Moxibustion is a traditional therapy in which dried mugwort leaf “fluff” (Artemisia argyi; Ai ye) is burned on or near the skin to apply heat and improve health. This method aims to improve the flow of qi and blood, relieve pain, reduce cold and dampness in the body, and warm the yang energy. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various health conditions, including pain, swelling and circulation issues.1
However, moxibustion faces challenges in modern clinical and hospital settings, such as safety concerns and smoke production which could result in pain, blisters, skin irritations, allergic reactions, and potential fire hazards.3 If the action of near-infrared (NIR) light has similar health benefits without the issues of smoke and burning materials, it could be a safer alternative and applied in a wider variety of healthcare settings.
Recent evidence supports the concept that NIR light has similar therapeutic effects to moxibustion, such as improving circulation, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. NIR is potentially easier to control and apply in a clinical environment. This proposal suggests that NIR light can effectively replace moxibustion in clinics and hospitals, offering a safer, standardized and more efficient treatment option for patients.
Biological Effects: Photobiomodulation / NIR Therapy vs. Moxibustion
According to a paper published in 2021 in the European Journal of Rehabilitation Photobiomodulation Therapy, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has many benefits for tissue, such as boosting cell growth, promoting healing, encouraging tissue repair, preventing cell death, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain. It uses low-intensity red and near-infrared light, which is much weaker than the lasers used for cutting or burning tissue.4
PBMT works by being absorbed into the bi-lipid cellular membrane of nerve cells, especially at wavelengths around 905–910 nm. This light increases the membrane’s porosity, allowing sodium ions to re-enter and potassium ions to exit, restoring the sodium-potassium pump and blocking pain signals.
PBMT affects the peripheral nerve endings, the A and C fibers, by disrupting microtubules and reducing the production of pain-causing molecules like prostaglandins and interleukins (proinflammatory mediators). This reduces nerve action potential (activity) and decreases stimulation of nociceptors (pain transmission), creating an analgesic effect (pain relief) within 10-20 minutes of treatment.
In a study published in 2013, Deng and Shen found that moxibustion primarily emits infrared radiation with its spectrum ranging from 800 nm to 5600 nm, peaking around 1500 nm. This wavelength range is similar to that of PBMT, which generally spans from 700 nm to 1500 nm.
PBMT light, particularly in the 800-1,000 nm range (near-infrared/NIR), has been shown to increase cellular mitochondrial activity, enhance circulation and reduce inflammation — all effects that are also attributed to moxibustion.2
Advantages of NIR Light
NIR light devices offer precise control over dosage, treatment duration, patient safety, and comfort, ensuring consistent and reproducible results. NIR devices can produce radiation at a specific range and with precise location of the application. With proper precautions, it can be applied to all age groups and on most areas of the body. Similar to moxibustion, NIR light can either be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with acupuncture needles.
On the other hand, moxibustion therapies have some inconsistencies of dosage and radiation wavelengths dependent upon the variations in the plant material and the individual applying the moxa therapy. Additionally, moxa therapies produce smoke, which may cause discomfort or respiratory issues for both patients and healthcare staff.
The smoke can be unpleasant in a clinical environment and may pose health risks, especially in spaces with poor ventilation. This creates a need for additional ventilation and air purifiers in areas where moxibustion is used, which can increase operational costs.
Furthermore, the risk of skin burns from moxa applications if the heat is not carefully monitored can lead to patient discomfort or injury, complicating its use. And moxibustion cannot be used near the eyes or nose, or on patients who cannot sit still, and use may be limited for those whose temperature sensitivity is impaired.
As evidenced by clinical use in the University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute clinic, NIR light can enhance therapeutic outcomes by improving qi and blood circulation healing, and reducing pain, while offering a more controlled and safer alternative to traditional moxibustion.
Clinical Takeaway
In conclusion, NIR light therapy has a similar cellular action and may be a safer alternative to traditional moxibustion in clinical and hospital settings. While moxibustion has been a long-standing therapy in TCM, its practical use in modern healthcare environments is hindered by safety concerns, including the production of smoke, the risk of skin burns, and the need for proper ventilation, all of which can increase operational costs and complicate patient care.
In contrast, NIR light offers similar therapeutic benefits, such as improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and pain relief, but with enhanced standardization, control and safety. It can be precisely administered to ensure patient comfort and reproducibility of results, making it a more feasible option.
Additionally, NIR light can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with acupuncture, enhancing its versatility. As such, integrating NIR light into clinical practice could provide a safer, more efficient and cost-effective alternative to moxibustion, improving patient outcomes while mitigating the risks associated with traditional methods.
References
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Our team of authors offer this paper (and this descriptive AT series) as a support for you as a professional, practitioner and member of the acupuncture community at large. We hope that it will serve to further the needs of acupuncturists everywhere and also act as a guide for those wishing to learn about Acupuncture Medicine – patients, healthcare decision makers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.