La moxibustion in pregnancy It is a little-known technique that is used in special cases. It is a therapy that belongs to the traditional medicine China and it has been used for many years to change the baby's position when breech. Until now we knew about some more rudimentary treatments, but with this practice we will analyze if it also works.
The days before labor, the baby's position is usually placed to prepare for its exit. The head must be positioned down, near the birth canal. But for some reason, there are babies who do not finish turning and arrive at the breech birth, something that can complicate their delivery and can end in a cesarean section, a method that is not usually desired.
What is moxibustion?
This technique is transmitted by chinese medicine and that a specialist can practice if he has such knowledge. Consists in burn a herb, sagebrush, close to the skin and at an acupuncture point on the little toe. When you bring it closer, it transmits a warmth and a sensation that stimulates the movement of the uterus.
You can start practicing it between week 33 or 34, The sessions are indicated by a therapist and some patience. If it is possible to avoid a cesarean section at the last minute because the baby is breech, it is worth doing some type of practice to flip your posture.
Another technique known and practiced by gynecologists is “external cephalic version” (ECV), where with a prior ultrasound, they will try to turn or rotate the fetus to go from a breech to a cephalic position. It is done with tocolytics to facilitate this task.
How is moxa applied?
Moxa can be placed with the set of herbs in the shape of a cigar. A needle will be placed at a strategic point chosen by the therapist. Then he will apply the heat of the moxa cigar (mugwort) to certain points and even to the acupuncture point. You can also place this heat on an insulator made with salt or a ginger roll, but never on the skin, because it can cause annoying burns.
This technique is increasingly used, but You have to know which points practice it. It should be noted that moxibustion is contraindicated for some people, especially those who suffer from inflammatory processes.
Why does moxibustion work?
During the treatment, it is used the moxa, a set of crushed dried leaves of mugwort vulgaris. It can be presented in two formats: in the form of cigars, cones or powder, or inserted into an acupuncture needle. When the grass is burned, it is allowed to cool, but without losing heat and is placed on the skin of the pregnant woman to practice this technique.
It is not known in detail why this technique works, it is believed that the heat and the properties of the plant activate an energetic mechanism and blood within the mother. But some theories can be detailed such as:
- Your practice stimulates the production of placental estrogens and maternal protaglandins. Therefore, small uterine contractions and movements occur.
- Causes stimulation of the fetal adrenal glands, causing the fetus to begin to move within 7 minutes after the start of treatment.
- There is an increase in cortisol production in the placenta, creating fetal movements and uterine contractility.
Moxa too It is used to treat chronic and acute pain. It serves to warm certain areas of the body like acupuncture with a pure Artemisia. By heating these points, we will treat the internal strategic cold points of the body and thus relieve certain ailments. Among them, cold in strategic points, poor digestion and anemia.
Changing the baby's position has also been practiced since ancient times. with an acupuncture practice. It consisted of placing an acupuncture point on the fifth toe of both feet, a way to make certain stimulation mechanisms open.
Moxibustion to turn the baby
A few weeks before delivery You can implement this therapy at home. The sooner it is done, the better, so that the baby can have the best possible space. An acupuncture technique can be added to this treatment.
According to experts, the moxibustion It is used in pregnant women when the baby is breech; it is a technique used to make the fetus turn and perform a cephalic presentation. In this way you can Avoid cesarean section and have a vaginal birth.
Some scientific research is needed to study if it can be implemented this technique within our health system, and complement or replace it before the VCE. In reality, it is a simple and accepted technique, but positive results are not always expected. There are times when the baby does not want to turn around and this can cause disappointment and sadness.