Get in Touch with Tongren Tang Gulf
Est. 1669 — Imperial TCM Since the Qing Dynasty
Moxibustion Treatment
Professional Moxibustion Treatment & Therapy
China’s longest established expert in traditional Chinese medicine brings over 350 years of experience to Dubai. Our university trained TCM doctors perform specific moxibustion treatments for lower back pain, fertility, boosting your immune system and over 16 other conditions at our two Dubai clinics.
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Moxibustion Techniques
Chronic Pain, Fertility Issues & Immune Health — How Moxibustion Therapy Helps
What is Moxibustion? Moxibustion is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that is performed by applying heat from ignited dried mugwort. Known as Ai Ji in Chinese, moxibustion stimulates life force or qi by giving warmth to specific acupuncture points on the body’s meridian system. When chronic illness, such as pain disables you from participating in your daily responsibilities. When IVF and Fertility protocol is not enough, or the immune system needs support, moxibustion treats from the root as explained according to Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic theories.
At Tong Ren Tang, we often provide treatment to those who have exhausted Western options. Our acupuncturists incorporate the techniques of direct and indirect moxibustion based on your TCM constitution diagnostic test. The targeted meridian channels are the same as those which Western protocol would otherwise treat only symptomatically. The heat penetration of burning moxa can alleviate inflammation as well as free blood flow in all tissue is layers, which is one of the reason for acrid inflammation evidence in modern days through completely blindly RCTs.
Clinical Evidence Snapshot
In 2024, a systematic review of 37 RCTs (2879 subjects), concluded that use of moxibustion in conjunction with conventional medication gave statistically significantly improved treatment outcomes in cases of asthma, when compared to protocol of medication alone, with gains in respiration and IgE levels. In cases of knee osteoarthritis, a 2025 meta-analysis established moxibustion provides greater pain relief and lower adverse event rate than conventional care.. This is no isolated case – the strength of the evidence base is extension into chronic nociceoception, digestive, gynaecological and immunological disorders.
The conditions that we are administering moxibustion for are: chronic pain (knee, back, shoulder), rheumatoid arthritis, primary dysmenorrhoa, irritable bowel syndrome, diminished ovarian reserve, cervical spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis, migraine, insomnia, eczema and menopausal syndrome. All of these conditions require the practitioner to use different moxibustion protocols, different acupuncture point selections and different treatment duration – which is why skill and knowledge are just as important as the moxibustion method.
Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Moxibustion Services — Techniques & Treatment Programs
Pick from six types of moxibustion. We apply on the basis of your condition, physique and desired effects. Our practitioners are from accredited TCM universities, with years of experienced treatment. After consultation, they will decide whether you need direct or indirect moxibustion, or traditional moxa cone or odorless type, not rely on simple menu.
Direct Moxibustion
Fire cone moxa Small moxa cones directly on point. Non scar method utilizing exact heat delivery. Conditions deep seated such as chronic arthritis & digestive problems.
Indirect Moxibustion (Ginger/Salt/Garlic)
Insulation of ginger, garlic or salt between a moxa cone and the skin. Ginger moxibustion is particularly useful in yang deficiency syndromes; salt moxibustion is indicated for abdominal pathology and digestive complaints at the Shenque ( CV8) point.
Moxa Stick Therapy
A lit moxa roll was placed 2-5cm above the skin in a circular or pecking motion. The action and intensity of the heat is simply controlled by the amount of distance. This makes it the most widely used method of moxibustion.
Smokeless Moxibustion
Charcoal-moxa, won’t generate much smoke but as hot as it should be. Suitable for clients sensitive to smoke or in clinics with poor ventilation. Maintains essential therapeutic qualities of mugwort.
Acupuncture + Moxibustion Combined
When applied to the handle of inserted acupuncture needles, moxa delivers heat directly through the needle and deep into tissue layers. In 2025, a meta-analysis of published clinical research concluded that this combination achieved better clinical results when compared to either treatment used alone in conditions such as knee osteoarthritis.
