Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Water-Filtered IR

Abstract Water-filtered infrared A (wIRA) has been used to produce tissue hyperthermia to treat cancer, but also to treat a variety of other conditions, such as wound healing, pain, and inflammation. While the mechanism of anti-cancer hyperthermia is well-established, the mechanism of wIRA to promote healing and pain reduction is less clear. In this chapter, I will cover the use of photobiomodulation to treat several conditions characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction. Next the role of heat-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels is discussed, with regard to nitric oxide production and infrared neural stimulation. Then the use of infrared emitting bioceramic nanoparticles embedded in garments or patches, which are powered solely by body heat to promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation is discussed. The conclusion is that wIRA can activate heat-sensitive TRP channels, possibly mediated by energy absorption by nanostructured water clusters, leading to many of the observed therapeutic benefits.