• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.21-30
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• 2009

Objectives : Being introduced in the 1980s, laser acupuncture studies have been steadily carried on such as its thermal effects on human body. However, the mechanisms of effect are not yet clearly explained. Generally, laser acupuncture could be favorable for pediatric patients or people under special conditions (hemophilia, needle-phobia, pathogen-carriers, etc.) because of lower risk of infection, bleeding, pain or fainting. But there are still problems for using laser acupuncture equivalently as the traditional metal needle. The goal of this study is to review the fundamentals, history and present trend of laser acupuncture study, and to suggest how to develop laser acupuncture as an oriental medical device. Method : We performed literature search using PubMed(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) and Scopus(http://www.scopus.com). Search conditions are laser acupuncture, laser needle, LLLT(as title or abstract) or Litscher G(as author). Main target studies are physical fundamentals, clinical trials, physiological results and device proposals. Results : Many research have shown the similarities of laser acupuncture and traditional metal acupuncture and have reported clinical and physiological effects of laser acupuncture. But, still laser acupuncture is not widely used in Korea due to high-cost of equipments and the lack of clear understanding of laser devices. Additionally, there are still challenges in standardization and device development. Conclusions : Frequencies, laser modes, waveguides, adaptor types, polarization and signal modulations are suggested as future study subjects on laser acupuncture. More various studies and efforts for device development have to be performed to provide oriental medical doctors with evidence based confidence about usage of laser acupuncture.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2009

Objectives : During the past three decades there has been a significant evolution of laser acupuncture application in the nature of the clinical approach and the research of traditional medicine and laser therapy field. However, there have been no standard and guideline of laser equipment can be applied as laser acupuncture. This study aims to investigate the condition of laser equipment required as a laser acupuncture method. Methods : First, we performed literature search using the Medline(from 1999 to Oct 2008) to confirm types and ranges of laser equipments that can be applied as laser acupuncture. In addition, we investigated the characters of acupoints such as sites and depths, and compared with penetrating depths of each laser. Results : A total of 37 articles for clinical studies using laser acupuncture were selected, and 41 lasers were used. GaAs laser was used three times, GaAlAs laser 14, InGaAlP 18, HeNe laser 4, and Argon laser and CO2 laser were used one time, respectively. From all 361 points of fourteen meridians, depths of 341 points(94.5%) were 1 cun(2.3-3.2cm) or less. The mean depth of all points was 0.48 cun(1.1-1.5cm). Hence, it appeared that the majority of therapeutic lasers satisfied with the condition. HeNe, InGaAlP, GaAlAs, GaAs lasers are recommended for laser acupuncture, however, it may plausible that other surgical lasers could be used as the laser acupuncture, because it have the biostimulation effect to some extent, too. Conclusions : It is suggested that to select appropriate laser type and give the adequate output power to reach the acupoints under the skin using laser acupuncture. Further evaluation and research for the condition of laser acupuncture are warranted.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.191-197
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• 2015

Laser acupuncture is defined as the stimulation of traditional acupuncture points with low-intensity, nonthermal laser irradiation. Possible advantages in using laser acupuncture are the noninvasive, painless and low risks of infection treatment. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of laser acupuncture on the quality and waveform of arterial pulses. Ten acupuncture points were stimulated repeatedly three times in 30 individuals by laser with emission in the near infrared spectral region (808 nm) using an out power and power density of 45 mW and $143W/cm^2$. The analysis of pulse quality and waveform was performed based on the measurement of arterial pressure of the left and right wrist, using a 3-dimensional blood pressure pulse analyzer. Excess-like pulse quality of subjects before laser acupuncture changed significantly to balanced pulse quality after 10, 20, and 30 minutes of laser acupuncture; coefficient of deficient or excess, $C_{DE}$, decreased significantly from 0.68 before acupuncture to 0.61, 0.55, and 0.55 after 10, 20, 30 minutes of laser acupuncture ($$p{\leq_-}0.006$$), respectively. Other pulse qualities, floating or sinking, slow or rapid, choppy or slippery did not change significantly by laser acupuncture (p > 0.05). Pulse waveform analysis showed that amplitude of main peak (systolic function or aortic compliance, $h_1$) of left and right artery pulse waves decreased significantly after 10, 20, and 30 minutes of laser acupuncture (p < 0.05). Other parameters, duration of one cardiac cycle (T), duration of rapid systolic ejection ($T_1$), duration of the systolic phase ($T_4$), and duration of the diastolic phase ($T_5$) of left and right artery pulses did not change significantly after laser acupuncture (p > 0.05).

