Acupuntura, láser y De Qi

Abstract

Over the past decade, references to the use of laser equipment for the stimulation of acupuncture points have become increasingly common. A number of companies now offer laser equipments with a variety of characteristics, but it is often difficult to compare these and decide which is best for a given purpose. Thus, the objective of the present short review is to evaluate the published evidence for the real effectiveness of laser therapy. To this end, and taking into account classical tenets, it is essential to ascertain if this type of stimulus is capable of triggering acupunctural sensation or “De Qi”. Laser application for acupuncture has features in common with Low Level Laser Therapy. The 1-100 mW power range has been shown to be most effective. The wavelengths most frequently employed range from ultraviolet to infrared. Despite the fact that the penetrative power of red-infrared radiation is higher (due to its longer wavelength), encouraging results have also been reported with blue-violet light. In both these radiation ranges, the De Qi sensation has been reported to occur, but the qualitative characteristics and instauration times of both are different. We conclude that it is necessary to standardize technical parameters and carry out more basic and clinical research in this area, in order that the effects of laser stimulation can be as efficacious or even more effective than those obtained with classical acupuncture needles.