Eye Moxibustion
This specialized technique targets the periorbital acupuncture points for eye fatigue, dry eyes, and vision related complaints. The practitioner carefully controls the distance of the small gentle indirect heat source from the delicate eye region.
Which Technique Fits Your Condition?
| Condition | Primary Technique | Sessions/Week | Typical Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knee/Joint Pain | Acupuncture + Moxibustion | 2-3 | 12 weeks |
| Lower Back Pain | Moxa Stick + Indirect (Ginger) | 2-3 | 8-12 weeks |
| Fertility Support | Direct + Indirect (Salt/Ginger) | Daily during protocol | 12 weeks + follow-up |
| Digestive Disorders (IBS) | Indirect (Salt) at CV8 | 2-3 | 8 weeks |
| Immune Boosting | Moxa Stick at ST36/CV4 | 2-3 | Ongoing maintenance |
| Dysmenorrhea | Pre-menstrual Moxibustion Protocol | Daily pre-cycle | 3+ menstrual cycles |
| Eye Fatigue | Eye Moxibustion | 2-3 | 4-6 weeks |
Moxibustion vs Conventional Pain Management — Clinical Evidence
The question is not whether moxibustion works – the peer-reviewed evidence from 2020 to 2025 answers that clearly. The question is how it compares to treatments you may already be using. Below, we present data from published systematic reviews and meta-analyses, not manufacturer claims or anecdotal reports.
| Parameter | Moxibustion | Acupuncture Alone | OTC Pain Medication | Physical Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knee OA Effectiveness | 93% total effective rate | 76-85% per studies | Symptom management only | 60-75% improvement |
| Adverse Event Rate | Lower than comparators (2025 meta-analysis) | Mild (bruising, soreness) | GI side effects, liver risk with long-term use | Minimal |
| Long-term Outcome (24 weeks) | Sustained improvement at week 24 | Sustained but less pronounced | Returns upon discontinuation | Sustained with maintenance |
| Drug Dependency Risk | Zero | Zero | Moderate (NSAIDs, opioids) | Zero |
| Combination Benefit | Superior when combined with acupuncture | Enhanced with moxibustion | Can supplement TCM | Complementary |
| Mechanism | Qi/blood circulation + anti-inflammatory via NF-kB inhibition | Nervous system modulation | COX enzyme inhibition | Muscular rehabilitation |
For rheumatoid arthritis specifically, a randomized controlled trial published in 2023 demonstrated that moxibustion reduces serum inflammatory factors, providing a biological mechanism behind the observed clinical improvements. The therapeutic effects of moxibustion extend beyond pain relief to include immune system modulation, which is why conditions as varied as asthma, ulcerative colitis, and IBS respond to treatment.
A pilot controlled clinical trial published in Nature Scientific Reports found that moxibustion produces greater fatigue reduction than acupuncture alone, with the two therapies having different effects on the autonomic nervous system. This complementary action is why we typically recommend combined acupuncture and moxibustion protocols for chronic conditions.
93%
Total effective rate for knee osteoarthritis — moxibustion treatment group vs 76% control
Patient Outcomes — Real Results from Tong Ren Tang Moxa Treatment
Clinical outcomes depend on condition, adherence to protocol and individual constitution. The following results draw from published research protocols which reflect our program delivery, around 2-3 sessions per week and include the protocols our practitioners work to daily across our Jumeirah and Dubai Healthcare City clinics.
Chronic Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis)
In patients using a 12-week moxibustion program with around 2-3 session sessions weekly we expect to see significant improvement in WOMAC scores by around week 3, with further improvements to week 24. Adding warm-needle moxibustion and combined acupuncture leads to the most significant long-term experience.
Protocol: 12 weeks · 2-3 sessions/week · Combination therapy
Fertility — Diminished Ovarian Reserve
A multicentre RCT studied moxibustion for patients with a kidney deficiency and blood stasis pattern. The 12 week trial days of moxibustion courses followed by the 12 week follow-up, measured the primary outcome of pregnancy rate. separately, moxibustion at BL67 in ceases for 8.92% of the non-vertex delivery rate .