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.56-69
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of laser acupuncture to the 532 nm on the five transport points with the heart meridian for treatment to hypertensive disease in rats with L-NAME induced hypertensive. Methods : Hypertensive was induced by L-NAME for 3 weeks. The laser acupuncture therapy on the five transport points of heart meridian(Laser Well Point-HT9, Laser Brook Point-HT8. Laser Stream Point-HT7, Laser River Point-HT4 and Laser Sea Point-HT3) was treated twice a week for 5 times. The hypertensive was measured using a cardiac hypertrophy, atherogenic index, TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio, TCHO, HDLC, TG, AST, ALT, antioxidative effectiveness and glutathione peroxidase quality of hypertensive rats induced by L-NAME. Results : Blood pressure were decreased significantly after the laser acupuncture of Well, Brook and Sea Point groups. Cardiac hypertrophy were decreased at the laser acupuncture of Brook and Stream Point groups. Athrogenic index was decreased at the laser acupuncture of Well, Stream, River and Sea Point groups. TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio was decreased at the laser acupuncture of all groups. Total cholesterol was decreased significantly at the laser acupuncture of Well Point group. High density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol were decreased significantly at the laser acupuncture of Well, Stream and River Point groups. Triglyceride was decreased significantly at the laser acupuncture of Stream Point group. Cu/Zn-Superoxide Dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase(GPX) were increased significantly at the laser acupuncture of Well Point group. Conclusions : The laser acupuncture treatment in five transport points of the Heart Meridian was effective for lowering blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, Atherogenic index and HTR, and for enhancing antioxidant activity.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.85-95
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• 2021

