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Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy
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Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy

A special issue of Medicines (ISSN 2305-6320).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2019) | Viewed by 43748

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Litscher

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
High-Tech Acupuncture and Digital Chinese Medicine, Swiss University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 5330 Bad Zurzach, Switzerland
Interests: photobiomodulation; laser therapy; laser acupuncture; laser medicine; evidence-based complementary medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Laser medicine has made tremendous progress in recent years and has become an important part of the range of methods of modern medical procedures. It is, above all, the innovative procedures in the field of complementary medicine, which have contributed significantly. The technical parameters for laser prevention, laser diagnostics and laser therapy are well-studied in some areas, although it must be noted critically that much basic research will still be necessary to be able to provide more areas of meaningful medical therapy with optical methods. Only on the term “laser therapy”, there are currently over 80,000 referenced publications worldwide and the number is constantly increasing.

This special issue is intended to provide a scientific connection between complementary medicine, laser medicine and especially acupuncture and thus make an important bridge. We, the Medicines team look forward to your manuscripts, which should also be published in book form if there are sufficient manuscripts with good scientific quality. I am sure that your manuscript will receive the appropriate attention it deserves.

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Litscher
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • laser medicine
  • complementary medicine
  • acupuncture
  • laser acupuncture
  • laser therapy
  • laser diagnostics
  • preventive medicine

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

5 pages, 1990 KiB  
Editorial
Brain Photobiomodulation—Preliminary Results from Regional Cerebral Oximetry and Thermal Imaging
by Gerhard Litscher
Medicines 2019, 6(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines6010011 - 16 Jan 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4289
Abstract
A new piece of equipment for LED (light emitting diode) brain photobiomodulation is introduced. Preliminary results from regional cerebral oxygen saturation and from thermography are shown before, during and after stimulation. The procedure offers a new way to quantify the biological effects of [...] Read more.
A new piece of equipment for LED (light emitting diode) brain photobiomodulation is introduced. Preliminary results from regional cerebral oxygen saturation and from thermography are shown before, during and after stimulation. The procedure offers a new way to quantify the biological effects of a possible innovative therapeutic method. However further measurements are absolutely necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy)
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2 pages, 594 KiB  
Editorial
Definition of Laser Acupuncture and All Kinds of Photo Acupuncture
by Gerhard Litscher
Medicines 2018, 5(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5040117 - 30 Oct 2018
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3701
Abstract
This editorial contains a general definition of laser acupuncture and all kinds of photo acupuncture accepted by the World Association for photobiomoduLation Therapy (WALT). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy)
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3 pages, 1053 KiB  
Editorial
Transcranial Laser Stimulation Research—A New Helmet and First Data from Near Infrared Spectroscopy
by Gerhard Litscher
Medicines 2018, 5(3), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030097 - 03 Sep 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3668
Abstract
This editorial adopts a future-oriented technology. It describes a new modern helmet for transcranial laser stimulation and a way to quantify effects of this possible therapeutical method using near-infrared spectroscopy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy)
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Research

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14 pages, 3973 KiB  
Article
Robot-Controlled Acupuncture—An Innovative Step towards Modernization of the Ancient Traditional Medical Treatment Method
by Kun-Chan Lan and Gerhard Litscher
Medicines 2019, 6(3), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines6030087 - 10 Aug 2019
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5421
Abstract
Background: For several years now, research teams worldwide have been conducting high-tech research on the development of acupuncture robots. In this article, the design of such an acupuncture robot is presented. Methods: Robot-controlled acupuncture (RCA) equipment consists of three components: (a) Acupuncture point [...] Read more.
Background: For several years now, research teams worldwide have been conducting high-tech research on the development of acupuncture robots. In this article, the design of such an acupuncture robot is presented. Methods: Robot-controlled acupuncture (RCA) equipment consists of three components: (a) Acupuncture point localization, (b) acupuncture point stimulation through a robotic arm, and (c) automated detection of a deqi event for the efficacy of acupuncture point stimulation. Results: This system is under development at the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan. Acupuncture point localization and acupuncture point stimulation through a robotic arm works well; however, automated detection of a deqi sensation is still under development. Conclusions: RCA has become a reality and is no longer a distant vision. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy)
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Graphical abstract