Protocol: 12 weeks + 12-week follow-up · Daily courses
Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain)
Pre-menstrual moxibustion applied before the beginning of PMS and menstrual pain proved equal in pain intensity reduction and more effective in emotional control. Pre-treatment allows the body to build a thermal protective response that extends across the meridian channels.
Protocol: Pre-menstrual application · 3+ cycles
TCM Heritage & Practitioner Qualifications
Tong Ren Tang was established in 1669, the 8 th year of Emperor Kangxi reign of Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Following the position of the Chinese medicine market, Tong Ren Tang was exclusive supplier of Emperor’s Chinese medication for 188 years by 8 Emperor’s. That piece of unbroken customer satisfaction is summed-up in the corporate motto “No compromise on cost and labour despite the complexity of processing herbal medicines, No compromise on standard and quality despite the scarcity of ingredients” will be translated into our Dubai clinics by the formulation strategies and practitioner training specifications.
All Moxa practitioners and Acupuncture specialist employed by Tong Ren Tang Gulf are graduated from a formal TCM university. Our team combines a strong clinical treatment period on the full range of TCM therapeutic modalities. Safety of our Moxa therapy is directly correlated to practitioner’s expertise in controlling position, duration, distance and heat temperature. Professional training is therefore indispensable and cant be replaced by weekend brush-up courses.
EST. 1669
Imperial TCM Supplier350+ YEARS
Continuous HeritageTCM UNIVERSITY
All Practitioners- CIGNA Insurance Partner
- BUPA Insurance Partner
- SUKOON Insurance Partner
- EMIRATES INS. Insurance Partner
- NEURON Insurance Partner
UNESCO acknowledges Acupuncture and Moxa as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is not just an acknowledgement for the therapy practice, but also for the master disciple preservation culture of TCM that Tong Ren Tang has been adhering to for over three hundreds years. When you come for Moxa therapy at our center, you are receiving a fine-tuned therapy since Ming Dynasty.
Your Moxibustion Journey — Consultation, Treatment & Aftercare
We designed the entire treatment framework to make sure there is no uncertainty. Every step is pre-designed and communicated to the patient from the first contact to the post treatment re-assessment.
Step 1: Initial Consultation & TCM Assessment
Your TCM practitioner will take the following diagnostic assessment including tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, symptom history, lifestyle survey, etc to determine your TCM constitution status (cold/heat, deficient/excess, yin/yang) and decide which meridian channels are to be treated. This will take 30 to 45 minutes and a treatment recommendation is provided.
Step 2: Treatment Plan Design
Following the diagnostic assessment, your TCM practitioner will determine the corresponding Moxa treatment method, the acupoints to be selected, the minimum number of sessions required, the period necessary for the program and present you with a written treatment strategy with achievable milestones and control points. Where dual treatment with both acupuncture and moxa is indicated, our practitioners will design integrated treatment within a single session.
Step 3: Treatment Sessions
Each of your Moxa sessions would be 30-60 minutes dependent on treatment technique and target site. While at the site, your practitioner will produce a stable yet energizing heat via the indirectly administered moxa which will be kept within a predefined pressure, distance and heat induction parameters. Feedback from numerous patients suggest that the experience provides not only analgesic benefits but an overall feeling of relaxing.
Step 4: Progress Review & Adjustment
We will review progress based on your condition using the same diagnostic criteria as used in your first visit, with the aim of highlighting progress 4 weeks after the initiation of Moxa sessions. Your practitioner will then review the use of Moxa with you and may consider changing Tao techniques, point selection or the frequency of treatment sessions if necessary. It is therefore likely that you will have a reduced number of sessions as the condition improves.
Step 5: Aftercare & Maintenance
On completion of your proposed program, we will provide a program leaving you with a dietary pre and post session recommendations in accordance with TCM methodology, instructions on home moxa applications (if indicated) and a follow up plan. Some conditions require ongoing monthly Moxa sessions post completion of the program while others do not.
Pricing & Insurance
The cost of treatment will vary depending on which moxibustion method is used, the length of time the session lasts, and how the treatment is set up. We are covered by Cigna, Sukoon, Emirates Insurance, Bupa and Neuron for insurance claims. If you are covered either fully or partly by your insurance then many patients are under the scheme already in place. Contact us for a free consultation and treatment estimate depending on the problem and the insurance scheme you are under.
