Integrative Laser Medicine and High-Tech Acupuncture at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, Europe

Abstract

At the moment, modernization of acupuncture has a high priority. On the traditional side, acupuncture has only recently been awarded the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO. On the innovative side, high-tech acupuncture is a registered trademark in Austria. Acupuncture has been used for medical treatment for thousands of years. A large number of empirical data are available but the technical quantification of effects was not possible up to now. Using electroacupuncture, needle, or laser stimulation and modern biomedical techniques, it was possible for the first time to quantify changes in biological activities caused by acupuncture. This paper which serves as introduction for the special issue “High-Tech Acupuncture and Integrative Laser Medicine” of the present journal, focuses on the latest innovative aspects that underline the further enhancement and development of acupuncture. Special emphasis is given to new methodological and technical investigations, for example, results obtained from all kinds of acupuncture innovations (e.g., teleacupuncture) and integrative laser medicine.

Transcranial Yellow, Red, and Infrared Laser and LED Stimulation: Changes of Vascular Parameters in a Chick Embryo Model

“…The intensity of the laser needles is optimized in such a way that the volunteer or patient does not immediately feel the activation of the needle (30-40 mW per needle; diameter 500 µm; duration 10 min). More details regarding this method are described in previous publications [16]. …”

Acupuncture Point Laterality: Evidence and Perspective

“…However, stimulation of the LI4 acupoint with a metal needle will produce insufferable pain and is accompanied by whole-body reactions. Recently, the laser needle as an alternative method to manual acupuncture has been used in many studies because it is effective not only as a treatment method but also as a research tool [19,20,21]. It can simulate traditional acupoints while also reducing the stress effect resulting from metal needles.…”

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Versus Low Level Laser Therapy on Colony Count on Venous Ulceration

“…It is believed that electromagnetic fields play its role in healing by guiding cellular movements that close wounds. It has been shown that fields can affect orientation, migration and proliferation of cells such as fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and keratinocytes, which are of key importance in healing [17]. Magnetic therapy can help the body ward off such microbial invaders as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.…”

“…Low level laser therapy (LLLT), also called soft laser, is known to supply direct bio simulative light energy to body cells. The absorbed laser energy stimulates molecules and atoms of cells but does not cause rapid or significant increase in tissue temperature [10]. Low level laser therapy involves interaction of a low power monochromatic light with biological systems in order to initiate biomodulative effects.…”