Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 2000 Nov; 6(4): 176-9.

Moxibustion for breech presentation.

Budd S.

Midwifery Sister/Acupuncturist, Maternity Unit, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, UK. s.budd@ex.ac.uk

Breech presentation at term is considered a possible obstetric complication, and the management before and during labour remains controversial. A technique called 'moxibustion' is used in traditional Chinese medicine to encourage version of the fetus in breech presentation. It has been used in the maternity unit in Plymouth for 11 years. The results would seem to suggest it may have a positive effect and play a part in reducing the number of breech presentations at term and therefore also a reduction in the number of caesarean sections which are so often advocated in breech presentation. This article describes the technique in greater detail and discusses the potential for the future.