Santa Cruz, CA · 23+ Years of Experience

Natural Acupuncture Care in Santa Cruz

Personalized acupuncture sessions designed to support relaxation, balance, and overall well-being — in a calm, welcoming space.

📍 224 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA

Choosing an Acupuncturist Is Personal

You want experience, presence, and someone who truly listens. Maureen "Mo" Vargas brings over two decades of hands-on experience in traditional acupuncture and holistic wellness practices.

Peaceful acupuncture treatment room

Her approach is centered around:

  • Individualized attention — every session starts with listening
  • Gentle technique for a comfortable experience
  • A peaceful, welcoming treatment environment
  • Clear, open communication at every step
  • Thoughtful, customized care plans

Every session begins with listening. Your goals, your lifestyle, and your comfort matter.

A Personalized Approach to Whole-Body Wellness

Acupuncture is a time-tested wellness practice that works with the body's natural systems to encourage balance and relaxation. Treatments consider the whole person — not isolated concerns.

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Women's Wellness & Life Transitions

A calm, supportive space tailored to each woman's experience — helping create internal balance and consistent wellness support through every stage of life.

Life TransitionsInternal BalanceSelf-Care
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Stress Relief & Emotional Reset

Intentional time to slow down. Clients often describe feeling deeply relaxed, more grounded, mentally clearer, and rested after each session.

RelaxationMental ClarityNervous System
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Physical Comfort & Active Living

Whether you're athletic or simply want to move comfortably day to day, acupuncture supports muscle relaxation, circulation, and long-term physical balance.

Muscle RelaxationRecoveryCirculation
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Restful Sleep Support

Poor sleep affects everything. Sessions are designed to encourage your nervous system to ease from tension toward rest — naturally.

SleepRestNervous System
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Digestive Balance & Vitality

Support your body's natural rhythms for improved digestive comfort, steady energy, and overall resilience throughout your daily life.

DigestionEnergyResilience

General Wellness & Maintenance

Many clients choose regular sessions simply to maintain their best — supporting everyday vitality, mental clarity, and overall balance year-round.

VitalityClarityBalance

Support Through Every Stage of Life

Many women incorporate acupuncture into their self-care routines during different stages of life. Sessions are designed to create:

  • A calm and supportive space
  • Internal balance and ease
  • Relaxation during busy seasons
  • Consistent, ongoing wellness support

Care is always tailored to the individual, with sensitivity and attentiveness to each person's experience.

Calm wellness space

Stress Relief & Emotional Reset

Modern life can feel fast and demanding. Acupuncture sessions provide intentional time to slow down. Clients often describe feeling:

  • Deeply relaxed and at ease
  • More grounded and present
  • Clearer mentally after sessions
  • Rested and genuinely restored

Each treatment supports the nervous system in shifting from tension toward ease.

Relaxation and calm

Physical Comfort & Active Living

Whether you maintain an athletic lifestyle or simply want to move comfortably through your day, acupuncture can be part of your long-term wellness routine.

  • Muscle relaxation and ease of movement
  • Improved circulation throughout the body
  • Recovery support after activity
  • Long-term physical balance
  • Everyday comfort and mobility

Many active adults choose acupuncture to stay feeling their best throughout the year.

Active lifestyle wellness

What Makes This Practice Different

Mo creates a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported — not rushed.

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23+ Years of Experience

Over two decades serving the Santa Cruz community with expertise you can trust.

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One-on-One Sessions

Personalized, undivided attention every single visit — no rushing, no distractions.

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Calm, Welcoming Space

A peaceful office environment designed to help you relax from the moment you arrive.

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Professional Standards

Rigorous hygiene and safety practices — sterile, single-use needles always.

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Flexible Scheduling

Appointment times available by request to fit your life and your schedule.

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Insurance Accepted

Select PPO plans accepted, including certain Blue Shield PPO plans.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your first appointment is designed to be comfortable, informative, and restorative — from start to finish.

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Detailed Conversation

Mo listens carefully to your goals, lifestyle, and any concerns you'd like to share.

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Personalized Planning

A customized session plan is created around your unique needs and preferences.

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Gentle Treatment

A professional acupuncture session using gentle technique and sterile, single-use needles.

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Relax & Reset

Dedicated time to rest and let your body integrate the treatment fully.

⏱ Session Length: First visits are typically 60–75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 45–60 minutes. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended.

Insurance & Payment Options

We want care to be as accessible as possible. Here's what you need to know about coverage options.

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Select PPO Plans Accepted

We accept select PPO insurance plans — contact us to verify your specific coverage.

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Blue Shield PPO (In-Network)

Momo Acupuncture is in-network with certain Blue Shield PPO plans for your convenience.

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Out-of-Network PPO

We also serve as an out-of-network provider for other PPO plans. We can help you navigate your benefits.

Have Questions About Coverage?

Every insurance plan is different. The best way to confirm your benefits is to call us directly — we're happy to help you figure it out before your visit.

Call us at:

📞 831-325-2943

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? We've answered the most common ones below. For anything else, Mo is just a phone call away.

Acupuncture is a traditional wellness practice involving very fine needles placed at specific points on the body to support relaxation and overall balance. It has been practiced for thousands of years and is widely used as a complementary wellness approach.
Yes. Sterile, single-use needles are used for every session, and professional safety standards are followed carefully. Mo's extensive experience ensures your visit is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Most clients feel minimal sensation — often described as a slight tingling or warmth. Many people find sessions deeply relaxing, with some even falling asleep during treatment. Mo uses a gentle technique designed with your comfort in mind.
This varies based on your goals and lifestyle. Some people come occasionally for general wellness support, while others choose regular sessions. Mo will discuss what might work best for you during your first visit — no pressure, no long-term commitment required upfront.
This practice focuses on overall wellness support, relaxation, physical comfort, and balanced living. Clients include active adults, women navigating life transitions, those managing everyday stress, and anyone seeking a thoughtful approach to their well-being. If you have specific questions, Mo is happy to discuss them during a free consultation.
Absolutely. A free 10-minute phone consultation is available to answer your questions and help you feel completely comfortable before scheduling your first appointment. Call anytime at 831-325-2943.

Ready to Feel More Balanced?

If you've been thinking about prioritizing your well-being, this is your sign.

🌿 Your body deserves attention.

🧘 Your mind deserves calm.

💛 You deserve support.

📞 831-325-2943 📍 224 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA Appointments available by request