The Healing Power of Moxibustion
When you walk into an acupuncture clinic, you may notice that familiar smoky smell of moxa. Some people don’t like it; others love it. New patients generally ask, “What is that interesting herbal smell?”
Well, that earthy fragrance is the smell of burning herb called moxa (also called mugwort or Artemisia Vulgaris). Moxibustion is an ancient Chinese healing technique of warming acupuncture points by burning moxa cone(s) close to or directly on the skin. Moxibustion can be used in combination with acupuncture or as a standalone therapy. It has a number of health benefits and is a popular technique due to its effectiveness. If you would like to try moxa, you can get in touch with Luna Body and Mind in Santa Monica to experience the benefits of moxibustion for yourself.
What is Moxibustion?
This is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine technique carried out by burning Mugwort, a spongy herb, to stimulate the healing effect. The primary purpose of moxibustion is to naturally stimulate the circulation of blood and Qi, warm up the body, resolve pain, and stimulate the production of red and white blood cells.
Moxibustion is especially effective for people suffering from stagnant conditions or cold which usually means some kind of pain that gets worse with cold/wet weather. The technique expels cold while warming the meridians, leading to a smoother flow of qi and blood. Additionally practitioners use moxibustion to turn a breech baby, resolve menstrual cramps, and stop prolonged menstrual bleeding.
What Happens during Moxibustion Treatment?
There are three types of moxa – direct, indirect, and needle moxa.
With direct moxa, an acupuncturist places a moxa cone on an acupuncture point directly on the skin. The skin is often prepared with a moxa balm (a sticky substance that contains herbs) to help facilitate heat conduction and ensure that a moxa cone stays in place. Then a moxa cone is set on fire using an incense stick. When the herbal cone burns, it produces penetrating heat. A cone is removed when a patient notices the sensation of heat.
Indirect moxa involves burning a moxa stick near the skin without touching it. This is usually done over a larger area rather than one acupuncture point.
Needle moxa is exactly what it sounds like. A moxa cone is placed on the top of the needle (with the end inserted into an acupuncture point on the body) and while it burns, the needle conducts the heat into the tissues. This method is especially useful for treating a deeper joint pain.
Occasionally, moxa is burned on another substance that is placed on the skin such as a slice of ginger, garlic or salt. These substances contribute their own healing energy to the treatment. This is a hybrid of direct and indirect moxa.
Health Benefits of Moxibustion
We offer moxibustion in our Santa Monica office because it effectively stimulates the body’s natural blood circulation and accelerates the healing response. Here are the health benefits of moxibustion therapy:
- Improves blood and Qi circulation.
- Expels dampness and cold from the body by warming the body’s meridians to relieve pain.
- Relieves and prevents menstrual cramps and stops excessive menstrual bleeding.
- Rotates a breech baby.
- Supports fertility and regulates menstrual cycle.
- Improves poor sperm quality, improves sexual libido and endurance.
- Strengthens the immune system and ability to fight respiratory illnesses.
- Relieves diarrhea and constipation.
- Reverses numbness and neuropathy in extremities.
- Reduces the chance of developing blood clots.
- Combined with acupuncture and cupping, moxibustion can ease depression and anxiety.
- Increases energy, endurance and metabolism.
- Moxibustion has been used for centuries by Tibetan monks to improve longevity and vitality.
Give us a call if you want to experience the healing benefits of moxibustion in our Santa Monica clinic. Our experienced practitioners use high quality Japanese pure moxa, which is appropriate even for smoke sensitive patients. Moxa is a very popular treatment because of its energizing and calming effect and can also be enjoyed by healthy people as a part of their wellness routine. We offer free consultations for new patients in our Santa Monica office, and will be happy to advise you if moxibustion would be a good modality for you.
Lola has been my acupuncturist for over 10 years, and I can’t say enough great things about her. She is passionate about her work, and an absolute best at what she does. Lola is knowledgeable, friendly, doesn’t mind explaining her treatment plan in detail, and answer every question; her treatments are painless, and she truly cares about her patients.
L D.
Stop what your doing ! and make an appointment! This was my first acupuncture experience and I feel amazing. I’ve been working over time the past few weeks and I have trouble sleeping from the work and stress. My friend recommended me here, I did a quick stress relief acupuncture and a cupping session for my back. Did wonders ! Parking was easy , staff is really friendly and knowledgeable. The space is beautiful and clean I felt very relaxed. Would recommend.
Sonya C.
I was recommended to come here by a friend for my treatment today and oh was I surprised. I went for the ozone steam sauna and my expectations were exceeded. Not only did I sweat beyond all belief in the 30 minutes sitting and loosing around 600 calories, but Lola was one of the most pleasant people I’ve ever interacted with. The ear acupuncture was also great and now I’ll be coming back here regularly. I feel like a million bucks tonight. Thanks Lola!
Adam B.
