Laser Acupuncture

Chronic nonspecific low back pain is a common condition that may cause persistent pain and limitations in daily activities. This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of traditional acupuncture and laser acupuncture in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, focusing on pain, functional disability, and flexibility. Approximately 60 participants aged 20-60 years with low back pain between the 12th rib and gluteal fold lasting at least three months will be recruited. Participants must have a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score of at least 4 and meet the study eligibility criteria. Individuals with conditions such as sciatica, neurological disease, spinal tumor, osteoporosis, lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar spondylolisthesis, ankylosing spondylitis, piriformis syndrome, recent vertebral fracture or lumbar surgery, spinal infection, coagulation disorders, anticoagulant use, long-term corticosteroid use, cauda equina symptoms, severe systemic disease, active inflammatory or infectious skin disease, or known pregnancy will be excluded. Before participation, the research team will explain the study procedures, possible risks and benefits, and participants' rights. After providing informed consent and completing screening, eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the traditional acupuncture group or the laser acupuncture group. Participants cannot choose their treatment group. Both groups will receive treatment twice a week for six weeks, for a total of 12 sessions, with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. The same nine acupuncture points will be used: bilateral BL20 (Pishu), GV3 (Yaoyangguan), bilateral GB30 (Huantiao), bilateral GB34 (Yanglingquan), and bilateral BL25 (Dachangshu). The traditional acupuncture group will receive sterile, single-use needles inserted by an experienced physician and manipulated to produce the intended acupuncture sensation. The laser acupuncture group will receive laser stimulation at the same acupuncture points without needle insertion. The study protocol uses a Handylaser Trion device with an 810-nm wavelength, an energy density of 7.96 J/cm², and approximately 20 seconds of stimulation per point. Participants will be assessed at baseline, week 3, week 6, and week 8. The primary outcome is the modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI), which evaluates disability related to low back pain. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity measured by the NPRS and flexibility measured by fingertip-to-floor distance. Week 8 serves as a short-term follow-up approximately two weeks after treatment completion. Changes in these outcomes will be compared between the two treatment groups. Participants may experience improvement in pain or physical function, although benefits cannot be guaranteed. Traditional acupuncture may cause temporary discomfort, soreness, minor bleeding, or bruising. Laser acupuncture does not involve needle insertion and may provide a less invasive treatment experience. Participants will be monitored for discomfort or adverse events throughout the study. Participation is voluntary, and participants may withdraw at any time without penalty or loss of appropriate medical care. Personal and medical information will be kept confidential and used for research purposes. The study will be conducted according to applicable ethical standards, including the Declaration of Helsinki and ICH-GCP.

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of laser acupuncture in alleviating CTS symptoms following flexor tendon repair in the hand.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of adding laser acupuncture at Fengchi (GB20), Zanzhu (BL2), Hegu (LI4), and Quchi (LI11) acupoints to standard care for the treatment of dry eye symptoms in both Sjögren's Syndrome-related dry eye (SJS-DES) and non-Sjögren's Syndrome-related dry eye (Non-SJS-DES) populations. A total of 140 dry eye patients will be recruited and divided into two groups: 70 participants with SJS-DES and 70 with Non-SJS-DES. Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: Sham+LA group (60 participants receiving 4 weeks of placebo laser acupuncture followed by 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture), LA+LA group (60 participants receiving 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture followed by another 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture), and a Waiting List group (20 participants receiving no laser acupuncture treatment). Each session will target the Fengchi (GB20), Zanzhu (BL2), Hegu (LI4), and Quchi (LI11) acupoints bilaterally, performed twice a week. The total study period is 8 weeks, and the treatment efficacy will be assessed at the end of the 8-week treatment. The Waiting List group (20 participants) will not receive any laser acupuncture treatment during this period. Efficacy will be evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Schirmer's test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, TCM pulse diagnosis, TCM constitution questionnaire, TCM heart rate variability analysis, nailfold microcirculation assessment, and iris examination. This study aims to investigate the impact of laser acupuncture on dry eye symptom improvement and the potential markers that differentiate between SJS-DES and Non-SJS-DES patients. The goal is to develop a comprehensive integrated care model for early screening, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans for Dry Eye Syndrome and Sjögren's Syndrome, achieving the ultimate objective of "Holistic Health Care."