Latest Cold Laser Research

Two new clinical studies show Low Level Laser Therapy may be effective for major depression and reducing fat.

1) Major Depression

A recent study reported in Behavioral and Brain Functions by respected Harvard researchers has revealed some startling findings regarding the treatment of depression and substance abuse. Many previous studies have reported beneficial effects from the application of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on neurological function and have reported beneficial effects applying it to the brain in stroke patients. The researchers gave numerous standard psychological tests to 10 patients, with  major depression (including 9 with anxiety, 7 with a past history of substance abuse, and 3 with post-traumatic stress disorder).

Subjects were then given four 4-minute treatments, placing the 810 nm cluster probe, the same wavelength as used in our office, on both sides of the forehead.  Lab tests, brain spectroscopy and psychological tests were given after treatment.  

70% of the patients experienced highly significant reductions in their symptoms following treatment, with the greatest reductions occurring at 2 weeks. There were no observed side effects. These eminent researchers have proposed that LLLT may be an effective treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders. These findings are applicable to low level lasers like the one used in our office.  They do not apply to "hot" lasers, which have many more risks, especially close to the eyes. (2009, 5:46, 8 December 2009) 

2) Fat Reduction

In the field of plastic surgery, it is well known that hot laser liposuction can reduce fat in unwanted places.  However, newer research is showing that LLLT may also be helpful.  In this study they noted that electron microscopic images demonstrated the formation of small holes in fat cells subsequent to laser irradiation. They did a double-blind, placebo-controlled,  2-week LLLT trial and included sixty-seven volunteers between the ages of 18-65.  

The study added up the decrease in the combined circumferences of participants 4 body parts, the waist, hips, and thighs. The treatment group experienced a total loss of 3.51 inches, or about 1 inch for each of the four body parts. These data suggest that low-level laser therapy can reduce overall circumference measurements of fatty regions. (Lasers Surg Med.;41(10):799-809)

"Green" Holiday Gift Idea

Two Gifts For The Price Of One!

For the past quarter-century, during the holiday season, our office has donated its services in return for charitable contributions on the part of community and practice members. Together we have donated hundreds of pounds of dry goods to food banks, supplies to a teen art center, etc.

Since 2007 we have designed our donation program around the XanGo Goodness Meal Packs which:

• Provide life-saving nutrition to children around the world, whose damaged digestive tracts cannot tolerate normal food
• Are delivered via AmeriCares, which has 40 years experience delivering aid directly to people in need
• Come in large or small packs (35 and 17 meals, respectively); the large cost $90 and the small cost $45
• May be ordered directly from the AikiChiro Movement Lab (206-658-7658)

Each order comes with:

• A beautiful gift card and envelope that you can give to someone on your gift list
• A gift certificate for Network chiropractic or laser-shiatsu (see details below)

A large Meal Pack ($90) = a gift certificate for a complimentary initial chiropractic consultation or two 30-minute laser-shiatsu session

A small Meal Pack ($45) = a gift certificate for 50% off an initial chiropractic consultation or one 30-minute laser-shiatsu session

Whether you'd like to treat yourself or a loved one, we thank you for the opportunity to serve your health and wellness needs.