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Monday, May 12, 2014

Acupuncturists on Moxibustion for Breech Presentation

Acupuncturists on Moxibustion for Breech Presentation

A study was conducted to examine what experienced acupuncture practitioners and researchers considered key aspects of treatment to promote cephalic version for women with a breech presentation, and to establish a treatment protocol through consensus to guide the self administration of moxa by pregnant women. The study used The Delphi method to seek the opinions of key informants. Sixteen acupuncturists working in the area of pregnancy were invited to participate in the study. Participants were given a link to an online survey, and their views sought on treatment parameters guiding the treatment of breech presentation within a research setting. Two rounds of the Delphi process were undertaken, 12 participants completed round one, and 10 completed round two. Eighty percent of participants agreed that moxa should commence between 34 and 35 weeks gestation. Ninety percent agreed to self administration of moxa by the woman, and use of smokeless and odourless sticks. Seventy percent agreed moxa should be applied for a minimum of 10 days, and be applied once a day for 30 min. Monitoring safety was identified as an important outcome. Ninety percent agreed study clinical outcomes should assess side effects including burns, and maternal and foetal outcomes. Findings from the study promote the clinical validity for a future research protocol, and highlight other areas for research to evaluate the role of acupuncture and moxibustion with normalising birth.

Smith CA, Betts D. The practice of acupuncture and moxibustion to promote cephalic version for women with a breech presentation: implications for clinical practice and research. Complement Ther Med. 2014 Feb;22(1):75-80.

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