Laser Acupuncture

Many adults and children are fearful of needles. This can be a huge hurdle in someone's decision in getting acupuncture. Fortunately, technology has given us tools which allow us to circumvent the use of intrusive needles with cold laser.

Many people want to know how the laser works in place of a needle. It is rather simple. Laser emits specific frequencies of light onto the skin. Light particles are absorbed and stimulate the cells that lie beneath the surface. This activates the acupuncture point much in the same way that a needle would. It is almost like the process of photosynthesis that takes place in plants when sunlight hits the leaves.

The ranges of frequencies usually include visible red beams and near infra-red spectrums. I use both frequencies depending on the area of the body that I am using laser on. On the ear, I prefer the visible red diode; while, I use the near infra-red diode on deeper muscle tissue. There are also different strengths of lasers. Many practitioners use the less expensive 5mW lasers which takes a very long time to input one unit of energy (called a joule) into the acupuncture point. I use a more precise laser which is the strongest allowed by the FDA in class III lasers. It is 500mW and allows me to treat patients in 1/100th of the time required by the low level lasers.

There are many conditions that can benefit from lasers. Current studies are looking at the effectiveness of laser acupuncture in treating strokes, paralysis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis (heel spurs), alopecia, aerate (bald spots), sinusitis, smoking cessation, weight loss, asthma, allergies, soft tissue injuries, pain, and joint maladies. There are numerous other conditions that acupuncture physicians are using lasers to treat.

In pediatrics, laser is commonly used for bed wetting, frequent urination, digestive problems, diarrhea, facial paralysis and injuries. The laser is especially useful in this population since the fear of needles is so widespread. Lasers allow the children to develop a sense of trust with me and speeds the healing process.  There is painless. On occasion you will feel a warm sensation as the light excites the pigment molecules in the skin. The darker the skin color, the quicker it will heat up with a laser. If you feel heat during your treatment, you should mention it immediately so the laser can be moved to a different area.

If your fear of needles is preventing you from getting acupuncture treatment then laser therapy is a modaliy that will work for you.  We will conduct a health care assessement to determine whether this method of therapy fits all your medical needs.