Photobiomodulation
(Low Level Laser Therapy, LLLT)

Photobiomodulation, Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT), or "Laser Acupuncture" s the use of concentrated near-infrared light frequencies (lasers) to stimulate the body and acupuncture points for a regenerative body response. While this procedure can be used to act in much the same way acupuncture does there are no needles used as the degree of sensation is less and guaranteed to be painless and comfortable. As such, it is particularly well-suited for those with very sensitive or compromised nervous systems where other treatment approaches might be too stimulating while still building the body's immune and healing response. This also makes it a great option for kids and for those who may have be hesitant to try traditional acupuncture. 

​

​

Mechanisms

--Photobiomodulation—Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications : [ Link ]

--Therapeutic Photobiomodulation: Nitric Oxide and a Novel Function of Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase : [ Link ]
--Mechanisms of Low Level Light Therapy : [ Link ]
--The Nuts and Bolts of Low Level Light Therapy : [ Link ]


Applications

Effect of Transcranial Low-Level Light Therapy vs Sham Therapy Among Patients With Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston : [ Link ]
 

Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy: a Narrative Review
Department of Medical Physics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences : [ Link ]
 

Psychological benefits with near infrared light to the forehead: a pilot study on depression
The Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and the Laboratory for Psychiatric Biostatistics, McLean Hospital : [ Link ]
 

Cognitive Enhancement by Transcranial Photobiomodulation Is Associated With Cerebrovascular Oxygenation of the Prefrontal Cortex
Department of Psychology, Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas : [ Link ]
 

Mitochondrial Dysfunction-Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy
Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore : [ Link ]

Increased Functional Connectivity Within Intrinsic Neural Networks in Chronic Stroke Following Treatment With Red/Near-Infrared Transcranial Photobiomodulation
Boston University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School : [ Link ]

Review of transcranial photobiomodulation for major depressive disorder: targeting brain metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis
Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital : [ Link ]

Shining light on the head : Photobiomodulation for brain disorders
Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital : [ Link ]

Improved cognitive function after transcranial, light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, traumatic brain injury: two case reports
Boston University, School of Medicine : [ Link ]

Augmentation of cognitive brain functions with transcranial lasers
Department of Psychology and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas : [ Link ]

Neurological and psychological applications of transcranial lasers and LEDs
Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas : [ Link ]
 

Changes in Brain Function and Structure After Self-Administered Home Photobiomodulation Treatment in a Concussion Case
Institutes – VA Advanced Imaging Research Center, San Francisco VA Health Care System, Departments of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco

[ Published Study Link (Frontiers, Neurology, 2020) | National Center for Biotechnology Information Link ]

​