Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Babies
By Cherise Detwiler
Approximately 3-4% of babies are in breech position (bottom-down) at the end of pregnancy. Most women who have a baby in breech positioning have limited options for how they can give birth, with the majority giving birth by Cesarean section. There is increasing evidence, however, that supports the dual treatment of modern acupuncture and moxibustion to gently assist breech babies into cephalic position (head-down).
Often, mothers have physical tension patterns that may be restricting the baby’s movement and preventing the baby from turning. Modern acupuncture aids in reducing muscular tension, relieving pain that may contribute to tension patterns, and working in correspondence with the mother’s unique alignment. Additionally, it is a powerful tool for reducing stress and alleviating any restraining emotions that might be playing a role in hindering a breech baby from repositioning.
Acupuncture points are chosen on an individual basis and will be different for each person depending on their body; however, common treatment points for breech pregnancies are located on the feet. Moxibustion, otherwise known as “moxa”, is an essential tool in Eastern medicine and has been a part of acupuncture treatment for over 2000 years. At a clinic, a licensed specialist may use moxa in its’ leaf form, loose form, or rolled “cigar” shapes which are then placed on the ends of needles. The specialist will burn the moxa near specific points along a set of invisible, vertical lines that cross the body, known as “meridians,” which are understood to correspond to specific organs. When stimulated, strengthen blood flow and “qi” – the vital energy force - can prompt the release of certain hormones, such as estrogen and prostaglandins which aids in shifting the baby’s rotation.
In one study by Cardini et al. in 1998, published in the Journal of American Medication Association, a sample of 130 pregnant women were split into two groups. Group A received moxibustion treatment, while group B did not. The results showed that group A had a 75.4% turn rate in comparison to a 47.7% turn rate in group B (1). Most importantly, no side effects or adverse reactions had been noted in this study nor any other similar study. Every person’s body and condition will respond differently to modern acupuncture and moxibustion. Therefore, the amount of recommended treatments varies from person to person, however, a specialist will be able to help you figure out what is best for you. The overarching goal for treatment at a clinic is to gently encourage the baby to turn. It does not force a breech baby to turn nor does it create anxiety for the baby. Typically, the optimum time to begin treatment is between 34 and 36 weeks, but the process can be effective as late as 38/39 weeks.
Additional Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9820259).
https://www.acubalance.ca/breech-presentation
https://www.yinovacenter.com/blog/can-acupuncture-help-to-turn-a-breech-baby/
https://fourflowerswellness.com/acupuncture-and-moxibustion-for-breech-babies/