Natural Birth Support for Breech Babies Through Moxibustion Therapy
What is a Breech Presentation?
When a baby remains head-up beyond 28-32 weeks of pregnancy, this is called a breech presentation.
If the baby does not turn head-down by full term, a cesarean section (C-section) is often recommended.
For expectant mothers who want to avoid a C-section and aim for a natural birth, moxibustion therapy for breech correction is a safe and effective option. In some cases, mothers may even feel the baby turning during the very first session.
Moxibustion for breech babies is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that supports natural delivery without unnecessary surgical intervention.
When performed correctly, it is completely safe for both mother and baby and has no harmful side effects.
Starting treatment early can improve the chances of a successful breech correction.
If you have been diagnosed with a breech baby at your prenatal clinic, contact my clinic today for expert advice and guidance.
Breech Presentation Moxibustion
1. Benefits and Risks
Moxibustion therapy is a gentle and safe treatment for both mother and baby.
If a breech baby is left untreated, a C-section may be required, or a vaginal delivery in a breech position may be attempted. Both options carry risks for mother and baby.
The main side effect of moxibustion is minor blistering. At my clinic, I use moxa about the size of half a grain of rice, so there’s no risk of scarring or burns.
Effective treatments for breech presentation are limited. In this context, the benefits of moxibustion far outweigh any minor risks.
Starting treatment as early as possible after 28 weeks increases the chances of the baby turning naturally. Early intervention can be a valuable choice for both mother and baby.
2. Contraindications
Avoid breech moxibustion if you have:
Placenta previa
Uterine malformations
Fetal malformations
Multiple pregnancy
Severe preeclampsia
Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid)
…or any other condition that your healthcare provider considers may make moxibustion unsafe
Why Early Treatment Matters
1. Amniotic fluid decreases toward the end of pregnancy
More fluid in mid-pregnancy allows the baby to move and turn. By late pregnancy, fluid decreases, making rotation harder.
2. Fetal movement becomes more limited
Babies have more freedom to move in mid-pregnancy, but mobility is restricted in the third trimester.
3. Some babies remain breech even in late pregnancy
While breech incidence drops from around 24% at 28 weeks to about 3–4% near term, some babies still remain breech. For the expectant mother, this situation is all or nothing, making it a critical concern. Early, low-risk interventions like moxibustion are therefore well worth considering to help the baby turn naturally 1.
Moxibustion Method for Breech Correction
I apply rice-grain–sized moxa to acupuncture points:
1. BL67
Location: On the little toe, lateral to the distal pha- lanx, 0.1 finger-cun proximal to the lateral corner of the toenail; at the intersection of the vertical line of the lateral side of the nail and the horizontal line of the base of the toenail.
Method: Apply 7 small moxa cones to each point. Repeat daily until correction if needed.
Source: WHO standard acupuncture point locations in the Western Pacific region
2. SP6
Location: On the tibial aspect of the leg, posterior to the medial border of the tibia, 3 body-cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus.
Method: Gently warm along spleen meridian.
Caution ⚠ SP6 stimulation is strong in early pregnancy — only use under professional guidance.
Source: WHO standard acupuncture point locations in the Western Pacific region
Treatment Frequency & Safety
Moxibustion for breech correction is gentle and safe for both mother and baby.
Start time: From 28 weeks onward. Starting earlier, especially between 28 and 34 weeks, can improve the success rate, though there may still be a chance of success even after 34 weeks.
Treatment frequency: Perform moxibustion daily at home, with clinic sessions ideally twice a week.
Additional tip: Performing moxibustion alongside breech exercises can further support the baby’s natural turning.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a breech presentation, don’t wait.
Contact Kanshin Eguchi L.Ac. in Amstelveen to schedule your first moxibustion session.
Residents of Amsterdam and surrounding areas are also welcome.
Early intervention can increase your chances of a natural and safe birth, giving both you and your baby the best possible outcome.
References
1. Evidence Based Birth – What is the Evidence for Using an External Cephalic Version to Turn a Breech Baby?
