Laser Acupuncture and Respiratory Disease

Sinusitis and Laser Acupuncture Sinusitis causes or contributes to many other respiratory conditions and, more often than not, accompanies them. Hacerova and Hubacek3 treated a group of 194 patients with acute sinusitis using laser therapy. A control group of 241 patients with the same condition received only drug therapy. The authors studied the effects of laser therapy by itself, as well as in combination with antihistamines or with both antihistamines and antibiotics. A significant analgesic effect was noted, and the average duration of therapy was shorter for those who received laser treatment, varying between 6.3 to 10.5 days as compared with 11.1 to 18.8 days for the group treated with drugs only. Increased activity of phagocytes, stimulation of T- and B-lymphocytes, and higher levels of lysozyme in the saliva, were reported in those receiving laser therapy. The authors wrote, "Laser irradiation works through its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and biostimulative effects on ease of pain, or even on its elimination. It also causes a quicker withdrawal of inflammation and oedema of the mucosa and thus brings restoration of drainage of sinus as well as normalisation of mucociliar function." (emphasis added) One can administer laser acupuncture in contact over LI 20, GB 14 and near UB 2 (points over the maxillary, frontal and ethmoidal sinuses). The maxillary sinuses may also be treated intraorally by directing the probe upward toward them in contact along both sides of the palatine ridge. This strategy may also be a great starting point for the treatment of other respiratory conditions. Always take measures to protect the eyes.