Acupuncture for breech version: Principles, technique, mode of action and utility - A literature review

Abstract

Acupuncture should be attempted in cases of breech presentation.

Vaginal Breech Birth: Can We Move Beyond the Term Breech Trial?

“…There are 3 nonconventional techniques that purportedly encourage the fetus to move from breech to vertex. The theory supporting version techniques other than ECV is that they are thought to encourage fetal movement and thus promote the likelihood of a cephalic presentation . The most commonly employed methods are postural positioning, acupuncture, and moxibustion.…”

“…The most commonly employed methods are postural positioning, acupuncture, and moxibustion. Only moxibustion has been studied in placebo‐controlled randomized trials; however, all of these techniques are considered to be safe and pose no maternal or fetal risks …”

“…Acupuncture and moxibustion are both based on Chinese medicine beliefs that the body has meridians or “lines of force” that correspond to certain organs in the body . Along the meridians are well‐defined energy points that, when stimulated, will result in a particular effect.…”

“…Along the meridians are well‐defined energy points that, when stimulated, will result in a particular effect. In the case of treating a breech presentation, the energy point is BL 67 (Chinese name Zhiyin ), which is located on the outer aspect of the fifth toenail . Stimulation of BL 67 with acupuncture, pressure, or heat is thought to induce a series of hormonal reactions that ultimately increase fetal movement and spontaneous version to a cephalic presentation …”

“…Interestingly, there is little evidence exploring the efficacy of acupuncture alone as a version technique. In a comprehensive review of the literature, Sananes et al describe several small randomized trials conducted in Europe . None of these studies included a placebo or sham acupuncture as a comparison.…”