Far-infrared therapy for cardiovascular, autoimmune, and other chronic health problems: A systematic review

Abstract

Physical therapy (physiotherapy), a complementary and alternative medicine therapy, has been widely applied in diagnosing and treating various diseases and defects. Increasing evidence suggests that convenient and non-invasive far-infrared (FIR) rays, a vital type of physiotherapy, improve the health of patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms by which FIR functions remain elusive. Hence, the purpose of this study was to review and summarize the results of previous investigations and to elaborate on the molecular mechanisms of FIR therapy in various types of disease. In conclusion, FIR therapy may be closely related to the increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase as well as nitric oxide production and may modulate the profiles of some circulating miRNAs; thus, it may be a beneficial complement to treatments for some chronic diseases that yields no adverse effects.

Keywords: Physical therapy; cardiovascular disease (CVD); diabetes mellitus (DM); far-infrared (FIR); miRNA.

© 2015 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.

Figures

Figure 1

Effects of far-infrared therapy. Far-infrared (FIR) rays enable multiple energy transfer as deep as 2–3 cm into subcutaneous tissue without irritating or overheating the skin and then accelerate blood flow, leading to an increase in shear stress, followed by an increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide production. Moreover, FIR or shear stress can regulate the expression of some circulating miRNAs in endothelial cells. Consequently, FIR therapy improves the symptoms of chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease). (A color version of this figure is available in the online journal.)