Moxibustion at the Bladder 67 (BL67) acupuncture point for turning breech babies is one of the most well-researched applications in Chinese Medicine. This simple technique has been supported by several randomised controlled trials suggesting it may increase the likelihood of cephalic (head-down) presentation.
The technique involves applying warmth from a moxa stick to the BL67 point on the outer corner of the little toenail. The proposed mechanism is increased fetal activity, giving the baby more opportunity to move into a head-down position.
A Cochrane systematic review found that moxibustion, particularly when combined with acupuncture, may reduce the number of non-cephalic presentations at birth, while rating the certainty of that evidence as low to moderate. It is usually started between 33 and 36 weeks. It is not a replacement for the external cephalic version (ECV) your maternity team may offer, and we will always tell you that rather than let you skip it.
At Rozelle Acupuncture, we teach you and your partner to perform the moxibustion at home as well as providing it in clinic, which lets you treat at the frequency the protocol calls for. Maria Cappello has extensive experience in this technique and works in close communication with your maternity care team.