I purchased a 10 session acupuncture and ozone sauna package from Luna Body and Mind and absolutely loved it!! I was looking forward to each and every session! Acupuncture therapy restored my energy levels, balanced my chakras and boosted my happiness. Lola, the owner of this place, is absolutely amazing! Each session she greeted me with her beautiful warm smile and always made me feel at home. I felt completely relaxed and restored after each treatment with her. Lola is a very balanced and powerful healer. I completely trust her with my body and well-being. Highly recommend this place and already looking forward to coming back!!
Katusha S.
I’m not exaggerating when I say Luna has changed my body aching quarantine life.
My favorite business in Santa Monica, feel so blessed to have Lola work her acupuncture/ cupping magic!
The ozone sauna is a must too! I want to hug that thing! So detoxifying and stress relieving!
I always arrive at Luna excited and rushed from a busy day and leave a whole new person.
So relaxing & truly body healing, better then any massage can provide and with long term benefits.
There’s something unique about Lola, her presence is calming & inviting.
I highly suggest to anyone who hasn’t tried acupuncture to give it a shot. I’m a tiny lady, if my body can handle it, you can too haha it doesn’t hurt, it is tension relieving.
I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my sleep, mood, energy, and anxiety since going here.
Love you all! Thank you for existing :)
Cat Zaimi, M A.
Out of all the acupuncturists I have seen, Lola is truly the best of the best. I have been living in LA for over 6 years and have seen it all and therefore normally don’t write reviews but Lola is THAT good. When I am constantly seeing Lola for treatments, my health is the best it will ever be. I cannot recommend Luna, Body & Mind enough. It is honestly life changing!
Alexis L.
Lola was very knowledgeable about my Autoimmune problems and offered great recommendations (even my dr was very impressed). My teen daughter is a very big fan of gold seeds, they really help her distress from school. The ambiance is very calm and relaxing. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable. The space was clean and everything was sanitized.
Very COVID19 safe (big plus for me)
Alla D.
Lately I have been suffering from extreme back pain with consistently low HRV and sleep numbers. I visited Lola and felt absolutely at home in her gorgeous clinic near the Promenade in Santa Monica. I explained to Lola what was bothering me and she did an extensive acupuncture, cupping and electro stem treatment on me. Immediately, my back stopped seizing up and my pain decreased immensely. Not only did I feel better, but my HRV score went up 20 points after one day and I had 2:45 minutes of REM sleep when I was previously averaging 1:20 minutes. I plan to go back in two days to increase the benefits and healing, and I know that these treatments will get me back to feeling and sleeping great. Thank you Lola!
G. Luquet
Have been a patient of Lola’s for quite some time now, and can say she’s is a godsend. Not only she’s very experienced but her bedside manners are the best. She shares her vast knowledge of Chinese medicine with so much grace, patiently explaining every step of the way so I can feel good about it at any given time. Best of all, I feel a real difference after the treatments. Pain level has significantly decreased, and I have been feeling more relaxed.
New Santa Monica place has incredibly healing vibes to it, designed with care and patients in mind. I appreciate the precautions ‘Luna body and mind’ team is taking to ensure a safe and sanitized experience. Looking forward to my weekly sessions!
Natalia Tibelius
I came in for an acupuncture treatment as well as moxa and ear seeding, and I have to say it was an AMAZING experience. Lola is an incredible acupuncturist and made me feel instantly better!!!! I will be coming back weekly for treatments and I HIGHLY recommend for anyone and everyone with anxiety, stress, insomnia etc. to come in and give it a try; best decision of my life! Not to mention the office is absolutely adorable. The vibes are very peaceful and relaxing. I can’t wait for my next treatment !
Alexandra Peters
Treatments at Luna always makes me feel better, physically and psychologically. Lola is so knowledgeable about how the body works and listens carefully to any issue which impacts my health and well being.
Mari Koerner
I had the pleasure of meeting with Lola and using the ozone sauna today, and it was a great relief and detox. She was very knowledgeable, very responsive, and I had a great conversation with her. I’m definitely considering all of her other services as well. I highly recommend to others!
Chris Brandlin
Coming to Luna Body and Mind has had a huge, positive impact on my health and energy levels. Lola is super knowledgeable about alternative & integrative health protocols and has a kind, warm, welcoming energy. Alexandra & Alex are nice, responsive with scheduling and taking care of me during ozone treatments. The ozone far infrared sauna has made all the difference in helping me get rid of brain fog and burn out. Every time I walk out of this place I feel like a million dollars.
Thank you, Luna Body & Mind !!
Maria D.
Lola at Luna is an absolute artist – a magic worker. She is compassionate, humble, funny, empathetic, and knows how to make you feel at ease immediately. Somehow the day just turns around the second I’m even driving in for a treatment and I’m in a state of bliss for days afterward. The space is beautiful, the acupuncture beds and heat lamps feel like warm hugs, and the ozone sauna is the key to detoxifying your body and life! Could not recommend Luna B&A more!
Michele Nilsen
I’ve had several sessions at Luna and I feel so good! Truly a lovely location and office! Feels incredibly relaxing to walk into such a beautiful space!
On top of that! The services they offer are unmatched in my experience, they tailor every session to your needs and can give acupuncture, cupping, or the ozone treatment! Walk out the door feeling amazing every time!
Highly suggest booking a free consultation or your first session ASAP!