Many people may not know this, but acupuncture is quite successful in turning breech babies!
American Studies have shown 60-70% success rate, while Chinese studies put the success rate at 80-90%. And the treatment is comfortable and easy: just heating the outside of the (mother's) little toe with moxabustion.
A moxa pole is a cigar-shaped stick made from the Chinese Herb Ai Ye, commonly known as mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris. A Chinese species of Artemesia - similar to vulgaris - is also commonly used.) The moxa is held over a point at the end of the Bladder meridian, heating and stimulating the point.
Like most acupuncturists who use moxabustion to turn breech babies, at the Birch Center we often combine this treatment with acupuncture (though it can be done alone.) The acupuncture treatment helps relax and balance the energy in the body and is helpful at any stage in pregnancy. Often the mom reports feeling the baby become very active right away or later that day. We send her home with a moxa pole and diagram of just how to do the treatment, and let her spouse or friend continue the treatment until the baby has turned (usually to be checked by midwife or doctor.)
The treatment is most effective done at the end of the pregnancy: after 36 weeks. This is so that once the baby turns it has less chance of turning back around.
Stay Healthy,
~ Melissa and David
Acupuncturists
Read these articles by Melissa Sokulski, L.Ac. in Natural News for more information:
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