Effects of Far Infrared Acupoint Stimulation on Autonomic Activity and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Patients receiving regular hemodialysis sessions have been known to suffer from fatigue and depression. This experiment was designed to determine the effects of far infrared ray (FIR) stimulation on acupoints of patients suffering from renal failure who are receiving regular hemodialysis. Patients receiving long-term and regular hemodialysis who volunteered for this procedure were randomly selected to undergo either FIR or heat pad (HP) therapy to determine the impact of FIR treatment on these patients. Both the activities of the autonomic nervous system and changes in quality of life were measured before and after treatment to determine the effectiveness of the FIR treatment. Results from this study show that FIR therapy decreases both stress and fatigue levels of these patients. It also stimulates autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in patients who are diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and are receiving regular hemodialysis (HD). Therefore, benefits of FIR stimulation on these patients are clearly demonstrated in this preliminary study.

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

“…5 In a previous study, sauna therapy was performed using an FIR dry sauna device at 60 C for 15 min, followed by traditional warm keeping for 30 min. 6 Although previous studies have shown that FIR radiation produces thermal and non-thermal effects, such as increasing artery blood flow 7 and peripheral blood circulation, 8 improving endothelial function, 9 alleviating fatigue 10 and pain, 11 reducing blood pressure, 12 and promoting capillary dilatation, 13 the precise mechanism has yet to be thoroughly understood. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to review and summarize published data on FIR therapy on different types of diseases (Table 1) and to delineate the mechanisms of FIR therapy.…”

Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation Attenuates Muscle Atrophy in CKD—A Potential Treatment Strategy

“…Actually, acupuncture has been used clinically to treat muscle atrophy in patients with CKD and other patients in the United States and other countries. [13][14][15] The muscle contractions elicited by LFES provide similar benefits to the patients as exercise would provide. For patients with severe CKD, this treatment may be an alternative way to achieve exercise benefits.…”

“…11,12 Studies show that acupuncture treatment can ameliorate symptoms, such as fatigue, stress, hypertension, proteinuria, and pruritus, in patients with ESRD on dialysis. [13][14][15] Acupuncture has been shown to decrease skeletal muscle atrophy induced by hind-limb suspension in mice. 16 Electrical acupuncture treatment has been shown to suppress myostatin expression, which leads to a satellite cell-related proliferative reaction and repair in skeletal muscle.…”

Phototherapy for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

“…FIR therapy can improve blood flow and survival of the arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients (Lin, et al, 2007). Furthermore, FIR stimulation on acupoints at Qihai, Kuan yuan and Chung chi decreases both stress and fatigue levels as well as stimulates autonomic nervous system activity in hemodialysis patients (Su, et al, 2009). IR radiation is believed to transfer energy that is perceived as heat by thermoreceptors in the surrounding skin (Inoué & Kabaya, 1989).…”