Laser therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This new modality fits beautifully into the toolbox of the modern acupuncturist, as it can be used as a hybrid form of stimulation to acupuncture points, meridians, organs, nerves, and symptomatic areas in a new way that blends both moxa and energetic needle-like responses.
The potential for laser to bring the medicinal value of acupuncture to many who wouldn’t normally seek it is absolutely huge! Think of the very young, the elderly, the immune compromised, needle phobic, and so many more who decide not to try acupuncture because of the needle or the stigma that the medicine is “ancient.” Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can help create a bridge over each of those concerns.
My objective in writing this article is to clarify the subject of LLLT for acupuncturists, and to facilitate the translation of its complexities between Eastern and Western philosophies. By understanding LLLT’s historical roots and mechanism of action, practitioners can harness its potential to enhance patient outcomes and elevate the profession.
The Clinic Impact
LLLT has positively impacted countless clinics in many ways:
- Increased speed of results with synergistic effects to TCM
- Acted as a bridge from the infinite ancient wisdom of TCM to a modern treatment method taking the world by storm
- Set practices apart from others as a more integrative clinic with multiple offerings
- Expanded the clinical reach to offer clients who are fearful of TCM or skeptical of its methods an entry point to care, which builds trust and opens doors to expanding the reach of our medicine to a larger demographic
- Improved the financial situation of TCM clinics
Historical Roots
Laser therapeutic targeting can be traced back to ancient TCM practices, particularly via light, moxibustion, and acupuncture/acupressure. It is a wonderful new evolution of treatment delivery, as TCM has evolved so much over the centuries with the advancements of acupuncture needles, addition of electrical stimulation, and many other modernizations.
LLLT can be described as a modernization of both moxa and energetic stimulation of acupoints that can be layered over the needle, like moxa/e-stim, or done as a stand-alone under the philosophy of TCM.
The beauty of incorporating LLLT or low-level laser therapy as an acupuncturist is that you already have the foundation/education to utilize this new technology with outstanding (much better than average, according to research) outcomes.
Think of LLLT as Moxa 2.0 ... and So Much More
Moxa is such a valuable therapeutic tool in TCM, but its use is limited due to several well-known disadvantages. These include burns, smoke, allergies, and the unpleasant odor, which have restricted its application in many clinical settings. If these drawbacks were not present, TCM practitioners would likely utilize moxa more frequently, potentially enabling the treatment of a wider range of cases with greater efficiency.
The wavelengths generated and emitted by moxa have been analyzed/measured in the spectral range of 400-1,000 nm.1 Laser therapy has been shown to be beneficial using similar wavelengths, with photochemical changes happening more so within the visual spectrum of light, rather than the infrared ranges. In my opinion, this implies that if you have been taught the application of moxa, you have also been taught a set of techniques for low-level laser therapy.
LLLT can be theorized as pure non-thermal yang qi manifested as photons with a precisely charged electron volt that targets acupuncture points, nerves, and mitochondria. Through advancements in the field of LLLT, we have gained access to higher quality, safer, more coherent forms of photons, enabling us to target a photochemical response within the cellular matrix,enhancing our treatments to unprecedented levels with laser therapy vs. moxibustion.
LLLT as an Acupuncture Needle in Light Form
Acupuncture and acupressure, which involve the insertion of needles or the application of pressure to specific points on the body, aim to balance the flow of qi. Laser therapy, when applied to these same points, can mimic the stimulating effects of needles or pressure. “Laser acupuncture” has proven quite efficacious in many studies,2 and one study even discusses “de qi” sensations via laser stimulation.3
Mechanism of Action
In TCM terms, laser therapy is believed to work by stimulating the flow of qi and blood, regulating yin and yang, and dispelling pathogenic factors. This is achieved through a variety of mechanisms, including:
Mitochondrial activation: Laser light interacts with cellular components, such as the electron transport chain, to enhance cellular energy production and promote tissue repair.
Photochemical effects: Laser light can induce photochemical reactions in tissues, leading to the release of nitric oxide and other signaling molecules that modulate inflammation and pain.
