"Baby Is Head Down!" How Acupuncture & Moxa Helped One Client Avoid an External Version

I recently received a message from a client that made my whole week:

“Baby is head down!! I felt a shift last night right before bed, but wasn’t 100% sure — went in this morning for the ECV and when they did the pre-check/ultrasound, baby was already head down. Such a relief and I’m sure all the acupuncture and moxibustion helped get us there, so feeling grateful :)”

This client came in around 36 weeks pregnant after learning her baby was breech, referred to me by her midwife. We started gentle acupuncture in the clinic and added moxibustion to her treatment plan — a technique rooted in East Asian medicine that involves warming specific acupuncture points. I also taught her partner how to continue the moxa treatments at home, so they could do it daily between visits. She was also using Spinning Babies exercises to encourage optimal fetal positioning.

A week later, she went in for a scheduled external cephalic version (ECV) — a manual procedure used to try and turn a breech baby — and found out it wasn’t needed. Baby had already turned head down on their own.

What Is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion (or “moxa”) is a traditional East Asian therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near specific acupuncture points on the body. Mugwort is known for its warming and invigorating properties. In many traditions of Chinese medicine, warming the body — particularly the uterus and lower abdomen — is thought to encourage smooth circulation of Qi (energy) and blood, which may support fetal movement and help guide the baby into the optimal position.

When used to help turn breech babies, moxa is typically applied to an acupuncture point on the pinky toe — Bladder 67. This point has a strong influence on the uterus and pelvic region. The warming stimulation from moxa may increase uterine activity and promote fetal movement, ideally allowing the baby to turn on their own before a manual version or surgical delivery is necessary.

Moxa can be done in the clinic, and it’s also incredibly effective when used at home — ideally daily for 7–10 days. I usually teach partners how to do it safely so they can be part of the process, and many clients report enjoying the relaxing ritual and bonding opportunity it creates.

What Does the Research Say?

There’s growing evidence to support the use of moxibustion for breech presentation. Some highlights:

• A randomized controlled trial by Cardini & Weixin (1998) found that 75.4% of babies turned head down in the moxa group, compared to 47.7% in the control group.

• A 2012 Cochrane Review concluded that moxibustion performed between 33–35 weeks of gestation may reduce the need for ECV, decrease non-cephalic presentations at birth, and lower cesarean delivery rates.

• A 2023 meta-analysis confirmed that moxa appears to be a safe and effective approach for turning breech babies when used under the guidance of a trained practitioner. The best results were seen when moxa was used alongside acupuncture and other techniques like positional exercises.

While no method is a guarantee, moxa is non-invasive, gentle, and backed by thousands of years of tradition — making it a valuable option for people who want to try every possible route before moving forward with a manual version or surgical delivery.

When Should You Start?

The ideal time to begin moxibustion for breech is between 33 and 36 weeks, when there’s still enough room in the uterus for the baby to move. That said, it's still worth trying at 37+ weeks. Everyone’s body and baby are different — and sometimes the encouragement is all it takes.

What to Expect During Treatment

In my Oakland clinic, I combine acupuncture with moxibustion in a calm, supportive environment. During our first visit, I’ll also go over how to do moxa safely at home and provide clear instructions (and a demonstration for your partner if they’re available). Most people do a series of treatments over 1–2 weeks, ideally coming in 2–3 times and doing daily moxa in between.

I often recommend pairing this with gentle movement exercises (like Spinning Babies techniques) and ensuring you’re staying well-nourished and rested — because baby is much more likely to move when the body feels calm and supported.

If Your Baby Is Breech, Let’s Talk

If you’ve been told your baby is breech, know that you still have time, and you have options. Whether you're hoping to avoid an ECV or just want to give your baby the best possible chance of turning before delivery, acupuncture and moxa can be a powerful (and deeply relaxing) approach.

I offer in-clinic care in Oakland and home visits throughout the East Bay. If you're curious or have questions, you’re welcome to book a free consultation.

Warmly,

Dr. Brianna Darcey, DAIM, RN, LAc

Acupuncture & East Asian Medicine in Oakland, CA