From Pain to Obesity - How Coherent Light influences mitochondria in the Modern Acupuncture Clinic
Light is information, made-up of intertwined magnetic and electrical fields. When organized energetically, coherently, and precisely delivered, that information can up‑regulate the most fundamental currency of cellular life—mitochondrial energy production—while nudging cell signaling toward repair and resilience. That's the promise of photonic medicine and why low‑level laser systems pair so naturally with the acupuncture framework.
From Photons to ATP: Why Light Matters
Mitochondria don't just make ATP; they choreograph redox balance, ion channel regulation, nitric oxide dynamics, cellular lifecycles, and downstream gene expression. When low‑level, coherent light reaches mitochondrial chromophores, it can support more efficient electron transport and healthier signaling. The result is not “hype”—it's cellular optimization that clinicians can observe in function and patients can feel in outcomes.
Clinical Stakes: Where This Moves the Needle
We're facing epidemics of obesity, systemic inflammation, and chronic pain. A tool that helps restore cellular energy and signal clarity can touch many fronts clinicians care about: body composition, metabolic balance, pain modulation, detoxification support, tissue repair/wound healing, and recovery—while also helping providers safeguard their own energy and longevity.
Pairing customizable pulsed frequencies of coherent light with acupuncture is elegant and practical: Building on the Holistic framework of TCM, you can select meridians and local tissues to treat, layer neuro‑centric inputs, dose light by wavelength, pulsed frequency, and time, tracking functional change visit‑to‑visit. It's the essence of systems medicine delivered through a clinician's hands.
A Call to Our Profession
According to a recent NCCAOM poll, only ~6% of licensed acupuncturists currently utilize laser therapy in practice, yet many other specialists are adopting this modality widely and seeing consensus in regular practice. It's time to change that. Investing in professional‑grade photonic tools signals to your patients—and to yourself—that you're committed to the most dynamic, evidence‑aligned methods available. Laser therapy is rooted in TCM, it fits our philosophy, amplifies our results, and elevates the standard of care for our communities.
Get excited to go to work with new tools that can amplify your results
Are you looking for some fresh energy in the office for the new year, a new tool to offer patients, or equipment purchase prior to years-end?
Written By Dr. Dustin Dillberg DACM
Dr. Dustin Dillberg, DACM, L.Ac. is a clinician, writer, and educator on Kauai, Hawai‘i, where he leads Pain Free Kauai. His patient-centered practice integrates traditional Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, corrective movement, and Laser acupuncture specialist utilizing low-level laser therapy with functional medicine—thoughtfully stacking synergistic modalities to create clear, sustainable results. He is committed to evidence-informed care and sharing practical insights with colleagues and the community.
Why Erchonia
Erchonia's light‑delivery systems are engineered for biological specificity: precise wavelengths, true low‑level output, and scanning patterns designed for results. The company holds multiple FDA 510(k) clearances supported by Level‑1 quality clinical trials—double‑ to quadruple‑blind—demonstrating efficacy in diverse applications ranging from chronic pain and non‑invasive body contouring. For a doctor or practice owner, that combination of engineering rigor and regulatory validation matters.
To learn more about these incredible lasers and how to integrate them into your practice watch Dr. Dustin Dillberg, DACM, LAc. latest webinar!