LASER APPLICATIONS IN ACUPUNCTURE

Abstract

Acupuncture is an ancient technique and one of the therapies derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The techniques of TCM are used at specific body points through insertion of needles, moxa, cupping, massage, electrical stimulation and laser. These stimuli promote Qi and blood circulation, what increases the energy flow in the meridians and improves the Yin-Yang balance. The laser application is an alternative technique for Acupuncture because it is a painless method of point stimulation treatment and may be applied when traditional needle technique is not indicated. The great advantage of laser acupuncture is related to the fact that causes no damages to the skin, therefore, avoiding possible infections problems; it is painless and can be used in sensitive people, children, elderly, patients with mental health problems and people with clotting problems. In the present study, a search for scientific articles, books, dissertations and theses for Acupuncture and Laser Therapy was performed. The objective is to search for information of minimum standardization methods necessary for treatment with laser, considering parameters as wavelength, power equipment, time, dose used in points, number of acupoints and number of sessions. The results show a gap between theorical and practical material on the subject, controversial results and published works without implementation criteria. It is concluded that no standardization protocols are presented and applied parameters are practically forgotten in discussions on these articles. This work aims to fill this need, serving as a source of information and support for those who need assistance in this area.