Finding out that your baby is in a breech position late in pregnancy can feel stressful, but traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a natural and effective approach to encourage your baby to turn—moxibustion.
Moxibustion has been used for centuries to help turn breech babies by stimulating a specific acupuncture point with the gentle heat of mugwort (a healing herb) and it is non-invasive technique that actually feels nice. But when is the best time to start?
Let’s explore the details!
When to Start Moxibustion for Breech Baby?
The ideal time to begin moxibustion for a breech baby is between week 32 and week 36 of pregnancy.
After 37 weeks → Moxibustion may still be beneficial but should be combined with professional guidance.
Before 32 weeks → Many babies still turn on their own, so intervention may not be necessary.
32–34 weeks → The optimal time to start, as baby still has enough room to move.
35–36 weeks → Still effective, but space is becoming limited. Best to combine moxibustion with other techniques like specific movements and acupuncture.
How Does Moxibustion Work?
Moxibustion works by stimulating the acupuncture point BL-67 (Zhiyin), located at the outer corner of the little toenail. The warmth from burning moxa helps activate energy flow (Qi) in the uterus, encouraging the baby to turn into a head-down (cephalic) position.
How to Apply Moxibustion for Breech Baby
1️⃣ Prepare Moxa Sticks – Use high-quality mugwort moxa sticks (available at acupuncture clinics or TCM shops).
2️⃣ Find BL-67 – Located at the outer edge of the pinky toe nail on both feet.
3️⃣ Apply Heat – Hold the lit moxa stick 1–2 cm from the point until the area feels warm (not burning).
4️⃣ Alternate Feet – Move from one toe to the other every 5 minutes, for a total of 15–20 minutes per session.
5️⃣ Repeat Daily – Do this once or twice a day for 7–10 days.
How to Apply Moxibustion for Breech Baby
- Forward-Leaning Inversions (Spinning Babies technique)
- Swimming or gentle yoga to open the pelvis
- Acupuncture sessions for additional support
- Relaxation & visualization to help reduce tension
Moxibustion is a gentle, safe, and effective technique that many women have successfully used to encourage breech babies to turn. The key is timing—starting between weeks 32 and 36 gives you the best chance for success. If you’re unsure about the technique, working with a qualified acupuncturist can help guide you through the process.
🌿 Have questions or want to book a session? Feel free to reach out!