Laser Acupuncture Treatment Research Articles

Enhancing chronic migraine preventive therapy: low-level 810 nm laser acupuncture as an add-on treatment for patients with unsatisfactory pharmacological effect, a pilot single-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLaser acupuncture is a proven non-invasive treatment with effects comparable to traditional acupuncture in different types of headaches, but there is still insufficient evidence for chronic migraine (CM) in adults. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of laser acupuncture (LA) as an add-on preventive therapy on CM.MethodsA single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted from January 2022 to November 2023. CM patients with unsatisfactory pharmacological effects were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either LA or sham treatment over a course of 8 sessions spanning 4 weeks. The co-primary outcomes were changes in monthly migraine days (MMD) and acute headache medications usage days per month from baseline. Evaluations were taken at baseline (12 weeks before randomization), at 4th week (treatment completed), 8th week and 12th week from baseline.ResultsA total of 60 patients (30 in each group) were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. Baseline headache characteristics between trial groups were similar. Compared with the sham group, the LA group had a significant reduction in MMD (5.2 vs. 1.5 days at 8th week, p = 0.015; 7.3 vs. 1.8 days at 12th week, p = 0.001), and acute headache medications usage days per month (3.1 vs. 0.4 days at 4th week, p = 0.007; 3.2 vs. 0.0 days at 8th week, p = 0.005; 3.9 vs. 0.0 days at 12th week, p < 0.001). No serious adverse event was observed in both groups.ConclusionsLaser acupuncture was effective in reducing MMD and acute headache medications usage with promising safety. Specifically, the efficacy of LA exhibited a progressively more pronounced effect within the follow-up period. We suggested that LA is a promising add-on preventive therapy for CM, and trials focused on investigating the mechanism of LA’s effect and its long-term effects on CM prevention are justified.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered at ISRCTN.org Identifier: ISRCTN11208146 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11208146). The registration date: 19, January, 2024.The date of first participant registration: 04, May, 2022.

The effects of laser acupuncture on metabolic syndrome in obese postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled study

To study the laser acupuncture (LA) effects on postmenopausal obese women’s metabolic syndrome. Randomized controlled trial. Benha university hospital. Thirty postmenopausal women were randomized into two equal groups. Group A received a diet regimen and Group B received LA treatment for 30 min three times a week for two months beside the diet regimen. Included weight (W), body mass index (BMI), waist (WC), hip (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FBI), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) before and after the end of treatment. The study’s findings showed that both groups experienced a highly statistically significant decrease in the post-testing mean value of W, BMI, WC, HC, WHR, SBP, DBP, TC, TG, LDL, FBG, FBI, and HOMA-IR, while both groups experienced a significant increase in the post-treatment mean value of HDL (p 0.0001). The posttreatment SBP, DBP, TC, TG, LDL, FBS, FBI and insulin resistance were significantly lower while HDL was significantly higher in women who received combined LA and diet regimen compared to those who received dietary regimen only. LA beside the nutritional intervention is a physical therapy technique that may be used safely, easily, and effectively to minimize metabolic syndrome features during menopause.

Alleviation of cartilage degeneration by laser acupuncture: An ultrasound biomicroscopic study of early postmenopausal osteoarthritis in rats

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of laser acupuncture (LA) on articular cartilage degradation at the early stage of postmenopausal osteoarthritis (PMOA) by an ultrasound biomicroscopic technology. Twenty-one healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and evenly divided into three groups - sham, ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX ​+ ​LA groups. Only the peri-ovarian fatty tissue of the sham rats was exteriorized. The animals in the OVX and OVX ​+ ​LA groups underwent bilateral ovariectomy to create a menopause model. On day 8 after the ovariectomy, the 2-week LA therapy at acupoints Guanyuan (CV-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Zusanli (ST-36) was performed in the OVX ​+ ​LA group, while the sham and OVX groups had a sham treatment. All the animals were sacrificed on day 22. The cartilage tissues in the left knee joint were examined by ultrasound and histology. Compared with the sham group, the significantly degenerate alterations (p ​< ​0.01) in ultrasound roughness index (URI), reflection coefficient (RC1) and cartilage thickness were found in the OVX group, while the values of these parameters were significantly recovered (p ​< ​0.01) in the OVX ​+ ​LA group. The LA treatment enhanced proteoglycans (PGs) content with a significant reduce of the modified Mankin score (p ​< ​0.01). The acoustic assessment strongly correlated with the histologic evaluation. The results showed that LA treatment could alleviate the postmenopause-induced cartilage degradation and promote tissue repair. LA has potential to be a simple and safe non-pharmacological countermeasure against PMOA for geriatric patient population. The ultrasound biomicroscopic technology could be a quantitative evaluation tool of the structural and morphological responses of articular cartilage to LA intervention.

Laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure improves low-back pain and quality of life in nurses: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLow-back pain (LBP) in nurses is a major health concern that affects their quality of life and ability to work, with consequences for their economic status. ObjectiveThis study evaluates the effect of low-level laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure (LAA) on pain intensity, pain interference and quality of life in nurses with LBP. Design, setting, participants and interventionsThis randomized controlled trial recruited a convenience sample of hospital-based nurses from one teaching hospital in Taiwan, China. Participants were randomly assigned to the LAA group (n = 38) receiving low-level laser acupuncture and auricular acupressure for 4 weeks, and the control group (n = 38) receiving only sham laser acupuncture treatment without laser energy output. Main outcome measuresData were collected for the primary pain outcome using the Short Form of the Brief Pain Inventory, while the secondary outcome, quality of life, was evaluated using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Both primary and secondary outcomes were scored before the intervention, and after 2-week and 4-week intervention. The rate of LBP recurrence was evaluated at the 4th week and 8th week after the end of intervention. ResultsAfter controlling for prior pain, the result of linear mixed model analysis showed trends in significant between-group differences in the level of current pain occurring in week 4 (P < 0.001), worst pain in week 2 (P < 0.001) and week 4 (P < 0.001), least pain in week 2 (P = 0.032) and week 4 (P < 0.001), pain interference in week 2 (P = 0.009) and week 4 (P < 0.001), and in the life dysfunction in week 2 (P < 0.001) and week 4 (P < 0.001). Recurrence rates of LBP at the 4th and 8th weeks after the end of intervention were 0% and 36.89% in the LAA group, and 69.44% and 36.11% in the control group. ConclusionThis study shows that 4-week LAA intervention reduced pain intensity and pain interference, and improved quality of life for hospital-based nurses with LBP. These effects were maintained continuously for at least 4 weeks after the intervention. The nonpharmacological intervention, LAA, may be another efficacious, feasible, noninvasive, analgesic intervention for LBP. Trial registrationThis study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT04423445).

Traditional acupuncture and laser acupuncture in chronic nonspecific neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNonspecific neck pain is a multifactorial and very common condition in adult individuals, traditional acupuncture (TA) and laser acupuncture (LA) may be treatment options for certain individuals in such a condition. However, no reports were found in the literature comparing the effectiveness of TA and LA in cases of chronic nonspecific neck pain. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of TA and LA therapies in individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain, noting which one is more efficient for this condition. The result of this research will have direct implications for pain management and, consequently, may benefit individuals suffering from nonspecific chronic neck pain.Methods/designThis will be a controlled and randomized clinical trial. Eighty-four individuals will be recruited and distributed equally and randomly into 3 groups: TA (which will receive the acupuncture treatment with needles), LA (which will receive the laser acupuncture treatment), and Sham (who will receive the placebo intervention). The acupuncture points (Tianzhu, Fengchi, Jianjing, and Jianzhongshu) will be stimulated bilaterally. The primary outcome will be pain intensity, determined using the Numerical Rating Scale. The secondary outcomes will be pressure pain threshold, temporal summation of pain, conditioned pain modulation, use of analgesic medicines after treatment, and the global perceived effect scale. The assessments will be performed immediately before and after the treatment, which will be a single session, at the follow-up and 1 month after the end of the treatments; evaluation will be made of the pain intensity and the global perceived effect. Statistical analysis of the data obtained will consider a significance level of p < 0.05.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence concerning the effects of LA treatment, in comparison with TA and sham intervention, leading to benefits for individuals suffering from chronic nonspecific neck pain.Trial registrationBrazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - ReBEC RBR-7vbw5gd. Date of registration: August 06th, 2021.