7 pages, 242 KiB  
Article
Intra-Articular Laser Treatment Plus Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Significantly Reduces Pain in Many Patients Who Had Failed Prior PRP Treatment
by Chadwick C. Prodromos, Susan Finkle, Alexander Dawes and Angelo Dizon
Medicines 2019, 6(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines6030075 - 16 Jul 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3658
Abstract
Background: In our practice, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections effectively reduce pain in most, but not all, arthritic patients. When PRP treatment fails, joint replacement surgery is often the only good alternative. Surface Low-Level-Laser-Therapy (LLLT) has not been helpful for osteoarthrosis in our [...] Read more.
Background: In our practice, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections effectively reduce pain in most, but not all, arthritic patients. When PRP treatment fails, joint replacement surgery is often the only good alternative. Surface Low-Level-Laser-Therapy (LLLT) has not been helpful for osteoarthrosis in our experience. We hypothesized that intra-articular laser (IAL) treatment combined with PRP would improve results in patients with prior ineffective PRP treatment. Methods: We offered Intra-articular Low-Level-Laser-Therapy (IAL) treatment simultaneously with repeat PRP injection to patients who had received no benefit from PRP alone. They were the treatment and also historical control group since all had failed PRP treatment alone. Thirty joints were treated: 22 knees, 4 hips, 2 shoulder glenohumeral joints and 2 first carpo-metacarpal (1st CMC). Results: No adverse events were seen at any time after treatment in any patient. Twenty-eight joints were available for re-evaluation: ≥ 40% improvement was seen in 46% (6 months), 32% (12 months) and 32% (24 months) post-treatment. Mean SANE scores improved significantly at 1 and 2 years. Thirteen patients failed treatment and had joint replacement. Conclusions: PRP with IAL allowed avoidance of surgery and good pain control at least two years post-treatment in nearly half of patients who had failed PRP treatment alone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy)

Review

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17 pages, 2522 KiB  
Review
CO2 Transoral Laser Microsurgery in Benign, Premalignant and Malignant (Tis, T1, T2) Lesion of the Glottis. A Literature Review
by Carlos Miguel Chiesa-Estomba, Jose Angel González-García, Ekhiñe Larruscain, Christian Calvo-Henríquez, Miguel Mayo-Yáñez and Jon A Sistiaga-Suarez
Medicines 2019, 6(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines6030077 - 22 Jul 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6272
Abstract
Carbon Dioxide transoral laser microsurgery represents a reliable option for the treatment of early glottic carcinoma (Tis–T2), with good functional and oncological outcomes, nowadays representing one of the main options in larynx preservation protocols. The development and improvement of laser devices means surgeons [...] Read more.
Carbon Dioxide transoral laser microsurgery represents a reliable option for the treatment of early glottic carcinoma (Tis–T2), with good functional and oncological outcomes, nowadays representing one of the main options in larynx preservation protocols. The development and improvement of laser devices means surgeons are able to use more precise instruments compared with classic cold dissection in laser-assisted phonosurgery. Secondary effects on voice, swallowing, or quality of life as well as complications have been well documented. Also, with the introduction of a new proposal for staging systems following the principle of the three-dimensional map of isoprognostic zones, the use of narrow-band imaging in clinical evaluation and intraoperative, and the implementation of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance during preoperative evaluation, the development of new tools to improve surgical quality and preliminary reports regarding the use of carbon dioxide laser in transoral robotic surgery suggests an exciting future for this technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy)
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Other

