Positive Health Online

Abstract

EBNESHAHIDI and others, Physical Therapy Dept. University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, na_sa_eb@yahoo.com, have examined the effects of laser acupuncture on chronic tension headaches.

Background

Tension headaches affect the quality of life of many people worldwide. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of laser acupuncture on tension headaches.

Methodology

In this randomized placebo-controlled trial, 50 patients with chronic tension headaches were randomized to either laser acupuncture or placebo. Patients in the treatment group received low energy laser acupuncture to points LU7, LI4, GB14, and GB20 bilaterally. Points were irradiated for 43 seconds. Ten sessions were given. The placebo group was treated in a similar way except that the output power of the equipment was set to zero. The outcome variables were assessed monthly to 3 months after treatment.

Results

There were significant differences between groups in headache intensity, duration of headaches, and number of days with headaches, with the treatment group improving significantly and the placebo group remaining at baseline.

Conclusion

These preliminary results suggest that laser acupuncture may be an effective treatment for chronic tension headaches.

References

Ebneshahidi NS, Heshmatipour M, Moghaddami A, Eghtesadi-Araghi P. The effects of laser acupuncture on chronic tension headache—a randomised controlled trial. Acupuncture in Medicine 23 (1): 13-18, Mar 2005.