PREGNANCY ACUPUNCTURE
Moxibustion for
Breech Presentation
Moxibustion at acupuncture point BL67 至阴 is a Chinese medicine technique used to encourage a breech baby to turn to the head-down position.
BEST WINDOW 33-36 Weeks Gestation
APPOINTMENT TYPE Breech Acupuncture & Moxibustion
FEE
$150 for 60 minutes
HOME PRACTICE
Moxa sticks provided for home use
WHAT IS MOXA
A Chinese Medicine technique
for turning breech babies
Moxibustion involves the burning of dried mugwort (moxa) near a specific acupuncture point on the body, in the case of breech presentation, acupuncture point BL67 至阴(zhiyin), located at the outer edge of the little toenail. The warmth and stimulation at this point is thought to encourage increased foetal movement, which may assist the baby in assuming a head-down position.
In clinical practice, moxibustion for breech presentation is typically used in combination with acupuncture, and we teach parents to continue the moxibustion technique at home between appointments. Moxa sticks for home use are provided at your appointment.
Research on moxibustion for breech presentation is encouraging, particularly when used in the 33–36 week window when there's still sufficient space for foetal movement.
RESEARCH
The research on moxa
for turning a breech baby
Moxibustion at BL67 is one of the better-researched complementary approaches in pregnancy care.
A 2021 meta-analysis of sixteen randomised controlled trials involving 2,555 women found it significantly increased head-down presentation at birth, babies were around 39% more likely to turn than with usual care alone and the 2023 Cochrane review confirmed it reduces the chance of a baby remaining breech at birth. One study found 72.5% of babies turned head-down with moxibustion compared with 53.2% under observation alone.
The research also suggests moxibustion works well alongside ECV: Cochrane analysis found it roughly halved the need for an ECV, and trial evidence shows the chances of an ECV succeeding may be increased in women who received moxibustion first.
WHEN TO BOOK
Timing your breech
moxibustion appointment
Optimal Window 34-36 Weeks
We can see you from 34 weeks of pregnancy to begin treatment. Ideally, treatment can start around 34 weeks, but if you find out about moxibustion later in pregnancy, it is still worthwhile to come in and get started. We can support you throughout this time, including providing acupuncture support around an External Cephalic Version (ECV), if this is recommended by your maternity care team.
If your baby is breech, don’t wait to get in touch. Book an appointment and we can discuss your options and create a treatment plan suited to you.
Home Moxibustion Guide
During your appointment we show you how to use the Moxa and how to administer the treatment at home. We then send you home with the following so you can complete the course of treatment.
Moxa sticks
Written and verbal instructions on technique, timing and safety
We're available by phone or email if you have questions about
technique at homeCourse of treatment usually last for 10days 1 x day from 20mins.
Read more on our journal post Turning a Breech Baby with Moxa.
A Note on SafetyMoxibustion should not be performed at home unless you have first been assessed and instructed by a qualified practitioner who is supervising your treatment. Your practitioner will show you the correct technique, treatment area, timing and safety precautions specific to you. Moxa produces significant heat and can cause burns or create a fire hazard if used incorrectly. Do not alter the recommended treatment or use moxa without professional guidance.Is your Baby Breech? Book a Moxibustion Appointment
Open Monday to Saturday · Moxa sticks provided · No referral needed · $150 · 60 min
INSIGHTS & RESOURCES
MRA Journal
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about
breech moxibustion
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The evidence is encouraging, however your baby being in breech position could be for a reason that they are unable to turn. Several randomised trials suggest moxibustion at BL67 increases the rate of spontaneous cephalic version (the baby turning head-down) compared to no treatment, particularly when used at 33–35 weeks. Moxa is a non-invasive gentle way to encourage a baby to turn without forcing it.
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We provide them at your appointment for home use. We used high-quality smokeless moxa rolls and clear instructions on technique. The moxa is prepared in a smokeless form so it is safe for pregnancy.
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Typically 1–2 clinic appointments, combined with daily home moxibustion for 1–2 weeks. Many patients see results within the first week of the protocol. We'll assess your baby's position at follow-up and adjust accordingly. If the baby turns, we usually cease moxa treatment.
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Yes, The research also suggests moxibustion works well alongside ECV: Cochrane analysis found it roughly halved the need for an ECV, and trial evidence shows the chances of an ECV succeeding may be increased in women who received moxibustion first.