Complementary Therapy: Application of Photobiomodulation in Self-Care and Patient Care

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive light therapy that applies near-infrared light sources near target tissues. PBM allows photons to penetrate tissues and interact with cells, promoting photophysical and chemical changes that result in desired changes at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels (Oliveira et al., 2022; Shetty et al., 2023). This complementary therapy has garnered significant research attention both domestically and internationally. The results of recent research indicate non-invasive transcranial light stimulation can enhance high-frequency oscillations such as α and β waves, leading potentially to improved cognitive and neurological functions, memory, attention, and emotional status in healthy adults (Shetty et al., 2023). This mode of therapy is recommended as a non-pharmacological intervention for pain relief (Ross, 2022) and has been found to improve oral pain and quality of life in patients with burning mouth syndrome and in those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Camolesi et al., 2022; Chan et al., 2023). Also, PBM has been promoted as a method of enhancing wound healing (Oliveira et al., 2022) and of reducing the respiratory disturbance index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (de Camargo et al., 2020). Researchers in Taiwan have also applied PBM to alleviate the pain associated with heel prick blood sampling in newborns and suggested using low-level laser therapy as a pain relief measure for full-term newborns undergoing invasive procedures (Wu et al., 2023). For the column in this issue, we have invited domestic nursing and optoelectronic scholars who have conducted extensive research in the field of PBM to explain the related mechanisms, share research findings, and introduce PBM devices that may be used in clinical, home, and school settings. Considering the impact of shift work on sleep among healthcare professionals, we also hope to provide nurses with different insights and options for self-care and patient care through the research and product introductions provided. Finally, an article on assessing aging and promoting health from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective is included to offer nursing professionals a holistic approach to self-care and preventive concepts based on natural rhythms.