What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is the ancient art of using burning herbal preparations called ‘moxa’ to stimulate acupuncture points. This can be done directly over the point or can be used to warm the needle to transfer the heat down. This particular herb is chosen because of the intensity of heat the burning herb produces. When held close to the surface of the skin, the heat causes vasodilatation, and can increase the speed at which metabolic waste is removed. From a TCM point of view, moxa can be used to stimulate points in a similar way that needles are used. It can help nourish tendons by increasing the flow of Blood and Qi to areas where it is deficient or by moving it where flow is stagnant.

Moxibustion can also be used for treatment of Breech Presentation.

This is an ancient technique, where rolls of the herb ‘moxa’ are burned to warm a specific acupuncture point located on the little toe.

The ideal time to use this technique is if the foetus is presenting breech after 34 weeks gestation. We request that your doctor or midwife is informed of this treatment. Treatment cannot take place with the following conditions:

1.Placenta previa
2.History of ante-partum haemorrhage
3.Multiple pregnancy
4.Known abnormality of the uterus or pelvis
5.History of premature labour or premature rupture of the membranes
6.Oligohydramnios
7.Rhesus antibodies
8.Known hydrocephalic foetus

The exact location of the point is at the base corner of the nail on the outside of the 5th (little) toe. It is recommended that a partner or friend come to the session, so they can be shown how to use the moxa stick. The sticks should be held bilaterally about 2 inches away from the point. The patient should feel the heat but should not be uncomfortable. Treatment should continue for 15 minutes at a time. Sessions should be repeated around 4 or 5 times a day.

Some women feel an immediate response to treatment, with the baby beginning to move during the first treatment, others may take longer.

The stimulation of this acupuncture point ‘BL-67’ or ‘Zhiyin’, by moxibustion in theory, increases the flow of Qi along the Bladder meridian, to the uterus and increases foetal activity. This increase in movement can

   
   

result in the foetus reverting to cephalic lie. Recent clinical trials have all shown stimulation of this point is significantly more effective than the control groups. This technique has also been well documented by respected midwives and maternity authors such as Sarah Budd, Sharon Yelland and Sarah Roberts.

The optimum time seems to be at 34 weeks gestation. Before this, the foetus is still very mobile and may change position freely and frequently. Much later than this is more difficult as there is less room for turning, however, treatment can be administered up until term. Once the foetus has turned, stop treatment immediately, as continuation could cause reversion back to breech.

Moxa is hard to put out, so the best way is to snip the lit part off with scissors over a sink. Do not get the moxa wet, and always make sure the stick is fully extinguished. Treatment should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, such as a kitchen with extractor fan.

Consultation, tuition and equiptment £30

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