Journal of Traditional Medicine & Clinical Naturopathy
Open Access

Abstract

Objective: To explore laser acupuncture???s role in modern medicine with a view to strengthening and promoting the appropriate use in health care systems.

Methods: We conducted a PubMed search to obtain a fair sample of laser acupuncture clinical trials published in English till 2011. Each article was reviewed for a physiologic rationale as well as study designs and outcomes, experimental and control interventions.

Results: Forty-eight (48) laser acupuncture clinical trials were identified. Evidence was found to support the use of laser acupuncture in the treatment of acute or chronic pain from different origins, postoperative nausea and vomiting, nocturnal enuresis, menopausal symptoms, allergic dermatoses, alcohol addiction, smoking cessation, obesity and for cerebral cortical activations.

Conclusion: Laser acupuncture integrates the positive effects of acupuncture and low-level lasers and is therefore effective in the indications of both. In the hands of an experienced physician, laser acupuncture can be used as complementary or alternative treatment in modern medicine.

Biography

Wen-Long Hu is the Deputy Director, Department of Chinese Medicine at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Fooyin University, Kaohsiung Medical University, Chang Gung University and Chairman of Taiwan Traditional Chinese Medicine Medical Association. He has the experiences of clinical practice in Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for 25 years and in Acupuncture for 30 years. He is involved in researches in LLLT and acupuncture, e.g. obesity, metabolic syndrome, stroke, dementia, Parkinsonism, myofascial pain, arthralgia, radiculopathy, autism, etc.

E-mail: oolonghu@gmail.com