The Effectiveness of Laser Acupuncture for Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the treatment effectiveness of laser acupuncture (LA) in patients with musculoskeletal pain.MethodsMajor electronic databases, including Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched to identify double-blind, randomized controlled trials of LA in musculoskeletal disorders. The primary outcome was the treatment efficacy for pain. The secondary outcomes included the comparison of disability, functional impairment, and dropout rate between LA and sham treatment, as well as the effect of sham treatment for pain. The results from included studies were synthesized with the random effects model.ResultsIn total, 20 articles comprising 568 patients receiving LA and 534 patients receiving sham treatment were included in the current study. Our analysis showed LA significantly reduced pain (g=0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.35 to 1.42, p=0.001), disability (g=0.68, 95% CI=0.29 to 1.08, p<0.001), and functional impairment (g=0.67, 95% CI=0.32 to 1.03, p<0.001). Through meta-regression analysis, we found these effects were not moderated by mean age, the percentage of females, or treatment duration. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the two groups in dropout rate (risk ratio=0.73, p=0.08), and the sham treatment significantly reduced only pain intensity (g=0.54, 95% CI=0.32 to 0.77, p<0.001).ConclusionOur findings supported that LA significantly reduced pain, disability, and functional impairment in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Further researches are required to determine the optimal therapeutic parameters and the suitable patients for receiving LA.Protocol RegistrationCRD42020190919.

Effective Low-Level Laser Therapy Including Laser Acupuncture Treatment Conditions for Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Low-level laser therapy including laser acupuncture has been widely used for non-specific chronic low back pain in primary Korean medical clinics. However, there is no critically appraised data regarding which treatment conditions are most effective. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine effective treatment conditions using 12 databases (PubMed, Ovid, CENTRAL, KoreaMed, KMBASE, KISS, NDSL, KISTI, OASIS, CNKI, CiNII, and J-STAGE). There were 1,019 studies retrieved and 13 studies included in this review. It was determined that when the power output was ≥ 50 mW, the beam size was increased to ≥ 1 cm2, the energy dose was increased to ≥ 4 J per point, the treatment interval was increased to ≥ 3 times a week, and the number of treatment sessions was increased to ≥ 10 treatments, these conditions appeared to increased treatment effectiveness.

Positive Effects of Laser Acupuncture in Methamphetamine Users Undergoing Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Pilot Study.

Background Methamphetamine (MA) addiction has become a crucial public health concern because of its adverse consequences to individuals and the society. Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of laser acupuncture combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy for MA addiction treatment. Materials and Methods MA users who participated in group cognitive behavioral therapy and met the inclusion criteria were referred from psychiatrists to participate. The participants received laser acupuncture treatment once a week for 2 months (total eight treatments) on selected acupoints (PC6, HT7, LI4, ST36, SP6, and LR3). Laboratory assessment included urinalysis for MA and liver function tests aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyltransferase (AST, ALT, and γ-GT), whereas the objective assessment included visual analog scale (VAS) for MA craving and refusal and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires. All data were collected before and at 1 and 2 months after treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy completion rate and rate of relapse to MA use were also determined. Result Fifteen participants were enrolled, of whom seven completed the trial. Urinalysis for MA revealed a decrease in drug use from 57.1% to 28.6%. Compared with those before treatment, PSQI scores were significantly lower at 1 and 2 months after treatment (−3.73 and −4.10, respectively; both p < 0.001), and so were BDI scores (−5.64 and −8.17, respectively; p=0.01 and 0.001, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed in the liver function test, VAS of craving and refusal, and BAI results. A slight improvement in the motivation for drug abstinence and anxiety was observed during the treatment course. Participants reported no adverse events. Conclusion Laser acupuncture combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy may improve sleep quality, alleviate depression, and reduce MA use. Additional large-scale studies confirming the effectiveness of this modality are warranted.

