If your baby is breech—positioned bottom or feet first—acupuncture and moxibustion are gentle, natural ways to encourage them to move into a head-down position. Together these methods create the right conditions for babies to reposition and have been trusted for centuries.
How Acupuncture and Moxibustion Work
These techniques are safe, effective, and easy to incorporate. Here’s what they involve:
Acupuncture: Specific points on the body are used to promote relaxation and encourage optimal conditions for your baby to reposition.
Moxibustion: A warming herb called mugwort is burned over an acupuncture point near the corner of your little toe (BL 67). This gentle heat encourages your baby to move into a head-down position. You or your partner can do this at home for about 10 minutes per side daily for 10 days, with guidance from your acupuncturist.
Modern research backs this up—check out this study, which highlights the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion in turning breech babies.
Timing Matters
As your baby grows, there’s less room for movement, making it harder for them to flip later in pregnancy. Starting treatment as soon as your baby's breech position is confirmed increases the likelihood of success and may reduce the need for interventions like a planned C-section.
When to Explore Additional Options
If your baby hasn’t flipped as you approach your due date, your provider might suggest other techniques, such as an external cephalic version (ECV), where a doctor manually tries to turn the baby. Starting with natural approaches like acupuncture and moxibustion often works well—and may be all you need.
A Gentle, Proven Option for Breech Babies
A breech presentation doesn’t mean your birth plan is out of reach. Acupuncture and moxibustion are safe, effective ways to encourage your baby to turn head down. Starting sooner gives you the best chance of success.
Have questions? Schedule a complimentary call to learn more and get started.
Dr. Stephanie K. Martin, DAIM, LAc, FABORM
(pronouns: she/her)
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