Laser Acupuncture

A Laser is used to stimulate acupuncture points using the same rules of point selection as needle acupuncture. Laser acupuncture may be used solely or in combination with needles for any given condition over a course of treatment.

Laser acupuncture is especially useful for children and for those who fear needles. 

Laser acupuncture is Great for promoting Healing.

Laser acupuncture is beneficial for treating burns, open wounds and sores, shingles, and many other skin conditions.

Laser acupuncture has an enhancing effect on healing wherever inflammation is present.

 It is a form of electromagnetic radiation, in the visible or infrared region of the light spectrum, generated by stimulating a medium, which may be solid or gaseous, under special conditions. The beam of light thus generated has uses in almost every area of technology which exist today.

Laser was first used in the medical field as a focussed, high power beam with photo thermal effects in which tissue was vapourised by the intense heat. During the early phase of its use as a surgical tool, it was noted that there appeared to be less pain and inflammation following laser surgery than conventional surgery.

Japan and several Scandinavian countries are at the forefront of clinical research work with laser. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is also used in Australia, Canada, France, Korea, People's Republic of China, U.K. and many other countries. A tissue repair research unit, examining the effects of laser, now exists at Guy's Hospital, London. Many centres of research are now developing around the world.

It is to be noted that lasers machines are used widely by physiotherapists, veterinary surgeons as well as practitioners of alternate therapies. It is unregulated by any authority at the present time, apart from the need for the equipment to conform to Australian standard safety regulations.

The photo-chemical effects of light in medicine are well known e.g. blue light is absorbed by bilirubin and thus undergoes photo-chemical change. THis is the basis of the treatment of neonatal jaundice. Another use is that of ultraviolet light to treat psoriasis in PUVA treatment. The use of a laser as a mechanism to induce photo-chemical changes in tissues is an extension of this effect.

Laser has three characteristics which make it different from ordinary light. It is monochromatic, parallel and coherent. It is the last characteristic which is the most significant factor in skin penetration, thus allowing a photo-chemical effect to occur in deeper tissues. Absorption spectra can be plotted for any chemical or biological system. In any clinical setting the absorption of laser and hence its biological effect depend upon skin pigmentation, amount of fat, water and vascular congestion of tissues.

1. To stimulate acupuncture points

Laser is used to stimulate acupuncture points using the same rules of point selection as needle acupuncture. Laser acupuncture may be used solely or in combination with needles for any given condition over a course of treatment.

2. To treat trigger points

In some musculo-skeletal conditions higher doses of laser may be used for the deactivation of trigger points. Trigger points may be found in muscles, ligaments, tendons and periosteum. Direct irradiation over tendons, joint margins, bursae etc may be effective in the treatment of conditions in which trigger points may play a part. Children and the elderly may require smaller doses. Areas of thick skin or muscle may require higher doses for penetration than finer skin areas e.g. ear.

3. To promote healing

The biostimulatory effects of laser have been widely investigated both in vivo and in vitro.

In vitro experimental evidence has demonstrated acceleration of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures due to acceleration of mRNA transcription rate of the collagen gene. Superoxide dismutase activity is increased (this decreases prostaglandins). This is postulated as one mechanism of pain and oedema reduction. Other effects are: inhibition of procollagen production in human skin keloid fibroblast cultures and stimulation of phagocytosis by macrophages, increased fibroblast proliferation, as well a wide variety of cellular responses.

In vivo effects demonstrated in animals include increased formation of granulation tissue and increased rates of epithelialisation in laser irradiated wounds, stimulation of suppressor T-cells, increased collateral nerve sprouting and regeneration of damaged nerves in rats and tendon and ligament repair in race horses.

Bio-stimulatory effects of laser are governed by the Arndt-Schultz Law of Biology i.e. weak stimuli excite physiological activity, strong stimuli retard it. The implication of this for wound healing is that, as treatment of a wound is continuing and there appears to be a slowing down of healing, a reduction of the laser dosage may be needed. By virtue of the Arndt-Schultz Law and the changed responsiveness of the tissues, what was originally a stimulating laser dose may have become an inhibitory dose of laser. The optimal energy density for biostimulation, based on current clinical experience, is 4J/cm2. Dose must be adjusted according to individual response.

Biostimulatory effects of laser may be used in the following conditions:

1. the promotion of healing of wounds e.g. venous and arterial ulcers, burns, pressure sores.

2. treatment of skin infections such as herpes zoster, labialis and genitalis.

3. treatment of apthous ulcers.

Laser may have an enhancing effect on healing wherever inflammation is present.