Laser Acupuncture Improves Tear Film Stability in Patients with Dry Eye Disease: A Two-Center Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of laser acupuncture (LA) therapy in patients with dry eye disease (DED).Design: A two-center randomized controlled trial.Settings/Location: The Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese Medicine at the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and the Sunming Eye Clinic in South Taiwan.Subjects: Fifty-nine participants ages 20 to 65 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to the experimental group (LA plus conventional treatment) or the sham control group (LA without laser output plus conventional treatment).Interventions: Subjects underwent LA treatment three times a week for 12 weeks. The subjects in the experimental group sequentially received 0.375 J of energy at each of the following acupoints: BL2, TE23, ST2, LI4, ST36, and GB37. Subjects in the control group received a sham LA treatment, without any laser output.Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was ocular surface disease index (OSDI). The secondary outcome measures included tear film breakup time (TFBUT), Schirmer-I test finding, and visual analog scale (VAS) score.Results: At 4 and 12 weeks after the first visit, the experimental group showed significant improvement of dry eye symptoms as measured by OSDI, TFBUT, Shirmer-I test, and VAS. Compared with the control group, the OSDI (7.23, p = 0.001) and TFBUT (−1.78, p = 0.001) significantly improved in the experimental group at 12 weeks of treatment.Conclusions: LA improved the symptoms and tear stability related to DED in conjunction with conventional treatment. The authors suggest that LA be considered a complementary therapy for DED when conventional treatment does not provide satisfactory effects.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03204903.

Combined effect of laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture in knee osteoarthritis patients: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background:Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disorder that affects 250 million people globally. KOA can lead to disability and is often associated with cardiovascular disease, poor quality of life, and mortality. The most common treatment for KOA is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration. However, the analgesic effect is limited and often accompanied by multiple side effects. Hence, many KOA patients opt for complementary and alternative medicine. Acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary treatments with great analgesic effect and minimal side effect. Electroacupuncture (EA) and laser acupuncture (LA) have been known to reduce pain in KOA patients. However, to date, no study has assessed the benefits of combining these two therapies.Methods:Fifty participants diagnosed with KOA, aged 50 years or older, and with consistent knee pain for more than 3 months were recruited and randomly assigned to the treatment group (EA plus LA) or control group (EA plus sham LA without laser output). All subjects in the treatment group will undergo a combined EA and LA treatment thrice a week for 4 weeks. The acupuncture will be performed on GB33, GB34, SP9, SP10, and ST36 sites. The treatment group will receive acupuncture with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator at GB33, GB34, SP9, and SP10 sites and with LA at EX-LE5, ST35, and BL40 sites. The subjects in the control group will undergo the same treatment modality as the treatment group, except these subjects will not be exposed to laser output. Outcome measurements will include visual analog scale, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome, body composition analysis, knee range of motion, quadriceps muscle stiffness, one-leg standing with eyes open test, and the 30-s chair stand test before and after 4 weeks of intervention.Objectives:This protocol aims to investigate the combined effect of EA and LA in KOA patients.

Effects of laser and electro acupuncture treatment on inflammation change in osteoarthritic rat model

Effects of laser and electro acupuncture treatment on inflammation change in osteoarthritic rat model

Effects of Laser and Electro Acupuncture Treatment with GB30ㆍGB34 on Change in Arthritis Rat

Other SectionsAbstract서 론재료 및 방법결 과고 찰결 론AcknowledgementFundingData availabilityConflicts of interestReference

Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture as Treatments for Emotional Distress in Infertile Women in Japan.

