Finding out that your baby is breech—feet or bottom first—can be an anxious time. Many parents have a big fear of the fact that their child may need to be born by C-section because of this reason. However, emerging evidence points to the fact that Moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, might encourage breech babies to turn head-down before their delivery. In this guest post, we will find what the Chinese Matlock moxa treatment involves, how it works, and why one would opt for the same even during pregnancy. It shall also be helpful to asthma patients in many ways.
What Is Moxibustion?
A component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is Chinese Matlock Moxibustion, which uses the burning of dried mugwort, or moxa, as a form of treatment. China has been using this age-old method for thousands of years, focusing on specific bodily locations that are thought to be following meridians, which are believed to be invisible lines. According to this belief these lines align with various organs in the body.
According to TCM, stimulating these points with moxa can enhance blood flow and promote the release of certain hormones, thus balancing the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). Moxibustion is one of the central elements in TCM, commonly practiced with acupuncture to repair and encourage a return to total health.
Chinese Matlock Moxibustion for a Breech Baby
When a medical practitioner identifies a position as being breech, they may recommend the following course of treatment, which includes Moxibustion. A moxibustion session will heat selected acupuncture points that encourage a relaxed uterus to help the baby change its position to a head-down orientation. Moxibustion is used during the third trimester, ideally after detection of breech presentation before 37 weeks gestational age.
Applied with acupuncture, Chinese Matlock Moxibustion involves placing dried mugwort on or near acupuncture needles. We have been using this in combination, hoping the relaxation effect on the uterus provides an opportunity for the fetus to turn. Moxibustion therapy is provided at our licensed center by placing a moxa stick over the pinky toe. This area is related to the uterus through the connective tissues and nerve channels. Other acupuncture points at the ears and feet can be added to increase the treatment efficacy.
Moxibustion Before ECV
Most babies change their position to head down by about 36 weeks of gestation. However, should the baby still be in a breech position, an external cephalic version may be advised. ECV is when a healthcare provider physically attempts to turn the baby by applying pressure on the abdomen. A less invasive approach before considering ECV is Moxibustion.
Moxibustion is done around 33 to 35 weeks of pregnancy and helps encourage a self-turn of the baby. This technique is much less uncomfortable than ECV, and due to increased mother comfort, the success rate is higher in getting the fetal positioning for birth optimally.
How Moxibustion Works
There are several ways of performing Chinese Matlock moxibustion. One is to combine Moxibustion with acupuncture. The practitioner puts a small amount of dried moxa on an acupuncture needle. After lighting it, a warming effect is felt on the skin. Another method involves placing a moxa cone directly on an acupuncture point and lighting it. It must be done in a way such that the skin will not burn.
Another form of performing Moxibustion is indirect with cigar-sized moxa sticks; again, these are held close to the skin until one feels the warmth from the stick. In treating breech presentation, the practitioner keeps a moxa stick above the pinky toe. Again, within the above technique, connective tissues have been associated with the uterus, so the method employed focuses on creating ease in these tissues. Extra acupuncture points in ears and feet could also be utilized for the treatment.
Moxa Treatment for Asthma
Bronchial asthma is one of those chronic diseases that, with inflammation of the airways, could make a patient’s life an arduous struggle. The Chinese Matlock moxibustion, in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, promises a new dimension of hope for the patients of this ailment. This procedure is geared toward stimulating the body to enable the heat produced by the burning moxa to pass through significant meridians, therefore relieving the flow of energy in the body. It may reduce symptoms like wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and tightness in the chest.
Chinese Matlock Moxibustion may reduce inflammation in the air passages and help patients breathe more comfortably. It is usually integrated with other therapies to control asthma. Since this technique follows the principle of syndrome differentiation, treatment options would vary depending on the symptom and health status of the patient. It would help improve respiratory function and alleviate asthma symptoms.
Advantages of Moxibustion in Asthma Patients in Asthmatic Patients
A patient suffering from asthma may benefit from moxibustion in a few ways. In turn, this would assist in lessening inflammation and improve the general health of breathing by stimulating the meridians that control lung function. It is an adjunctive therapy that can be used in addition to inhalers and prescription drugs for treating asthma.
Many patients believe that Moxibustion has enhanced their overall well-being and allowed them to manage their asthma symptoms better. The advantages of Moxibustion, specifically for asthmatic patients, are better functioning of the lungs, reduced inflammation, and managing symptoms like asthma.
Safety Precautions
Chinese Matlock Moxibustion is generally relatively safe but should be done by a qualified practitioner to avoid any risks from the procedure. The procedure of moxa is not expected to result in harm, except for maybe a little pain or burning when moxa is used straight on the skin. If one utilizes Moxibustion with acupuncture, a lot of caution is recommended since improper removal of needles may cause complications like bleeding and hematoma. Therefore, one must discuss them with the practitioner before Moxibustion. Patients suffering from lymphedema, low white blood cell or platelet counts, heart murmurs, or those with an implanted pacemaker should seek medical advice before receiving Moxibustion.
Why Choose HE Acupuncture?
At HE Acupuncture, we understand that every health journey is unique. That is why we’d like to offer you expert care in traditional Chinese medicine. Our licensed Chinese Matlock practitioners are skilled in acupuncture and Moxibustion and will customize your treatments according to your specific needs. Whether you are managing a breech pregnancy or you are dealing with asthma, our staff is here to understand and work with you to meet your health goals through beneficial and compassionate care.
Traditional Chinese medicine, including Moxibustion, offers beneficial options for treating many health-related conditions. Whether you have a breech pregnancy or have been diagnosed with asthma, Chinese Matlock techniques are advantageous in the treatment plans for these medical conditions. At HE Acupuncture, our professional team has the experience to guide you on your health journey through personalized treatment plans and professional care.
