Laser acupuncture

Laser acupuncture is a form of therapy that combines the principles of traditional Chinese acupuncture with modern laser light technology.

In this treatment method, low-energy laser beams are directed at specific acupuncture points on the skin to treat various health problems. The laser beams penetrate the skin without damaging it and stimulate the underlying tissue layers.

Mode of action
Soft laser, also known as cold laser or low-level laser, has various physiological effects on tissues, which can help promote cell regeneration, blood flow and healing.
Cellular activity, especially that of the mitochondria, is stimulated. This can lead to increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the key molecule for our energy supply.
Blood flow in the treated tissues is increased, due to a relaxation of the blood vessels. This leads to better oxygen and nutrient supply to the cells and supports the removal of metabolic waste products.
The anti-inflammatory effect is based on the activation of anti-inflammatory cells and an inhibited release of pro-inflammatory substances.
The pain-relieving effect of laser acupuncture is explained by the release of pain-relieving substances, such as endorphins.

Soft laser can accelerate wound healing by promoting the formation of collagen, which is important for tissue repair. This can reduce the formation of scar tissue and promote healing of skin injuries.
In addition, it can stimulate cell division and proliferation, which can be especially beneficial in rehabilitation after injury or surgery.

Is laser acupuncture evidence-based?
As always, different studies come to different conclusions.
A small 2021 study of 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed significant improvements in health assessment, inflammatory markers, and antioxidant status compared to the group receiving conventional treatment only. (1)
Another study suggests that laser acupuncture may provide short-term pain relief in knee joint osteoarthritis patients, but the effect may diminish over time. (2)
Significant treatment success was further shown in the use of laser acupuncture for smoking cessation (3), craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) (4), cervical myofascial pain syndrome (5), and children with functional constipation (6).
In a study on the use of laser acupuncture against postoperative after cesarean section, no significant effect was demonstrated. (7)

What is laser acupuncture used for?
Basically, laser acupuncture has the same indications as acupuncture. It is a good alternative for people who are very sensitive or have needle phobia.
For accelerating the healing of scars and wounds, laser acupuncture is superior to acupuncture.

Sources

(1) Adly AS, Adly AS, Adly MS. Effects of laser acupuncture tele-therapy for rheumatoid arthritis elderly patients. Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Feb;37(1):499-504. doi: 10.1007/s10103-021-03287-0. Epub 2021 Mar 19. Erratum in: Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Mar;37(2):1373. PMID: 33738615; PMCID: PMC7972942.

(2) Chen Z, Ma C, Xu L, Wu Z, He Y, Xu K, Moqbel SAA, Wu L. Laser Acupuncture for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Nov 3;2019:6703828. doi: 10.1155/2019/6703828. PMID: 31781275; PMCID: PMC6874873.

(3)Yavagal PC, L N. Efficacy of Laser Auricular Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation: A randomised controlled trial. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2021 May;21(2):e275-e281. doi: 10.18295/squmj.2021.21.02.017. Epub 2021 Jun 21. PMID: 34221476; PMCID: PMC8219332.

(4) Argueta-Figueroa L, Flores-Mejía LA, Ávila-Curiel BX, Flores-Ferreyra BI, Torres-Rosas R. Nonpharmacological Interventions for Pain in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review. Eur J Dent. 2022 Jul;16(3):500-513. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1740220. Epub 2022 Mar 8. PMID: 35259762; PMCID: PMC9507562.

(5) Chang WH, Tu LW, Pei YC, Chen CK, Wang SH, Wong AM. Comparison of the effects between lasers applied to myofascial trigger points and to classical acupoints for patients with cervical myofascial pain syndrome. Biomed J. 2021 Dec;44(6):739-747. doi: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.05.020. Epub 2020 Jun 13. PMID: 35166212; PMCID: PMC8847842.

(6) Abd El Azeem AM, Alsharnoubi J, Abd El-Rahman Mohamed M. Laser acupuncture improving functional chronic constipation in children: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2023 Feb 15;38(1):72. doi: 10.1007/s10103-023-03727-z. PMID: 36790507; PMCID: PMC9931839.

(7) Brase A, Brauchle D, Kermad A, Volk T, Morinello E, Gottschling S, Schneider SO. Postoperative Pain Therapy with Laser Acupuncture after Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Complement Med Res. 2022;29(3):235-241. English. doi: 10.1159/000522470. Epub 2022 Feb 8. PMID: 35134798.

Laser acupuncture

Laser acupuncture is a form of therapy that combines the principles of traditional Chinese acupuncture with modern laser light technology.

Mode of action

Is laser acupuncture evidence-based?

What is laser acupuncture used for?

Sources