For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has harnessed the power of heat and light therapy to heal. Moxibustion, the practice of burning dried mugwort (Artemisia argyi) near the skin, has been a cornerstone of this approach, known for its ability to warm the meridians, move Qi and Blood, and dispel Cold and Dampness. We have also used warming herbal wraps, oils, and poultices on acupuncture points and larger areas of the body.
In modern medicine, I see a similarity in the rise of light therapy, particularly red light therapy (RLT), near-infrared (NIR), and far-infrared (FIR) therapies. These modalities utilize specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular function, enhance circulation, and reduce inflammation—many of the same effects attributed to moxibustion in TCM.
Recent studies reveal that burning moxa emits far-infrared radiation (FIR), which penetrates deep into the body, much like modern infrared therapy. So, rather than being separate therapies, light therapy can be seen as a natural extension of moxibustion, offering new ways to achieve similar healing effects.
In this article, we’ll explore how red light, NIR, FIR, and moxibustion work on a physiological level, highlighting the ways in which modern light therapy continues and expands upon the principles of moxibustion—bridging ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science.
Table of Contents
Moxibustion: The Traditional Infrared Therapy
Moxabustion has many therapeutic effects such as:
- Stimulating circulation to relieve pain and stagnation
- Warming the body to expel Cold and Dampness
- Activating Qi and Blood to promote healing
- Supporting immune function through heat-induced physiological responses
We will use moxa for many issues including pain, hormone imbalances and infertility, poor digestion, and very interestingly, turning a breech baby.
Studies have shown that the burning of moxa emits far-infrared radiation (FIR) in the range of 3–50 micrometers, which deeply penetrates the skin and underlying tissues.(1.)
Variations in Infrared Emission by Moxibustion Method
The intensity and penetration of FIR radiation vary depending on the type of moxibustion used:
| Moxa Type | Heat Intensity | Infrared Penetration | Effects |
| Direct Moxibustion (Rice-Grain or Scarring Moxa) | High heat | Deep penetration (FIR & MIR) | Strong Qi stimulation, used for chronic deficiencies |
| Indirect Moxibustion (Ginger, Garlic, Salt) | Moderate heat | Moderate FIR penetration | Enhances herbal effects, used for Cold & Yang Deficiency |
| Moxa Stick (Cigar-Like Moxa) | Gentle, sustained heat | Mostly FIR, some MIR | Good for warming meridians, moving Qi & Blood |
| Warm Needle Moxa (Attached to Acupuncture Needles) | Localized heat to acupuncture points | FIR penetration into muscle & joint tissues | Used for deep-seated pain, arthritis, fertility issues |
| Moxa Box | Even, low-intensity heat | FIR diffusion over a larger area | Used for digestive issues, immune boosting, uterine warmth |
Biophysical Effects of Moxibustion
Another study examined the biophysical effects of moxibustion by comparing its infrared radiation to acupuncture points. The findings suggested that moxibustion could enhance physiological and immune functions (2).
Understanding Light Therapy: Red, NIR, and FIR
Red light therapy (RLT), near-infrared (NIR), and far-infrared (FIR) technologies are now widely used to support skin health, pain relief, cellular regeneration, and overall well-being.
Red light therapy and near-infrared light penetrate the skin to stimulate mitochondrial function, enhancing energy production at the cellular level. This can accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, making it a popular choice for anti-aging treatments, muscle recovery, and pain management. Meanwhile, far-infrared therapy works by delivering deep, penetrating heat that supports detoxification, relaxation, and improved blood flow.
As an acupuncturist, I integrate light therapy into treatments to complement Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Combining the red light and NIR in specific combinations significantly help to enhance pain relief or skin rejuvenation aspects of these therapies. Whereas blue light reduces acne.
