Moxibustion Therapy in Santa Monica

Relieve pain, boost energy, and support reproductive health with the healing power of moxa.

The Healing Power of Moxibustion

At Luna Body and Mind, we offer moxibustion in Santa Monica as a stand-alone treatment or integrated into your acupuncture sessions. This centuries-old therapy involves the burning of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)—known as moxa—near specific acupuncture points to warm the meridians, enhance circulation, and stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body and activate the body’s natural healing response.

We use high-quality Japanese moxa, appropriate even for sensitive individuals, and tailor the application to your needs—offering direct, indirect, and needle-top moxa options.

It’s deeply warming, restorative, and a favorite among patients who want more energy, better digestion, and relief from menstrual or muscular pain.

Moxa therapy at Luna Body and Mind in Santa Monica, performed by Lola Fox-Rabinovich, top-rated acupuncturist

Conditions Moxibustion Can Help With

Moxa is especially beneficial for people with pain that worsens in cold or damp weather, and those with low energy or reproductive health concerns. It’s frequently used for:

  • Arthritis, joint stiffness, and chronic pain
  • Menstrual cramps, excessive bleeding, or irregular cycles
  • Breech baby positioning (specialized breech moxa protocol)
  • Fatigue and low immunity
  • IBS, bloating, constipation, and poor digestion
  • Cold hands and feet, numbness, and neuropathy
  • Fertility support (including sperm motility and libido)
  • Stress-related conditions and mood imbalance
  • Postpartum recovery and general vitality

“Moxa doesn’t just relieve symptoms—it warms you to your core, helping your body feel more alive, aligned, and grounded.” —Lola Fox-Rabinovich, L.Ac.

What to Expect in a Moxibustion Session

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Direct Moxa

Moxa cones are placed on the skin over a protective balm and burned briefly for deep, pinpointed warmth.

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Needle Moxa

Moxa is placed on the end of an acupuncture needle to conduct heat deep into joints or tissues.

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Indirect Moxa

A moxa stick is held near the skin to gently warm larger areas.

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Moxa Over Ginger or Garlic

A traditional combination where fresh slices are used to enhance the therapeutic effects.

You’ll feel a pleasant, radiating warmth, and many patients report immediate feelings of calm, clarity, and ease.

Top-rated clinic, 150+ 5 star Google Reviews

Acupuncture client Yelp review

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.

Acupuncture client Yelp review

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.

Acupuncture client Yelp review

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.

Acupuncture client Yelp review

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.

Acupuncture client Yelp review

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.

Acupuncture client Yelp review

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.

Acupuncture client Yelp review

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.

Acupuncture client Google review

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

Acupuncture client Google review

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

Acupuncture client Google review

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

Acupuncture client Google review

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

Acupuncture client Google review

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

Acupuncture client Yelp review

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.

Acupuncture client Google review

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

Acupuncture client Google review

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!

Erik Lundstrom

Luna Body and Mind treatment room for acupuncture, cupping, and moxa therapy in Santa Monica at top-rated wellness clinic

Pricing

Moxibustion (standalone or add-on): Custom pricing based on session length and whether combined with acupuncture. Included in many acupuncture treatments at no additional cost.

New to Moxibustion?

Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy) FAQs

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (moxa) near or on acupuncture points to warm the body, improve circulation, and support immunity, digestion, and reproductive health.

We use moxa to treat conditions such as fatigue, digestive weakness, cold hands and feet, painful periods, infertility, and joint pain. It’s especially helpful when there is a “cold” or “deficient” pattern in the body.

You may notice a distinct herbal scent (similar to incense), but the treatment is safe and comfortable. Moxa can be used directly or indirectly, and we always monitor closely to avoid burning the skin.

Yes, when used properly by a trained practitioner. In fact, moxa is often used to turn breech babies and support pregnancy health. Always consult with your provider before use.

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:

  1. Improves blood and Qi circulation.
  2. Expels dampness and cold from the body by warming the body’s meridians to relieve pain.
  3. Relieves and prevents menstrual cramps and stops excessive menstrual bleeding.
  4. Rotates a breech baby.
  5. Supports fertility and regulates menstrual cycle.
  6. Improves poor sperm quality, improves sexual libido and endurance.
  7. Strengthens the immune system and ability to fight respiratory illnesses.
  8. Relieves diarrhea and constipation.
  9. Reverses numbness and neuropathy in extremities.
  10. Reduces the chance of developing blood clots.
  11. Combined with acupuncture and cupping, moxibustion can ease depression and anxiety.
  12. Increases energy, endurance and metabolism.
  13. 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.

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.

Experience an all natural way to heal pain, insomnia and anxiety so you can finally feel like yourself again

If you’re looking for more than just symptom relief, you’re in the right place. We focus on root-cause healing, not quick fixes. Let’s work together to help you feel clear, balanced, and strong—physically and emotionally.