9 pages, 1319 KiB  
Protocol
Acupuncture for Relief of Gag Reflex in Patients Undergoing Transoesophageal Echocardiography—A Protocol for a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Taras I. Usichenko, Irina Müller-Kozarez, Stephan Knigge, Raila Busch and Mathias Busch
Medicines 2020, 7(4), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7040017 - 31 Mar 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 7150
Abstract
Background: Gagging during transesophageal echocardiography examination (TEE) can be distressing and even dangerous for patients. The needling of acupuncture point CV24 was described to be effective in reducing the gag reflex during TEE in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Gagging during transesophageal echocardiography examination (TEE) can be distressing and even dangerous for patients. The needling of acupuncture point CV24 was described to be effective in reducing the gag reflex during TEE in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Methods: We describe a proposal for a prospective, randomized, patient, practitioner and assessor-blinded, single-center trial with two arms/groups; real acupuncture will be compared to placebo acupuncture. A total of 60 (30 per group) patients scheduled for elective TEE in order to exclude a cardiac embolic source, endocarditis or for valve failure evaluation will be recruited according to patients’ selection criteria and receive either indwelling fixed intradermal needles at acupoints CV24 and bilateral PC6 or placebo needles at the same areas. Patients, the practitioners who will perform the TEE procedure, and the assessor of the outcome measures will be unaware of the group’s (real or placebo) allocation. Results: The primary outcome is the intensity of gagging, measured using verbal rating scale (VRS-11) from 0 = no gagging to 10 = intolerable gagging. Secondary outcomes include the incidence of gagging, the use of rescue medication, patients’ satisfaction with relief of unwanted side effects during TEE procedure, success of patients’ blinding (patients’ opinion to group allocation), heart rate and oxygen saturation measured by pulse oxymetry. Conclusions: To study the effects of acupuncture against gagging during TEE, we test the needling of acupoints CV24 and PC6 bilaterally. A placebo acupuncture is used for the control group. Trial registration number: NCT NCT0382142. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy)
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7 pages, 1416 KiB  
Letter
Multimodal Laser Stimulation and Traditional Needle Acupuncture in Post-Stroke Patients—A Pilot Cross-Over Study with Results from Near Infrared Spectroscopy
by Gerhard Litscher, Xiaoning Zhang, Zemin Sheng, Xiang-Hong Jing and Lu Wang
Medicines 2019, 6(4), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines6040115 - 16 Dec 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3576
Abstract
Background: The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the cerebral effects of laser stimulation and traditional needle acupuncture in patients after stroke. Methods: Seventeen stroke patients (12 female and five male; mean age ± SD: 66.5 ± 12.9 years) were randomly [...] Read more.
Background: The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the cerebral effects of laser stimulation and traditional needle acupuncture in patients after stroke. Methods: Seventeen stroke patients (12 female and five male; mean age ± SD: 66.5 ± 12.9 years) were randomly selected in a stroke rehabilitation hospital. Patients’ regional cerebral blood oxygen saturation (rSO2) values were recorded before, during, and after needle acupuncture (scalp, ear and body) as well as before, during, and after corresponding laser stimulation (red laser, four points: 100 mW, 658 nm, 500 µm; yellow laser, one point: 50 mW, 589 nm, 500 µm; infrared laser, three points: 100 mW, 810 nm, 500 µm; green laser, one point: 5 mW, 532 nm, 500 µm) in a cross-over study design. Results: There were no significant changes after needle acupuncture in the phases immediately after needle insertion or during acupuncture stimulation. However, after manual needle acupuncture and after laser stimulation, the majority of the rSO2 values showed increases. The highest value (+3%) was reached after laser stimulation treatment. Heart rate and blood pressure before and after the treatments did not show significant alterations. Conclusions: Changes in local cerebral oxygen saturation could be quantified, although confirmation may only be expected after extensive follow-up studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy)
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10 pages, 1581 KiB  
Technical Note
Ultra-Low-Level Laser Therapy and Acupuncture Libralux: What Is so Special?
by Luca Evangelista, Bruno De Meo, Gianluca Bernabei, Gabriele Belloni, Giovanni D’Angelo, Marzio Vanzini, Laura Calzà and Michele Gallamini
Medicines 2019, 6(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines6010040 - 14 Mar 2019
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4607
Abstract
Background: Contrary to the most credited theories on laser therapy that see power/energy as the major factors to its effectiveness, a technique using an extremely low power/energy laser stimulation to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is proposed. The stimulus consists of a [...] Read more.
Background: Contrary to the most credited theories on laser therapy that see power/energy as the major factors to its effectiveness, a technique using an extremely low power/energy laser stimulation to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is proposed. The stimulus consists of a 20 s train of modulated pulses with an average power below 0.02 mW and is applied on sequences of acupuncture points selected according to the impaired segment of the patient’s body. Methods: Modifications on the extracellular soft tissue matrix and on the “fascia” were sonographically demonstrated. Laboratory and clinical tests confirmed the effectiveness. Results: Responses similar to those experienced in acupuncture were observed. The device—a CE Class IIa certified medical device named Libralux—affords a clinically proven effectiveness exceeding 80% in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and associated motor dysfunctions. An average of just three application sessions was generally sufficient to overcome the dysfunction. Conclusions: The development of the method is supported by over 20 years of R&D activities, with a range of experiments discussed in several papers published in indexed peer-reviewed journals. A few considerations regarding the possible physiological action mechanisms involved are proposed in this paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Laser Medicine and Traditional Acupuncture Therapy)
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