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THERAPIES & TRADITIONS · GUIDE

Laser Acupuncture: What It Is and What Research Shows

Laser acupuncture applies low-level laser light to acupuncture points instead of needles. See what reviews found for pain, knee osteoarthritis and jaw pain, and its safety record.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

Back to Acupuncture Methods: Manual, Electro- and Auricular Acupuncture and Acupressure

What it is

Laser acupuncture is a treatment that uses lasers instead of needles. [1] Researchers describe it as applying low-level laser therapy to acupuncture points, which may produce effects similar to needle stimulation. [2] It is often discussed for people who dislike needles, and one review noted interest in it for people with needle phobias, older adults and children. [3] The general explanation of points is on What Is Acupuncture?.

Proposed versus tested

The idea that light at traditional points acts like a needle is a proposal. Some of the trials below compare with a switched-off ("placebo") laser, which is easier to make look identical than a sham needle. Even so, results depend on the laser type and settings, which varied a lot between trials.

What reviews found

Evidence labels: mixed, promising but limited.
4 findings · 2 supported · 1 mixed · 1 limited or unclearThe colour follows the evidence label on each card.

  1. Musculoskeletal pain

    Mixed

    A review of 49 randomized trials found two-thirds reported positive effects. Moderate-quality evidence supported benefit when an appropriate dose was used, but only at long-term follow-up, not right after treatment. [4]

  2. Osteoarthritis (mainly knee)

    Promising but limited

    11 studies, 931 people, compared with placebo laser: pain and function improved in the short term, and the effect disappeared at 8 weeks. [5]

  3. Temporomandibular disorder (jaw joint pain)

    Promising but limited

    7 studies, all using low-level laser. Pain and mouth opening improved, but certainty was low and protocols varied. [2]

  4. Carpal tunnel syndrome

    No good evidence of benefit

    A 2018 review of 12 studies concluded acupuncture and laser acupuncture may have little or no effect on symptoms compared with sham. [1]

A broader jaw-pain review said evidence for acupuncture as a symptom treatment for TMD is limited, while reporting a high efficacy rate for the laser group against placebo. [6] Another found improvements in acupuncture groups that were similar to those in groups given a bite splint or placebo acupuncture. [7] Condition pages: Acupuncture for TMJ and Jaw Pain and Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain.

Who should take extra care

Pregnancy, cancer, skin conditions over the treated area, implants and light-sensitising medicines are questions for your clinician; we did not read laser-specific guidance on them. General acupuncture precautions are on Acupuncture Side Effects and Precautions.

Frequently asked questions

What is laser acupuncture?

It is a treatment that uses lasers on acupuncture points instead of needles. [1]

Does laser acupuncture work for knee osteoarthritis?

A 2025 review of 11 trials against placebo laser found short-term pain and function gains that disappeared by 8 weeks. [5]

Is it painless and safe?

In 21 trials most reported no adverse events, and the ones reported were mild and passed within 24 hours. Trials were varied, so safety is not fully settled. [3]

Does it work for carpal tunnel syndrome?

A review of 12 studies found acupuncture and laser acupuncture may have little or no effect compared with sham. [1]

Is it better than needle acupuncture?

We did not read a review that settles this. A jaw-pain review reported both acupuncture and laser acupuncture did better than placebo. [6]

More details: evidence, limits and cautions

The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.

Side effects and safety
A systematic review of 21 randomized trials found most reported laser acupuncture was safe with no adverse events. Six trials reported mild events such as tingling, pain flare-ups and transient tiredness, all resolving within 24 hours. The authors called for better-designed trials to judge safety fully. [3]

Eye safety: none of the sources we read gave eye-protection rules, so we cannot say what they are. "Proper evidence not found" in the studies above for eye injuries. Because lasers can be hazardous to eyes in general, ask any practitioner what protection they use and mention any eye condition beforehand. Do not buy or use a laser device on yourself based on this page.

Practitioners and regulation
Rules for who may use laser devices differ by country and state, and we did not read a regulator page on this. To check credentials generally, see Acupuncture Practitioner Licensing and Training by Jurisdiction. We do not list practitioners.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.