Abstract

The use of laser light as an alternative to needles to stimulate acupuncture pointshas been promoted for almost three decades. However, there has been no systematicassessment of the evidence to support the effectiveness of this form of acupunctureto date. A systematic review was therefore undertaken of RCTs evaluating laseracupuncture as a primary intervention. Relevant studies (n = 18) were identifiedusing computer-based literature searches and selected hand searches. Evidencewas found to support the use of laser acupuncture in the treatment of myofascialpain, postoperative nausea and vomiting and for the relief of chronic tension headache.Laser acupuncture would appear to represent an effective form of acupuncturefor the management of these conditions and could be considered as a viablealternative to more traditional forms of acupuncture point stimulation.