Moxibustion Treatment Tools
Technique Selector
Explore various techniques to find the best moxibustion method for your needs.
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Treatment Estimator
Get a personalized treatment course estimate based on your current symptoms.
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Constitution Quiz
Take our quick quiz to discover the most suitable plan for your body type.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moxa Therapy
What conditions can moxibustion treat?
Systematic reviews published between 2020 and 2025 indicated a favorable treatment effectiveness for knee osteoarthritis (93% effective rate in clinical trials), systemic chronic low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, Primary dysmenorrhoea, Irritable bowel syndrome, Asthma (37 RCTs, 2,879Participants), decreased ovarian reserve, chemotherapy-induced leukopenia.. Our clinicians evaluate each patient on an individual basis to provide the appropriate treatment regimen per the corresponding TCM diagnosis.
Is moxibustion safe? What are the side effects?
A systematic review of case reports from the journal, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported that moxibustion was a relatively safe treatment when conducted by trained, competent practitioners. Complications documented were mild skin irritation at the moxibustion site, transient allergic reactions (7 reported allergic reactions in the review), and localized sensation of warmth transmercating within the hour. At Tong Ren Tang our TCM university-trained practitioners regulate position, safety distance, and duration of moxibustion based on the standardized safety guidelines.
How many sessions will I need?
How long you need a course of treatment depends on your individual condition and the severity. Most clinical trial protocols are between 8– 12 weeks. An acute condition may settle and improve after only four or six treatments, but issues like chronic pain or fertility may take 12 weeks of treatment on a regular basis. Your practitioner will establish an individualized course of treatments with dates to review progress at your first consultation and formally every four weeks.
Can moxibustion help with fertility?
In 2025 a multicenter RCT enrolled 154 poor ovarian responders and administered 12 weeks of moxibustion, with pregnancy rate as an end point. To illustrate some of the benefit of moxibustion, the acupuncture point BL67 in particular prevents 8.92% of non-vertex deliveries compared with normal care with an average cost saving of EUR 107 per delivery. We treat fertility problems such as PCOS, dysmenorrhoea at our joints Jumeirah and Dubai Healthcare City clinics.
How much does moxibustion treatment cost?
Cost: cost will differ according to moxibustion method used, time duration and the overall treatment plan. Each of these has cost implications and may be ‘stand alone moxibustion’ or combined acupuncture and moxibustion with a certain number of areas for treatment per session. We currently accepts the following insurance: Cigna, Sukoon, Emirates Insurance, Neuron and Bupa. Kindly call +971 4 435 6906.
Who should not do moxibustion?
If TCM diagnosis indicates heat types, then moxibustion or heated moxa is contraindicated. If the patient has skin infections at the prescribed points or open wounds or severe bleeding disorders, no moxibustion as well. Patients who are pregnant may be given moxibustion ONLY in the supervised methodology (below BL67 for breech presentation, for example). that your TCM diagnosis, ascertained before treatment, indicates appropriateness.
Can I combine moxibustion with acupuncture?
Yes! Clinical studies have supported this conclusion. According to a 2025 meta-analysis in Systematic Reviews, acupuncture plus moxibustion had better treatment result than acupuncture alone or moxibustion alone, especially in knee osteoarthritis, and the effect was get stronger during mid-term follow-up and long-term follow-up; we heat moxa stick on bio-electro acupuncture needle handle with our warm-needle technique.
What should I expect during my first session?
For your first visit, there is a detailed 30-45 minute TCM evaluation including tongue & pulse diagnosis. Your practitioner determines what pattern of disharmony you exhibit and chooses the corresponding acupuncture points. During the moxibustion part of this treatment, you are comfortably lying down and the moxa is held some distance away from the skin surface. You will experience a soft penetrating warmth, an experience that is preferable over directly applying moxa to the skin. This session lasts 60-90 minutes including assessment and treatment. Follow-up: remain warm and avoid strenuous activity & cold drinks for the rest of the day.
