Akupunkturnadel und Moxazigarre

Moxibustion

In the past it has been thought that women can encourage their baby to turn from breech to cephalic (head down), by kneeling on-all-fours, with their head down and their bottom up in the air. However, research studies have found that this doesn’t actually work. Complementary therapies have however, gained popularity; in particular, the use of a traditional Chinese medicine called ‘moxibustion’.

Moxibustion involves the use of the herb Artemis vulgaris – in the UK this herb is better known as mugwort (its Japanese name is ‘moxa’). The herb is dried and compacted, and then rolled to form a cigar shape, which is then burnt close to the outer corner of the fifth toenail, so that the acupuncture point BL is stimulated. Moxibustion should only be used by practitioners who have received training in its use eg a qualified complementary therapist, herbalist or specialist in Chinese medicine. Pregnant women should always discuss using moxibustion with their midwife or doctor before starting any treatment; this is to ensure that there aren’t any contraindications to its use. Once the woman has been shown how to use moxibustion, they can use it at home.

Moxibustion should be carried out twice daily from around the 34th week of pregnancy and continued until the baby turns. The available research evidence on the use of moxibustion is inconclusive; however, some studies have found it to be very effective in turning the breech baby.

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