Objectives: Needle and laser acupuncture are often used to improve the success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This study examined whether needle or laser acupuncture ameliorated the emotional distress experienced by infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Materials and Methods: Fifty-one infertile women who were undergoing IVF-ET or ICSI received needle acupuncture (needle-acupuncture group; n = 32) or laser acupuncture treatment (laser-acupuncture group; n = 19). The emotional distress experienced by the infertile women was evaluated using 2 questionnaires-the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-both before and after 3 months of treatment. Results: In the needle-acupuncture group, the POMS detected significant post-treatment reductions in tension/anxiety (P < 0.001), depression/dejection (P < 0.001), anger/hostility (P < 0.001), confusion (P < 0.05), and total mood disturbance (TMD; p < 0.001). However, the POMS scores for vigor/activity and fatigue were not altered significantly after the treatment. In the STAI, both State and Trait scores had significantly decreased after the acupuncture (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the laser-acupuncture group, the POMS detected significantly lower tension/anxiety (P < 0.05) and vigor/activity (P < 0.05) scores after the treatment. However, the POMS did not detect significant changes in depression/dejection, anger/hostility, fatigue, confusion, or TMD after the treatment. Furthermore, neither the STAI-State nor the STAI-Trait score had significantly decreased after the laser acupuncture treatment. Conclusions: These results indicate that needle and laser acupuncture ameliorate the emotional distress experienced by women who are undergoing IVF-ET or ICSI.

Laser Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Single-Blinded Controlled Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of laser acupuncture (LA) treatment with that of placebo LA treatment in patients with idiopathic, mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), as measured by subjective symptom assessments and objective changes in nerve conduction studies (NCSs). Design: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled study. Settings: A Teaching Hospital in the Taichung, Taiwan between March 2013 and November 2013. Subjects: 84 consecutive treatment-naive patients with CTS. Interventions: Participants were randomly divided into two treatment arms: (1) LA, administered at traditional Chinese acu-points on the affected side, once a day, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks (N = 43); and (2) placebo LA, administered using the same device and protocol, with the LA device switched off (N = 41). Outcome measures: Patients completed the Global symptom score (GSS) at baseline and two and four weeks later. The primary outcome was changes in GSS. NCSs were performed at baseline and repeated at the end of the study as a secondary outcome. Results: There was a significantly greater reduction in GSS in the LA group than in the placebo group at week 2 (-9.30 ± 4.94 vs. -2.29 ± 4.27, respectively, P < 0.01) and at week 4 (-10.67 ± 5.98 vs. -2.90 ± 5.61, respectively, P < 0.01). However, NCSs did not show significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: LA may be more effective than placebo LA in the treatment of mild-to-moderate idiopathic CTS in terms of subjective measurement. For patients who fear needle-based treatment, such as acupuncture or local injections, or those who do not opt for early surgical decompression, LA treatment can be considered as an effective and alternative form of acu-points stimulation therapy.

Efficacy of laser acupuncture for patients with chronic Bell's palsy: A study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot trial.

Background:Bell's palsy is the most frequent cause of unilateral peripheral facial palsy, a common condition that third of patients can have inadequate recovery and subsequent physical and social impairments. The largely ineffective and even controversial nature of the various medical and surgical treatment options means that novel, alternative approaches are needed. In preclinical and clinical evidence, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated the ability to regenerate peripheral nerves. Laser acupuncture treatment (LAT), the stimulation of traditional acupoints with low-intensity, non-thermal laser irradiation, is a common treatment modality, but its efficacy in chronic Bell's palsy is undetermined. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of LAT in patients experiencing inadequate recovery from Bell's palsy.Methods:This 2-armed, parallel, randomized, subject-assessor-blinded, single-center, sham-controlled pilot trial will randomly assign 32 eligible patients into either a real LAT group (n = 16) or a sham LAT group (n = 16). The real LAT group will receive 3 LAT sessions each week for 6 weeks (a total of 18 sessions), delivered to acupoints corresponding with the affected side of the face. The sham LAT group will receive the same treatment as the real LAT group, but with a sham laser device. The primary outcome measure will be the change from baseline at week 6 in the Facial Disability Index score. Secondary outcomes will monitor changes during treatment in the House-Brackmann and Sunnybrook facial nerve grading systems and stiffness scale, at weeks 1, 3, and 6.Discussion:To the best of our knowledge, this double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial is the first such investigation into the efficacy of LAT in chronic Bell's palsy. Clinical trials using LLLT have shown positive therapeutic effects in acute Bell's palsy, although as yet, the feasibility and efficacy of LAT remain unclear in patients experiencing inadequate recovery from Bell's palsy.Trial registration:This trial protocol has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan (Protocol ID: CMUH107-REC1-030) also registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier no. NCT03592797).

