BACKGROUND:
Moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, is gaining interest as an integrative, non-invasive method to support physiological labor. Its use aligns with global health priorities in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3), which emphasize improved maternal health and respectful, evidence-based maternity care. In line with WHO’s intrapartum care model promoting a positive childbirth experience, moxibustion may serve as a low-cost intervention to enhance labor outcomes. However, evidence on its use during labor—particularly its effect on uterine activity and second-stage duration—remains limited, especially in midwife-led settings.

OBJECTIVES:
To examine the association between moxibustion frequency during labor and the duration of the second stage of labor, and to describe observed changes in uterine contractions.

METHODS:
An observational study was conducted with 25 laboring women in a midwife-led clinic in Indonesia. Data included demographic characteristics, moxibustion frequency (during pregnancy and labor), uterine contraction patterns (frequency and duration) before and after moxibustion, and the duration of the second stage of labor. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS 25. Ethical approval was obtained.

RESULTS:
Most participants were under 20 years old (96%), had secondary education (80%), and were unemployed (84%). Moxibustion was given during pregnancy (96%) and labor (92%). After moxibustion, all participants experienced increased contraction frequency (>3/10 minutes), and 96% had contractions lasting >40 seconds. A significant positive correlation was found between moxibustion frequency during labor and second-stage duration (ρ = 0.406, p = 0.044), possibly reflecting use in slower-progressing labors.

CONCLUSIONS:
Moxibustion was associated with improved uterine activity and used as supportive care in labor management. It may serve as an integrative tool in midwife-led practice to promote physiological birth.

KEY MESSAGE:
Integrative practices like moxibustion can strengthen midwives’ capacity to provide woman-centered care in resource-limited settings. MLBC - implementation