Neurological effects: Laser light can stimulate nerve fibers, leading to the release of endorphins/neurotransmitters that increase function and have analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects.8
Applications in TCM Practice
Laser therapy has a wide range of applications in TCM practice, including:
Pain management: Laser therapy is effective in relieving pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, and sports injuries.4-6
Wound healing: Laser therapy can accelerate wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation.
Neurological disorders: Laser therapy has been used to treat neurological conditions, such as stroke, neuropathy, and Bell’s palsy.
Skin conditions: Laser therapy can improve skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and nail fungus.7
Mental health: Laser therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression. Studies are looking very promising for cognitive function, memory, and behavior impacts for conditions like ADD/ADHD, autism, and dementia.8
Research Review
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of laser therapy in a variety of conditions. For example, a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials found that low-level laser therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain. Another study showed that laser therapy was effective in accelerating wound healing in diabetic patients.
Laser Characteristics for Optimal Outcomes
To maximize the benefits of laser therapy, it is important to use lasers with the appropriate characteristics. Key factors to consider include:
Wavelength: The wavelength of the laser determines its aspect of cellular impact and its therapeutic effects. For example, visible light spectrum acts via photochemical changes in the cell due to the electron volt charge of the photon. Coherent beam of laser is also an important factor to deliver more organized energy to the cell.
Power: The power of the laser (in milliwatts or watts) determines the number of photons that are sent out of the device, but does not influence the electron volt charge of the photons. The electron volt charge of the photon is key for the therapeutic response of the modality and specific to the wavelength. It is interesting to dive deep into this area of study; I personally have concluded that less power of high-quality photon stimulation brings greater outcomes of my treatments.
Pulsed frequency: The pulsed frequency of the laser can modulate its effects on tissues. This allows for an additional type of communication/stimulus to the tissue and is theorized as a potential for greater results.
Liability Protection
Acupuncture and herbal practitioners who incorporate laser therapy into their practices should be aware of the legal and ethical implications. It is important to ensure that they are properly trained and that it is within their scope of practice to use laser therapy.
Additionally, I believe in using professional equipment with profound data and safety studies. I rely on the research that shows efficacy in human populations and the safest devices possible for my patients. Before you buy a device, be sure to ask for the human double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies and if the device has any on-label FDA clearances to treat humans with specific ailments.
Acupuncturists as Leaders in Laser Therapy
Acupuncturists are uniquely positioned to lead the integration of laser therapy into mainstream health care. With their deep understanding of the body’s energy system and their experience in treating a wide range of conditions, acupuncturists can effectively harness the power of laser therapy to improve patient outcomes.
By embracing laser therapy and educating the public about its benefits, acupuncturists can help to elevate the profession and establish themselves as leaders in the field of laser therapy in natural / integrative medicine.
References
- Song X, Wang S, Li Y, Zhang D. Analysis of the spectral characteristics of pure moxa stick burning by hyperspectral imaging and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Evid Based Compl Alt Med: eCAM, 2016.
- Madani A, Ahrari F, Fallahrastegar A, Daghestani N. A randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and laser acupuncture therapy (LAT) in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Lasers Med Sci, 2020 Feb;35(1):181-192.
- Litscher G. Yes, there is deqi sensation in laser acupuncture. Evid Based Compl Alt Med, 2013;2013:198254.
- Trevor SB, Travis MS, Steve S. Two randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of red 635nm low level laser for the treatment of low back pain. Ortho & Rheum Open Access J, 2021;17(3):555964.
- Sammons T, Gair K, Silverman RG, Shanks S. Assessing the impact of high photon energy wavelengths on the treatment of chronic neck and shoulder pain. Evid Based Compl Alt Med, 2023:6672019.
- Silverman RG, Comey A, Sammons T. Effects of a single treatment with two nonthermal laser wavelengths on chronic neck and shoulder pain. Med Devices, 2019 Aug 30;12:319-325.
- Zang K, Sullivan R, Shanks S. A retrospective study of non-thermal laser therapy for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2017 May;10(5):24-30.
- Leisman G, Machado C, Machado Y, Chinchilla-Acosta M. Effects of low-level laser therapy in autism spectrum disorder. Adv Exp Med Biol, 2018;1116:111-130
