RETRACTED: 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.

The Effect of Thermal Therapy on Uremic Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients

“…Considering the role of FIR therapy on pruritus, the results of a study by Hesu et al (2009) were consistent with the various dimensions of the questionnaire (20). In this study, emotions improved in the intervention group compared to the non-heated group.…”

“…The results of a study by Shui et al (2015) showed that FIR waves could be used as complementary and alternative therapies for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases (20).…”

“…40°C temperature, caused by FIR waves, enters multiplying energy into the subcutaneous tissues without excessive skin stimulation or skin irritation. The stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system affects the uremic pruritus (20). Moreover, infrared electromagnetic waves of FIR are effective in stimulating inflammatory suppressor (21).…”

The “Enseki” sandbath: A novel, safe and effective far‐infrared bathing procedure for health

“…3 Although FIR exposure leads only to superficial tissue penetration, 4,5 there are many reports dealing with its clinical advantages. 6,7 In general, far-infrared saunas (FIRS) heat to 40-60°C and utilize 120-V infrared elements which irradiate electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of around 10 μm. 8 There are two ways of FIR irradiators applicable for patients' use.…”

“…Changes in physiological parameters upon the Enseki bathing. Systolic blood pressure (BP) (A), heart rates (B) was monitored prebathing, midbathing(2,4,6,8,10,12 and 14 min during bathing) and postbathing(10,20, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after bathing). C, Oral temperature was monitored prebathing, midbathing(3, 6, 9, and 12 min during bathing) and postbathing (10, 20, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after bathing) (first-time bathing (•) and last time (▲).…”