Benefits of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Babies
The method of using moxibustion in the Traditional Chinese Medicine practice can be used to help turn a breech baby. In my clinic, I’ve had great success using acupuncture and moxibustion for breech babies. I found it very fascinating by using a simple practice that triggers the movement of the babies and makes them turn.
Our women clients are encouraged to give birth naturally through the birth canal to prevent any future health concerns. And more people have been aware of the benefits of acupuncture and moxibustion for breech babies.
What is a breech pregancy?
A breech pregnancy happens when the baby is positioned in the uterus with its head up and its feet facing toward the delivery canal. This posture makes labor harder for the mother. Usually, toward the end of your pregnancy, the babies should be able to turn their heads by themselves in the vertex position for an easier birthing process.
When a mother finds out she has breech baby, it should be helpful to try to turn the baby by using acupuncture and moxibustion for breech babies.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Babies
Moxibustion is a traditional method of burning moxa sticks (usually made from herbal preparations containing Artemisia vulgaris) near an acupoint to cause a warm and painless sensation. In China, moxibustion on Zhiyin (BL67) point has long been used to correct abnormal fetal position and is widely used to correct breech presentation in obstetrics. Many patients who have come to us have succeeded in turning their babies. Moxibustion and other acupoint stimulation methods such as acupuncture and laser stimulation were found to be effective to treat breech presentation.
Home treatment:
Home treatment by using Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Babies
To encourage your breech baby to turn him or herself, home moxibustion treatment is a very effective approach. So, how can you do acupuncture and moxibustion for Breech babies at home?
In 10 days, you have to practice this daily, our acupuncturist will guide you on how to do it at home instead of visiting us every day for the treatment. In our clinic, we will teach you the proper technique of acupuncture and moxibustion for breech babies, what point and location of the BL67 on your feet.
What you need for the treatment:
Supplies for trying Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Babies at home
Before beginning acupuncture and moxibustion for breech babies treatment at home, we need the following supplies:
- One or two Moxa stick
- Lighter or a burner (be safe with fire)
- small candle
- A ceramic ashtray, if you don’t have one, use a bowl or a plate instead
- A towel to place all of your supplies and protect the surface from any falling ash during your treatment.
- A glass jar or a mason jar that could hold the moxa stick
- A hair cap to prevent smelly hair from the smoke
- A pair of gloves to prevent yellow stains from the Moxa stick on your fingers.
How to use the Moxa treatment:
At home Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Babies Moxa treatment
Lighting:
Light the end of the Moxa stick with a burner or a strong lighter. It will take some time for the Moxa to totally lighten. Slowly spin the Moxa stick in the flame to allow the fire to reach all the way to the ends. If the ignited portion is too low, blow carefully on the end of the Moxa stick to ignite it, aiming for an even glow throughout the bottom of the stick. When the moxa bottom stick is burned completely, it will glow red.
De-ashing:
Tap the Moxa stick on your ashtray several times to get rid of the dust and extra ash. The stick should now have a lovely clean glowing end. It is critical to continue de-ashing whenever ash appears to be building up during the Moxa session to keep the heat on the Moxa stick; otherwise, the heat will not be able to penetrate fully into the feet and excess ash can be dropped onto the skin.
Be cautious to de-ash on the ashtray and keep an eye out for falling ash on the ground; the treatment location should be wind-free since the ash might fall and burn your skin or the surrounding surface area.
Application
Hold the Moxa stick like you hold a pen, it should be held 1 to 2 inches apart from your skin to create a comfortable sensation. The heat treatment should feel warmth not burned. If the heat gets too strong, move the moxa stick further away, and never let the stick come into direct touch with your skin.
Move the moxa stick gently up and down, or in tiny circles around the tip of your pinky toe. The point that we are focused on is UBL67 (Bladder 67) which is the outside corner of the pinky toenail. Circle around this tip for 20 minutes on both feet for 10 days. We can break down the treatment twice a day with 10 minutes each for each toe.
We highly recommend continuing to practice acupuncture and moxibustion for Breech Babies moxa treatment even though your baby has already turned after the treatment.
Putting the Moxa out and cleaning up
The Moxa stick will continue to burn until extinguished. Cover the burning end entirely in the jar with tight light which prevents air to enter the burning Moxa. You should clean up your area and make sure there are no residue ashes to prevent fire.
Safety in the practice of acupuncture and moxibustion for breech babies
- We recommended that you do not leave your burned Moxa stick unattended and the bigger your ashtray the better.
- You should always try to de-ash regularly during your Moxa treatment process.
- After you are done with the treatment, remember to extinguish the stick properly.
- Even though the place needs to be wind-free, however, do not attempt to use this practice in a closed-door or tight space with no air, you should not be suffocated from the smoke.
- You shouldn’t be doing this practice at night because the smoke and the smell can enter your neighbors.
- Sometimes, there are people who cannot stand the smell of the Moxa or it gives you an allergic reaction to the smoke, please stop the practice immediately and consult with a local medical professional.
source:
How to use Moxa Stick, instructions from Acupuncturist Dr. Jitao Bai (baiacupuncture.com)
Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Babies | (fourflowerswellness.com)
Acupuncture may help turn a baby in breech | 3 Hares Clinic3 Hares Clinic
If you’re looking to receive effective treatment for ANY health condition, we recommend you start looking for a TCM practitioner in your area. If you’re within the state of Utah, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lotus Spring Acupuncture & Wellness to receive the best holistic healthcare and acupuncture treatments.
Dan Clark has years of highly specialized training and experience in the field of acupuncture in Utah. With been in business for over 18+ years, we’re the ones who can give you personalized treatment to help you attain your personal health goals.
