Acupuncturists today know that pain from a frozen shoulder, the lower back, the leg, and even the stomach can be alleviated by stimulating acupuncture points on the ear. But this knowledge was almost forgotten. For although the ancient healing art of acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it was only about seventy years ago that French physician Paul Nogier rediscovered “auricular acupuncture” — the practice of stimulating acupuncture/trigger points in the ear believed to be connected to the meridian system.
According to a 2013 article published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, “Due to Nogier’s ongoing research and successful treatments— especially in the field of pain management—auricular acupuncture developed into a distinct treatment system of its own. Currently, auricular acupuncture is used for acute as well as chronic pain associated with sciatica, osteoarthritis, headache, knee arthroscopy, hip fracture, hip arthroplasty, and even cancer.”[1]
Advantages of Lasers over Needles
Over the years the tools used for auricular acupuncture have expanded from metal needles to electro-devices, and, most recently, to lasers. The use of lasers for stimulating acupuncture points offers some distinct advantages over needling: “Among others there are two main reasons why laser acupuncture should be considered as an alternative treatment to needle acupuncture: first it offers a noninvasive treatment for children or patients who are afraid of needles and second the laser treatment requires less time.”[2] And since laser treatments are non-invasive, there is no risk of bleeding or infections such as perichondritis or chondritis, and no pain from needle insertions. The only caution would be for the patient to wear laser goggles to protect their eyes while receiving treatment.
Consider Laser Acupuncture
Since laser acupuncture is non-invasive, making it painless and safer than needling, and since laser stimulation of acupuncture points is faster than needling, it is easy to understand why the use of lasers is becoming more and more popular with acupuncturists worldwide. But due to so many portable handheld lasers in the marketplace today, purchasing the most effective laser for acupuncture, especially auricular acupuncture, can indeed be challenging. Here are two of the very best lasers for acupuncture – the PowerLaser Pro 500 (which has an optional tip perfect for auricular acupuncture) and the PowerLaser 1500.
The PowerLaser Pro 500
Whether you are thinking about adding Laser Therapy to your acupuncture practice, or you are already familiar with the benefits that therapeutic lasers can offer your patients, the PowerLaser Pro 500 is a professional-level laser to seriously consider adding to your tool kit. The PowerLaser Pro 500 has been specifically designed to stimulate acupuncture/trigger points and provide effective, dependable therapy. The PowerLaser Pro 500 has a power output of 100-500 mW and offers nine different programs, allowing you to effectively tailor your treatment session for each patient.
An optional Acupuncture Tip is available for the PowerLaser Pro 500 that enables even more precise, targeted stimulation of acupuncture/trigger points, making it the perfect laser for auricular acupuncture. Plus, an optional Intraoral/ENT (ear, nose, and throat) Tip is also available, expanding the laser’s capabilities and versatility. Both optional tips are very easy to put on and to remove, and are unique to the PowerLaser Pro 500.
The PowerLaser Pro 1500
If you are looking for wider coverage and greater power, the PowerLaser Pro 1500 contains three laser diodes, allowing for treatment of a larger, medium-sized area. This enables stimulation of more acupuncture points at once — making treatments faster. And the PowerLaser Pro 1500’s 300-1500 mW of output power offers significant depth of tissue penetration while being only a half ounce heavier (7 oz.) and a quarter-inch wider (1.5”) than the PowerLaser Pro 500. Like the PowerLaser Pro 500, the PowerLaser Pro 1500 also features nine built-in programs.
Both Lasers Offer Excellent Features
Both the PowerLaser Pro 500 and the PowerLaser Pro 1500 are 808nm Class 3b Diode lasers that have received FDA clearance for pain and inflammation. In addition, both lasers have these same high-quality features:
- Programmable sound and vibration settings to help pace therapy
- 9 built-in program options allows you to tailor therapy for each patient
- Easy to operate slide bar
- Sealed controls ensure the laser can be sanitized easily
- 9-inch length
- 2-hour recharge time
- Extra Lithium Ion battery
- 3-year warranty
An optional metal stand can be purchased that will enable each laser to be left unattended during musculoskeletal treatments — a big plus for busy clinics.
Not Just for Acupuncture
While the PowerLaser Pro 500 and the PowerLaser Pro 1500 were designed for the stimulation of acupuncture points, they are not just for acupuncturists. They can be used by all types of health practitioners, since lasers have been proven to fight acute and chronic pain, reduce inflammation, increase metabolic activity, improve nerve function and vascular activity, and accelerate tissue repair and cell growth. For these reasons and more, lasers are being used to great benefit today by chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, podiatrists, sports therapists, dermatologists, and many more types of health practitioners. No matter your particular health modality, adding Laser Therapy to your treatment menu can bring additional benefits to your patients and perk up your practice.
Special Package Pricing Available
While the PowerLaser Pro 500 and the PowerLaser Pro 1500 can be purchased separately, Berman Partners offers a special reduced rate when both lasers are purchased together. Contact Rob Berman today at 860-707-4220 to learn just how the PowerLaser Pro 500 and/or the PowerLaser Pro 1500 can substantially benefit your health practice.
[1] Regina Round, Gerhard Litscher, Frank Bahr, “Auricular Acupuncture with Laser”, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, Article ID 984763, 22 pages, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/984763, p.1.
[2] Ibid.
