Overview
Infrared irradiation therapy is a method of treating diseases by irradiating the body surface or acupoints with different wavelengths of infrared radiation according to the nature of the disease. It is mainly based on the thermotherapeutic effect, similar to moxibustion therapy.
Procedure
Acupoint irradiation refers to the individual irradiation of a specific acupoint, with a conical tube attached to the reflector in order to concentrate the infrared radiation. When using a conical tube, the amount of infrared radiation is reduced, allowing the patient to be closer to the reflector, with the front end of the conical tube positioned 5-10cm away from the irradiation site.
Area irradiation refers to the irradiation of a specific area centered around a certain acupoint, including adjacent acupoints, with a distance of 40-60cm between the reflector and the irradiation site.
The treatment dosage should be determined based on the location of the body, the patient's sensation, and skin temperature.
Indications
(1) Various inflammations, especially chronic inflammations with long duration.
(2) Swelling diseases of soft tissues.
(3) Diseases with muscle spasms.
(4) Some chronic and cold-deficiency diseases.
Precautions
(1) Extra caution should be taken when irradiating areas with sensory impairment to avoid burns due to delayed sensation.
(2) It should be used with caution or avoided in cases of severe peripheral circulatory disorders. This is because when the peripheral blood circulation is severely impaired, the heat from irradiation is difficult to dissipate, making it prone to burns. Increased local metabolism can worsen local blood supply and lead to hypoxia, resulting in the deterioration or even necrosis of the affected area.
(3) It should not be used in cases of heart failure, malignant tumors, active pulmonary tuberculosis, bleeding tendencies, or bleeding disorders.
(4) If dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or weakness occur during the treatment process, the treatment should be stopped, and symptomatic treatment should be given if necessary.
