Differential Brain Effects of Laser and Needle Acupuncture at Lr8 Using Functional Mri

Abstract

ObjectiveWhile needle acupuncture is a well-accepted technique, laser acupuncture is being increasingly used in clinical practice. The differential effects of the two techniques are of interest. We examine this in relation to brain effects of activation of LR8, a putative acupuncture point for depression, using functional MRI (fMRI).MethodsSixteen healthy participants were randomised to receive low intensity laser acupuncture to LR8 on one side and needle acupuncture to the contralateral LR8. Stimulation was in an on-off block design and brain patterns were recorded under fMRI.ResultsSignificant activation occurred in the left precuneus during laser acupuncture compared with needle acupuncture and significant activation occurred in the left precentral gyrus during needle acupuncture compared with laser acupuncture.ConclusionsLaser and needle acupuncture at LR8 in healthy participants produced different brain patterns. Laser acupuncture activated the precuneus relevant to mood in the posterior default mode network while needle acupuncture activated the parietal cortical region associated with the primary motor cortex. Further investigations are warranted to evaluate the clinical relevance of these effects.

Effects of electro-acupuncture at Tongli (HT 5) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) acupoints from functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence

“…Some scholars proposed that needling ACU can modulate the brain SMN and the DMN. (28,29,41) The research found that stimulation at Neiting (ST 44) selectively activated the bilateral posterior cingulate cortex, a sub-system of the DMN. (42) In the subsequent research, Wang, et al (43) investigated the neural correlates of individual components of Deqi during acupuncture at the right Taichong (LV 3).…”

The effect of laser acupuncture on hypoxia tolerance and inflammation reaction in mice with optical fiber acupuncture needle intra body

“…1,2 Recently, acupuncture has been broadly used in clinical treatment abroad including America. 3 Furthermore, laser acupuncture has been developed to stimulate acupuncture points on the outer skin without infection or pain, 4 and used to improve the treatment of brain function, [5][6][7] dental disease, 8,9 and obesity. 10 The laser stimulation is an alternative method for children with needle phobia.…”

Effectiveness of combined laser-puncture and conventional wound care to accelerate diabetic foot ulcer healing

“…7 Laser-puncture irradiation uses energy of 20 W/ cm 2 , a value equivalent to the effect of stimulation with acupuncture needles, 8 so that stimulation of acupuncture points by a needle or laser beam would result in an equivalent effect. 8,9 Quah-Smith et al 10 indicated that laser-puncture stimulates nerve fibers A-β and non-nociceptive C, while needle acupuncture stimulates the activity of the nerve fibers A-β, A-δ and C (nociceptive and nonnociceptive) that activates precentral gyrus. 10 Application of laser-puncture for wound healing would be shorter in time compared to conventional acupuncture.…”

“…8,9 Quah-Smith et al 10 indicated that laser-puncture stimulates nerve fibers A-β and non-nociceptive C, while needle acupuncture stimulates the activity of the nerve fibers A-β, A-δ and C (nociceptive and nonnociceptive) that activates precentral gyrus. 10 Application of laser-puncture for wound healing would be shorter in time compared to conventional acupuncture. [9][10][11] However, clinical studies on the effects of laser-puncture in promoting ulcer repair have never been conducted in Indonesia.…”

“…10 Application of laser-puncture for wound healing would be shorter in time compared to conventional acupuncture. [9][10][11] However, clinical studies on the effects of laser-puncture in promoting ulcer repair have never been conducted in Indonesia. Therefore, the objective of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of combined laser-puncture and conventional wound treatment compared to sham laser-puncture and conventional wound treatment on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.…”