out this procedure. The most common process is burning the moxa sticks close to the toes for nearly 20 minutes. The process is repeated around 5-10 times a day and continued for nearly 2-3 weeks. The treatment usually starts in the period ranging from 28^th to 37^th week of pregnancy.

How does this process work?

When moxa sticks are burnt, heat receptors of the skin around the toe region get stimulated. According to TCM beliefs, this heat helps in the release of 2 major hormones associated with pregnancy – Prostaglandins and placental estrogen. Both these hormones have an important role to play when it comes to uterine contractions. With proper contraction, the baby growing inside can be stimulated to move and turn from the breech position.

Is the process effective?

Now comes the most crucial question: whether moxibustion breech baby process is effective and result-oriented or not? According to observations, women who have undergone this process while following some kind of postural techniques are more likely to have the baby in the head-down position during the time of birth when compared to those who have not followed this process. The ratio of success is 60:40, with 60% in favor of true moxa treatment and 40% supporting alternative and regular treatment options.  

Although evidence and studies have concluded the fact that this Traditional Chinese Medicinal treatment approach is considered to be safe and free of side effects,  it’s still recommended to look for a licensed acupuncturist who has specialization in moxibustion technique. Many surveys have proved the fact that is this technique is used in conjunction with some other postural techniques or basic acupuncture process, the chances of turning breech babies increases.