Background to Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

In 1966, Endre Mester first experimented with the healing properties of Low Level Lasers and his findings are as relevant today as they were then:

1. If the dosage of laser light applied is too low, it will fail to stimulate a healing effect.
2. If the dosage of laser light applied is too high, it will fail to stimulate a healing effect.
3. If the dosage of laser light applied is much too high, it will inhibit the healing effect.
4. If the dosage of laser light applied is just right, it will stimulate a healing effect.

These findings were made using a colimnated laser. Research needs to be carried out in order to find out whether points 2 and/or 3 apply to the SWL.

Types of Healing Lasers.

There are two types of laser used in healing:

1. Surgical lasers, used for cutting, burning and sealing tissue.
2. Low level Lasers, used for stimulating cellular function.

What does Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) do?

Explaining the biology and physics of LLLT in depth is beyond the scope of this article but to summarise briefly, laser therapy:

1. Stimulates the immune system.
2. Stimulates the circulation of various fluids including CSF, blood and lymph.
3. Stimulates the release of various substances such as endorphins, enkephalin and 5HTP.
4. Stimulates cellular metabolism.
5. Can reduce inflammation.
6. Can bring about relief from pain

And far from being a new age, pie in the sky approach top healing, there are over 3,000 different studies, many of them peer reviewed, demonstrating the effectiveness of LLLT on people, and animals.

LLLT works by donating photons to the body’s cells. The body then uses the photons to increase its levels of adenotriphosphate (ATP), leading to increased cellular energy and cellular growth.

LLLT and Pain

Whilst many people find LLLT to be painless and relaxing, a few experience pain. Don’t tell the client this in advance, or you may create a self-fulfilling prophecy! However, if it does happen, reassure them on two counts:

1. With chronic pain in particular, it is part of the healing process – it will disappear after a day or so.
2. It may be a sign that an emotion attached to the physical pain is being released. The QWL is very effective in releasing the emotion or spiritual issue relating to an energetic blockage that is manifesting as physical pain.