Breech babies are quite commonly seen in clinic, generally they will turn of their own accord by week 32 of the pregnancy, but there are some who need a little help in turning, this done by using a simple procedure involving the use of moxibustion.

The optimum time for turning breech babies is between week 32 and week 36 of the pregnancy, but I have had success as late as 38 weeks on a few occasions.

The expectant mother attends the clinic for a moxibustion session, which involves the use of a moxa stick , which is similar to a candle, but is made from the herb Ai Ye or Mugwort to give it it's english name. Two moxa sticks are used at the same time, both are lit at one end and when they are both smouldering strongly and generating sufficient heat, they are held about two centimeters or 3/4 of an inch from the outer corner of the nail on the little toe, which is an acupunctre point called Zhiyin or Bladder 67.

The heat from the moxa sticks stimulates this acupuncture point which may help make the baby become more active and restless, causing the baby to turn from the breech position to the normal head down position.

Generally a five day treatment cause may see the the baby turn fromthe breech position, but it can take up to ten days with one session a day with the moxa sticks, after the first moxa treatment the mother can do the treatment at home herself or her partner can do it for her.

I give both the mother and father instruction on how to do this safely at home by themselves or with each other, this saves the inconveinience and added expence of attending the clinic on a daily basis to help with the process of the baby turning back from the breech position. This is a very safe and gentle treatment metthod, which may have positive results for the mother and baby.