Moxa for breech baby

1. About

A breech presentation is a pregnancy condition that occurs in the third trimester (between 30–34 weeks), when the baby is not positioned head down. Around 15% of babies will be in a breech position at some point, but only 3–4% remain in this position at the time of labour. In a breech presentation, the baby is presenting with its knees, feet or buttocks downward, meaning it cannot be delivered vaginally without risk.

To correct a breech presentation, a doctor may recommend the external cephalic version (ECV) procedure. Unfortunately, this procedure is often painful and uncomfortable, and it does not always succeed.

2. Moxibustion for breech baby

Moxibustion (also known as moxa) is a natural, comfortable alternative to ECV for turning a breech baby. Derived from the Chinese herb mugwort, moxa sticks are lit and held over specific acupuncture points on the body. The heat from the stick stimulates the points without any pain or discomfort. Treatment can begin from 34–36 weeks of pregnancy.

The application of heat to the acupuncture point Zhiyin (UB 67) on the little toe causes heat to rise through the urinary bladder channel, which travels up the body and encourages the baby to turn. The process is designed to be comfortable for the expectant mother.

3. How does moxibustion work?

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto places a smokeless moxa stick approximately 1cm above the mother's little toe, where the most dynamic point to activate the uterus is located. A smokeless charcoal preparation of mugwort is used, making it suitable for use both at the clinic and at home.

4. What to expect

Acupuncture theory suggests that moxa has a warming effect that promotes activity and movement within the body. Combined with the natural rising properties of heat, this encourages the baby to move and rotate into the correct head-down position towards the opening of the pelvis.

At your appointment, Dr D'Alberto will demonstrate how to apply the moxa correctly and provide you with instructions and a box of moxa sticks to continue the treatment at home.

5. How to use moxibustion to turn a breech baby

Light one end of the moxa stick with a lighter
Hold the lit end two to three centimetres from the outer edge of your little toe, ensuring there is no direct contact with the skin at any time
Apply to each little toe for approximately 20 minutes for 10 days
When finished, extinguish the moxa stick by placing it in a glass jar and screwing the lid on firmly
When you feel movement, visit your midwife and arrange a scan to check whether the baby has turned
If the baby has turned, reduce treatment time to 10 minutes per toe until the full 10 days is complete

6. Our moxibustion therapist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MATCM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 22 years and specialises in pregnancy acupuncture. He is the author of My Pregnancy Guide and is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through lifestyle, diet and evidence-based advice.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

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