Vas and colleagues1 report on a clinical efficacy trial evaluating the role of a single acupuncture point, Bladder 67 (BL67), compared with sham acupuncture (Spleen 1 (SP1)), and usual care only in cephalic version at birth for babies in a breech presentation. This well-designed randomised controlled trial demonstrated a higher rate of cephalic version at birth for women receiving moxibustion compared with sham moxibustion and the usual care group. No adverse effects were reported. Studies of sham moxibustion are few, and, in the context of breech presentation, the findings from this trial are significant, addressing the question does moxibustion at BL67 have a specific effect resulting in cephalic version of the fetus.
Evaluation of interventions to promote cephalic version at birth have international relevance. Babies born in a breech position have an increased risk of birth complications. To minimise these risks, rates of caesarean section (C/S) delivery have steadily… Click here to read original article content.
Article Courtesy of Acupuncture in Medicine Caroline A Smith
