Moxibustion for correction of breech presentation

In many Western countries breech presentation is an indication for elective cesarean section. However, in Japan and China there is traditional medicine to improve breech presentation. By continuing moxibustion is the increased fetal activity could facilitate the cephalic version. Moxibustion for correction of breech presentation is done twice a week. Approximately two weeks after starting moxibustion treatment, each patient undergoes ultrasound examination of the presentation of the fetus.In our acupuncture clinic, the reversion rate by moxibustion for correction of breech presentation is 87% up to the 34th week of pregnancy. Such a method appears to be a valid option for women willing to experience a natural birth.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Moxibustion is a traditional oriental medicine therapy consisting of stimulation of acupuncture points with heat from the slow combustion of mixtures of medicinal grasses, most often Artemisia vulgaris (the Japanese name for which is MOXA). Little is known about the possible mechanism of this treatment. Moxibustion of the BL 67 point (Japanese name Shiyin, Chinese name Zhiyin,), situated beside the outer corner of the fifth toenail, is traditionally proposed in Japan and China for the correction of anomalous presentation of the fetus. There are many therapy acupuncture points: BL67, SP6（Japanese name San’inkō, Chinese name SanyinJiao,）,ST36（Japanese name Ashisanli, Chinese name Zusanli,）, KI5（Japanese name Shōkai, Chinese name Zhaohai,）etc,8~10 acupoints.

Treatment procedure
①Moxa stick
When using to turn a breech presentation, the therapeutic time for moxa stick（Japanese name Bōkyū）use is 5 minutes. During this time the moxa is briefly lifted away from the point SP6. Each time it becomes hot, before resuming treatment (the pecking technique).

②Moxibustion of the pedestal
Moxibustion of the pedestal（Japanese name Daizakyū）to other than BL67 acupoints. Moxibustion of the pedestal is fixed on a pedestal of paper with paper roll having a height of 10.0 - 13.0 mm and a diameter of 5.0 - 8.0 mm. Moxibustion of the pedestal is a thermal stimulus of about 40 - 60 ℃, not as hot as permeable moxibustion. The burning time of pedestal moxibustion is 3 - 5 minutes. The bottom of the pedestal is a seal, it can be fixed anywhere on the skin surface. Moxibustion of the pedestal is very simple to use. Just light it and stick directly on acupoints.

③Permeable moxibustion
Moxibustion is burning medicinal grasses to stimulate acupuncture points. The size of moxa cone differs depending on purpose and moxibustion method. Moxibustion of BL67 is rice grain size or half the size of rice grain moxa. The height is 2.5 - 2.8 mm and the bottom width is 1.2 - 1.6 mm and it is conical. Position the moxa twisted with good quality medicinal grasses directly on the acupuncture point on the skin, ignite it with incense stick and burn it. This is called permeable moxibustion（Japanese name Tōnetsukyū）, treat moxibustion several times. It is a traditional Japanese moxibustion for correction of breech presentation method which is still widely practiced in Japan.
Since permeable moxibustion is a method of giving quite strong moxibustion heat, it is necessary to inform pregnant women in advance about that. After moxibustion treatment, a small brown moxibustion mark remains on BL67 for a while. But it will be restored by the time you give birth. Since permeable moxibustion to BL67 requires special skills, it is not done at home, done only when it comes to acupuncture clinic.

④Moxa time
The moxibustion of the pedestal treatment is simple and can also be performed at home by the pregnant women.
Before using a moxa you will need to prepare the following:
・Cigarette lighter or candle.
・Small ceramic or glass an ashtray to place any put burned-out pedestal moxibustion.
・Small towel to place under the area being treated in case any ash is dropped.
Mark all the moxibustion points at home. Moxibustion takes about 4 minutes. Take moxibustion once a day before going to bed. Make a moxibustion so that redness occurs. Even after the correction of breech presentation, only the SP 6 continues moxibustion, prevent reverse turning again.
However, be careful as it may cause burns if you keep getting past pain and persevering through heat. Points to note, do not moxibustion if it burns and creates a blister. Moxibustion at home is not done for 30 minutes before bathing and meals.