Red Light Therapy (RLT) (620–700 nm)
Penetration: Superficial (skin-level)
Effects: Stimulates collagen production, wound healing, and reduces inflammation, enhances mitochondrial function, boosts ATP production, and reduces oxidative stress
Applications: Anti-aging, acne treatment, muscle recovery, pain relief
Near-Infrared (NIR) Therapy (700–1200 nm)
Penetration: Deeper (muscles, joints, nerves)
Effects: Enhances mitochondrial function, circulation, and tissue repair
Applications: Chronic pain, brain health, inflammation reduction, injury recovery
Far-Infrared (FIR) Therapy (>3000 nm)
Penetration: Absorbed by water molecules in the body, generating heat
Effects: Enhances detoxification, circulation, and deep tissue relaxation
Applications: Pain relief, detox, stress reduction (used in saunas, heat lamps, and infrared blankets)
TDP Lamps: Deep Warming Comfort and Relief
TDP lamps, also known as mineral infrared therapy lamps, are a form of infrared therapy that we use all the time which closely aligns with the principles of moxibustion. These lamps emit far-infrared radiation (FIR) and contain a mineral plate infused with over 30 trace elements that, when heated, enhance the therapeutic effects.
How TDP Lamps Work
The lamp is positioned over acupuncture points or affected areas, generating deep heat penetration similar to moxa’s FIR emission.
The mineral plate releases beneficial elements into the body through infrared absorption, stimulating Qi flow and circulation.
TDP lamps do not produce smoke or odor, making them a clean, modern alternative to traditional moxibustion.
When to Use a TDP Lamp
- When treating chronic pain, arthritis, or stagnation with sustained, controlled heat
- Adds to calming effects of acupuncture
- Relieves menstrual cramps and abdominal pain by warming Qi and moving the blood
- To boost Qi or Yang deficiency with a gentle, warming treatment
How Light Therapy Extends the Principles of Moxibustion
Both moxibustion and modern light therapy rely on heat and infrared radiation to support the body’s natural healing processes. Choosing between moxibustion and light therapy depends on the condition being treated, the desired depth of penetration, and individual patient preferences.
- The Root Cause of the Condition
- If the issue stems from Cold, Dampness, or Qi stagnation, moxibustion may be more appropriate.
- If the concern is cellular repair, mitochondrial function, or chronic inflammation, light therapy, particularly NIR, may be better suited.
- Evaluate the Target Area and Depth of Treatment
- Skin rejuvenation → Red Light Therapy (RLT)
- Deep muscle or joint pain? → Near-Infrared (NIR) or Warm Needle Moxibustion
- Full-body circulation and relaxation? → Far-Infrared (FIR) or Moxa Box Therapy
- Light therapy benefits
- Non-Thermal Photobiomodulation (PBM): Red and NIR light can stimulate cellular energy production (ATP) without generating heat, making it suitable for pain and inflammation.
- Convenience and Accessibility: Light therapy devices provide consistent, controlled therapy without smoke or odor
- Combining Both Therapies
- Moxibustion can be used to warm and activate meridians before light therapy enhances deeper tissue repair
- Pairing FIR therapy with acupuncture or moxibustion amplifies treatment results.
Bridging Ancient and Modern Healing
The fusion of modern infrared applications with traditional moxibustion techniques offers the best of both worlds—harnessing the wisdom of TCM while leveraging the targeted benefits of photobiomodulation.
Light therapy and moxibustion both harness infrared radiation to warm, circulate, and heal. Modern light therapy offers new ways to target, control, and optimize these effects for different conditions, while moxabustion allows for clearing dampness and warming the yang.
Combining acupuncture, moxibustion, and light therapy offers a powerful synergy—merging ancient wisdom with modern science to enhance Qi flow, tissue repair, and overall vitality.
References:
- Wang X, Zhou S, Yao W, et al. Effects of moxibustion stimulation on the intensity of infrared radiation of Tianshu (ST25) acupoints in rats with ulcerative colitis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:704584. doi:10.1155/2012/704584.
- Shen X, Ding G, Wei J, Zhao L, Zhou Y, Deng H, Lao L. An infrared radiation study of the biophysical characteristics of traditional moxibustion. Complement Ther Med. 2006;14(3):213-219. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2005.09.003.