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 ≥ 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.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.51-58
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of laser acupuncture at $HT_7$ for reducing mental stress using power spectrum analysis of the heart rate variability. Methods : 36 healthy volunteers(control group: 18, treatment group: 18) participated in this study. After instrumentation and 5-minute rest period, 5-minute metal stress by operation was provided. HRV was recorded before and after the mental stress(1st, 2nd HRV). After 2nd HRV recording, the control group rested for 15 minutes without any treatments. Participants in the treatment group received laser acupuncture to $HT_7$ unilaterally and rested for 15minutes. Points were irradiated for 60seconds, and the intensity was 1.8J(output 20%). And then 3rd HRV was recorded. Results : In simple rest group, LF norm showed a significant change after mental stress. In laser acupuncture group, LF norm, HF norm, LF, HF and LF/HF ratio showed a significant change after mental stress. But there were no significant difference between two groups(ANCOVA test, p>0.05). In laser acupuncture group, LF norm, HF norm, HF and LF/HF ratio showed a significant change after laser acupuncture treatment. And there were significant differences between two groups(p<0.05). Conclusions : This study suggests that laser acupuncture at $HT_7$ can regulate and prevent the alternation of autonomic nervous system due to mental stress.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.199-210
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the effect of invasive laser acupuncture therapy with green light (LAT-G) at HT7(Sinmun), SP3(Taebaek) on the blood pressure in hypertensive rat induced by two kidney one clip. Methods : The experiments were performed on Sprague Dawley rats. 2K1C hypertension model was prepared by constricting the left renal artery with a sliver clip. Animals were divided into four groups, which were simple acupuncture treatment group with straight needle insertion on the square(AT-SS), acupuncture treatment group with reducing manipulation in the opposite channel direction(AT-RD), laser acupuncture treatment group with green light 532 nm, 10mW power in the opposite channel direction(LAT-G10) and laser acupuncture treatment group with green light 532 nm, 20mW power in the opposite channel direction(LAT-G20). The treatments were performed once per two days for 10 days. Results : Body weight was increased significantly in LAT-G20 group compared with AT-RD group. The blood pressure was significantly decreased in LAT-G20 and LAT-G10 groups compared with AT-SS group. Conclusions : These results suggest that green laser acupuncture therapy at SP3 ${\cdot}$ HT7 is more effective than straight needle insertion on the square for controlling hypertension. It is possible that invasive green laser acupuncture therapy (532 nm) can be used as a reducing method of the traditional acupuncture techniques.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.195-207
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of laser acupuncture according to the wavelength(532 nm, 650 nm, 830 nm, 904 nm, and 1064 nm) at the acupoint of GB34 GB39 on neuropathic pain rat induced by tibial and sural nerve transection(TST). Methods : Neuropathic pain in rats was induced by tibial nerve and sural nerve transection. The rats were divided into the intact group, the TST control group, and the laser acupuncture therapy group. The laser acupuncture therapy groups were then divided into subgroups with 532 nm(L532), 650 nm(L650), 830 nm(L830), 904 nm(L904), and 1064 nm(L1064) laser acupuncture therapy. The acupoint of GB34 GB39 was selected, and laser acupuncture therapy was provided on both sides alternatively twice a week in a total of 6 sessions. Results : All the laser acupuncture groups showed a significant decrease in reaction time and force intensity. L532, L904, and L1064 groups showed a significant decrease in Bax, the L532 group showed a significant increase in Bcl-2, L532 and L1064 groups showed a significant decrease in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and L532 and L650 groups showed a significant increase in mGluR5, as compared with the TST control group, among nerve tissue reaction. Conclusions : These results showed that laser acupuncture therapy at each of the wavelengths had some significance on neuropathic pain.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to review laser acupuncture studies to find possibility for applying high intensity laser to acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. Methods : Searching papers was performed using search engines of five electronic databases, including Pubmed, Thomson ISI, EMBASE, Sciencedirect, and EBSCO, from inception to May 2011 without language limitation. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies with human, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control studies, and case reports. Selecting papers was performed with titles and abstracts in first step, scrutinize full text in second step, and then the extrated data was analyzed by two authors independently. The methodological quality for RCTs was evaluated using Jadad's scale. Results : Total 8 papers, (3 RCTs, 5 controlld studies, and 1 case reports), were finally selected. The study dealt with surgical laser, argon and $CO_2$ laser was one for each, with GaAs laser was two, and with new semiconductor laser, GaN, were four. The output range was from 110 mW to 15 W. The study diseases were alcohol addiction, knee osteoarthritis, bronchopneumonia and asthma for children, and circulation. All studies reported positive effect. The methodological quality in all RCTs was low because of below 3 points and all studies had few subject numbers. Conclusions : We suggest that high intensity laser can be applied to acupuncture and moxibustion. Further rigorous and well-designed study will be needed for various disease. The oriental medical society needs to take active measures to study and clinical application of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment with high intensity laser.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.441-452
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• 2012

Objectives : As the attempts to make good uses of laser acupuncture in korean medicine have been steadily carried on, to ensure the safety is needed to increase the use of laser acupuncture. The aim of this study was to examine the safety of using laser acupuncture therapy irradiated with 830 nm laser and 905 nm laser. Methods : Fifteen rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups - Intact ; no therapy group. LAT830 ; laser acupuncture therapy(830 nm) group at GB34 GB39. LAT905 ; laser acupuncture therapy(905 nm) group at GB34 GB39. During eight weeks of treatment, LAT830, LAT905 were treated 2 times weekly, frequency 20 Hz, intensity 20 mW. Test items were mortality, body weight, food consumptions, hematological values, blood chemical values, urinalysis values, absolute organ weights and relative organ weights. Results : Statistically significant differences were not found among 3 groups. The values measured in LAT830, LAT905 and Intact(no therapy) group have shown similar results and it indicated that LAT830, LAT905 had no abnormal influence on the reaction of living bodies. There was little difference on the liver weight of relative organ weight test between laser-treated groups(LAT830, LAT905) and Intact group. Conclusions : In conclusion, laser acupuncture therapies irradiated with 830 nm laser and 905 nm laser caused no abnormal reaction of living bodies. More studies are needed to further establish the safety of many other laser acupuncture therapies.