Baihui Point Laser Acupuncture Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment, Motor Deficit, and Neuronal Loss Partly via Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in an Animal Model of Focal Ischemic Stroke.

Stroke is recognized as one of the most dangerous killer diseases in Thailand and other countries worldwide. The development of a novel strategy for treating stroke patients is therefore urgently required. The present study investigated the effect of laser acupuncture at the Baihui point on cognitive and functional recovery, neuronal loss, antioxidant enzyme activities, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity in the hippocampus in an animal model of focal ischemic stroke. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation; permanent occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (Rt.MCAO); Rt.MCAO with sham laser acupuncture; and Rt.MCAO with Baihui point laser acupuncture. Laser acupuncture at the Baihui point and sham acupuncture at a nonacupoint were performed once daily (10 min at each point) for 14 days after Rt.MCAO. Half of the rats in each group were examined to determine neuron density by Cresyl violet staining, while the other half were examined by biochemical assays to measure glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the hippocampus, superoxide dismutase (SOD) in mitochondria and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity in the hippocampus. Laser acupuncture treatment was found to significantly enhance memory and neuron density in CA1 and CA3. Improved neurological score, improved GSH-Px and SOD activities, and decreased density ratio of IL-6 to β-actin were also observed in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Baihui point laser acupuncture alleviates cognitive impairment and motor deficits via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in focal ischemic rats. Further study is warranted to investigate other possible mechanisms of action.

Using Laser Acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to Treat Male Infertility by Improving Semen Quality: Case Report

Infertility is worldwide a health and psychological burden for couples aiming at building up a family. Male and female are equally involved in reasons for infertility. In 50% percent of the cases, the issue is caused by the male. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Laser acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on the sperm quality of an infertile male with an idiopathic reason. A 32- year- old infertile male with low quality sperm was referred to the Sheykh Bahaee clinic after spermogram testing in a central pathobiology laboratory according to 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The following laser acupuncture treatment was conducted; points: LI4, Liv3, Sp6, Kid3, Kid6, Sp5, Ren3, St29, Du4, St36, Ub20, Ub23 and also auricular points: shenmen, prostate gland, interferon, kidney, liver, spleen, by laser pen with 810 n.m, 400 mw power, Nogier B frequency (584 Hz) and each area 1-6 joules, according to patient’s vascular autonomic signal (VAS), twice a week, in 15 sessions. Furthermore, super pulse laser with the following parameters setting was conducted: 5*60W = 300 W peak power, duration 200 ns, length wave of 904 n.m, Nogier B frequency, 10 joules according to patient’s VAS was applied on local areas: symphysis pubis, prostate gland, pelvic area twice a week in 15 sessions. Findings: After 15 sessions the spermogram test was done. The test showed that the sperm mobility, enhanced 23% and sperm morphology increased 25%. In addition, changes in sperm count and volume of sperm were seen. Results: The results showed LLLT and laser acupuncture were effective on the enhancement of sperm quality.

