May 14, 2025

How Your Pinky Toe Could Help Turn a Breech Baby – The Power of Moxibustion

Introduction
If you’re in your third trimester and your baby is in a breech position, you’re probably feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or even pressured into medical interventions. But what if there was a gentle, natural technique you could try at home? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a surprising answer: your pinky toe.

That’s right. A tiny acupuncture point near your smallest toe, known as BL67 (Zhiyin), may help encourage your baby to turn head-down before birth.

What Is a Breech Baby?
A breech baby is one who is positioned feet-or bottom-first instead of head-first near the time of delivery. This affects around 3-4% of full-term pregnancies. While some breech babies turn on their own, many require intervention to avoid complications during delivery.

What Is BL67?
BL67, or Zhiyin (自音), is the last point on the Bladder meridian in TCM. It’s located at the outer corner of the pinky toe, right next to the toenail. In Chinese medicine, this point is known for its strong energetic connection to the uterus and womb.

How Moxibustion Helps
Moxibustion is a therapy that involves burning a stick made of dried mugwort (moxa) near specific acupoints to warm and stimulate them. When used on BL67, moxa is believed to promote fetal movement and encourage the baby to turn naturally.

Scientific Support
Several studies suggest that moxibustion may increase the chances of a breech baby turning. A 2012 Cochrane review found that using moxibustion between 33 and 35 weeks of pregnancy may reduce the need for more invasive procedures.

How to Use Moxa on BL67 (Safely)

• When to start: Around 34 weeks
• How often: Once or twice daily for 15-20 minutes
• Tools: Moxa sticks (available online or from TCM clinics)
• How to do it: Light the moxa stick, hold it 1-2 inches above the BL67 point (outer pinky toe), and warm the area in small circles. Alternate between both feet.

*Important Note:
Do not perform moxibustion without consulting your OB, midwife, or a licensed acupuncturist. Avoid use during heat conditions, multiple pregnancies, or high-risk pregnancies without medical guidance.

Want a Step-by-Step Printable Guide?
I’ve created a free, easy-to-follow PDF guide that shows exactly how to locate BL67 and use moxa safely.

📅 Download it here: [LINK]
Or comment “Pain-Free” on my latest Instagram reel and I’ll send it to you!

Final Thoughts
Not every breech baby will turn, but if you’re looking for a gentle, natural option to support your birth journey, this little pinky toe trick might be worth a try.

Let your body, your baby, and your intuition work together.

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