IL6 and cancer: Regarding the working mechanisms of moxibustion, at the cellular level, it may enhance immune function by increasing the activity and number of natural killer (NK) cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages.36,37 Additionally, moxibustion reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, potentially mitigating cancer pain.21,22 Research on acupuncture (which may share some mechanisms with Moxa) has shown significant increases in oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) and total hemoglobin (t-Hb) in stimulated regions, indicating improved blood flow and tissue oxygenation.