Effectiveness of laser acupuncture as adjunctive therapy for limited range of motion in rheumatoid arthritis

We evaluate the efficacy of laser acupuncture on the elbow range of motion in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune inflammatory joint disease seen in clinical practice. Interventions for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis are under investigation. Forty subjects in the age range of 50–60 years old were divided into two groups; each group consisted of twenty subjects. The first group had undergone laser acupuncture treatment. The other group consisted of healthy subjects, forming the control group. A computer vision system was used for elbow range of motion (ROM) measurement before and after 12 sessions of treatment. The results showed that the pre- and post-treatment mean values ±SD of elbow flexion ROM were 143.75 ± 2.68 and 144.89 ± 3.12°, respectively. The differences between pre and post treatment mean values ±SD of elbow flexion ROM was non-significant (P > 0.05). The pre and post treatment mean values ±SD of elbow extension ROM were 1.01° ± 4.01° and 3.07° ± 1.25°, respectively. The differences between pre- and post-treatment mean values ±SD of elbow extension ROM was significant (P < 0.05). It was concluded that laser acupuncture significantly increased elbow extension ROM in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Effect of laser acupuncture on dry eye: A study protocol for a 2-center randomized controlled trial.

Background:Dry eye is a common ophthalmologic disorder that causes ocular discomfort and has become a worldwide health concern. Patients with dry eye often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) because of unsatisfactory conventional treatments. Acupuncture is one of the most popular interventions of CAM used, and laser acupuncture (LA) is a noninvasive technique.Methods:This protocol is a 2-center randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of laser acupuncture on dry eye. Two hundred participants aged 20 to 65 years will be randomly assigned to the experimental group (LA plus conventional treatment) or the sham control group (LA without laser output plus conventional treatment) at 2 clinical research centers in South Taiwan. The subjects will undergo LA treatment thrice a week for 12 weeks. The subjects in the experimental group will sequentially receive 0.375 J of energy at each of the following acupoints: BL2, TE23, ST2, LI4, ST36, and GB37. The subjects in the control group will also receive a sham LA treatment, without any laser output. Outcome assessments will include evaluation of the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TFBUT), Schirmer-I test finding, and the visual analog scale (VAS) score at 4 and 12 weeks before treatment. The OSDI, TFBUT, Schirmer-I test result, and VAS score of the participants will be analyzed and compared between the experimental and control groups using the paired t test and one-way analysis of variance.Objectives:The aim of this protocol is to investigate the efficacy of LA therapy in patients with dry eye.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03204903.

ACUDIN \u2013 ACUpuncture and laser acupuncture for treatment of DIabetic peripheral Neuropathy: a randomized, placebo-controlled, partially double-blinded trial

BackgroundDiabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus with significant clinical sequelae that can affect a patient’s quality of life. Metabolic and microvascular factors are responsible for nerve damage, causing loss of nerve function, numbness, painful sensory symptoms, and muscle weakness. Therapy is limited to anti-convulsant or anti-depressant drugs for neuropathic pain and paresthesia. However, reduced sensation, balance and gait problems are insufficiently covered by this treatment. Previous data suggests that acupuncture, which has been in use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years, may potentially complement the treatment options for peripheral neuropathy. Nevertheless, more objective data on clinical outcome is necessary to generally recommend acupuncture to the public.MethodsWe developed a study design for a prospective, randomized (RCT), placebo-controlled, partially double-blinded trial for investigating the effect of acupuncture on DPN as determined by nerve conduction studies (NCS) with the sural sensory nerve action potential amplitude as the primary outcome. The sural sensory nerve conduction velocity, tibial motor nerve action potential amplitude, tibial motor nerve conduction velocity, the neuropathy deficit score, neuropathy symptom score, and numeric rating scale questionnaires are defined as secondary outcomes. One hundred and eighty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus will be randomized into three groups (needle acupuncture, verum laser acupuncture, and placebo laser acupuncture). We hypothesize that needle and laser acupuncture have beneficial effects on electrophysiological parameters and clinical and subjective symptoms in relation to DPN in comparison with placebo.DiscussionThe ACUDIN trial aims at investigating whether classical needle acupuncture and/or laser acupuncture are efficacious in the treatment of DPN. For the purpose of an objective parameter, NCS were chosen as outcome measures. Acupuncture treatment may potentially improve patients’ quality of life and reduce the socio-economic burden caused by DPN.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trial Register (DRKS), No. DRKS00008562, trial search portal of the WHO (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/).