Technological evolution of hyperthermia: From traditional moxibustion to nanomaterial-mediated platforms for...

Hyperthermia, a physical therapeutic modality with unique advantages in treating inflammatory diseases, has evolved rapidly from empirical practice to precision medicine. Technologically, it has expanded from whole-body hyperthermia and traditional moxibustion to localized approaches, including photothermal, magnetothermal, ultrasound, and implantable platforms. Traditional moxibustion acts through heat and near-infrared radiation, while nanomaterials and smart devices now enable precise control over temperature, spatial targeting, and treatment duration. these modalities converge on conserved mechanisms: TRPV channel activation, HSF1-HSP70 induction, and immune modulation, which collectively alleviate inflammation and promote tissue repair in inflammatory bowel disease, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. This review summarizes technological evolution, mechanistic insights and therapeutic applications, thereby providing a framework for developing precision hyperthermia strategies and multifunctional platforms for inflammatory diseases.