Closeup photograph of a baby dressed in pink and a mom holding the baby’s hand.

Acupuncture for labor isn’t just about encouraging contractions or trying to “start labor.” It’s about creating space. It’s about helping the body soften, the cervix ripen, the mind settle. It’s about supporting the hormonal cascade—especially oxytocin production—that allows labor to begin naturally. And most importantly, it’s about supporting the mother through one of life’s biggest transitions.

The acupuncture point UB 67 on the Urinary Bladder channel is the primary point used because it is the most dynamic point to activate the uterus. The primary function of acupoint UB 67 is to turn malpositioned babies. The point is located on the tip of the pinky toe, near the lower outside corner of the toenail.

According to TCM theory, moxa has a tonifying and warming effect which promotes movement and activity. The nature of heat is also rising. This warming and raising effect is utilised to encourage the baby to become more active and lift its bottom up in order to gain adequate momentum to summersault into the head down position.