Low-power laser therapy - A new horizon in preventive medicine
Prevention has always been an important part of the medical discourse, with options including nutritional and pharmacological solutions, physical exercise and mental relaxation. Now, we can add a new medical treatment to this extensive range of tools: laser therapy.
Using a cold, low-power diode laser (Low-Level Laser Therapy, or LLLT), we can now act on certain substances that are present in the bloodstream to positively influence metabolic processes and the immune system.
The method
The procedure, which is actually quite simple, consists in introducing a thin probe – slightly larger than a human hair – into a peripheral vein in the arm using a cannulated needle. Connected to the laser, the probe emits a light in the red spectrum that strengthens the substances in the bloodstream.
What happens inside the body?
The laser light is absorbed by the various enzymes that are responsible for keeping our body in good working order, i.e. proteins that reach our organs through the bloodstream and control metabolic function as well as regulating the cells’ inflammatory response. Intravenous laser therapy has proved to be effective in preventing the so-called low-grade inflammation, which modern science shows to be conducive to many chronic diseases. LLLT is especially indicated for stimulating the immune system and cleansing the blood from metabolic waste that causes inflammation throughout the body.
More in detail, LLLT:
- improves AMPK (adenosine monophosphate protein kinase) function. This is a potent anti-ageing enzyme that plays a key role in the production of new mitochondria – the cells’ power plants. AMPK slows down degenerative processes, stimulates the catabolism of sugars and fatty acid deposits and reduces the synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides. As we age, AMPK production decreases and so does the cells’ ability to get rid of metabolic debris, which can trigger degenerative diseases. A decrease in AMPK results in the progressive increase in blood sugar and body fat and ultimately in the increase of low-grade inflammation.
- increases the function of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are responsible for countering potentially harmful chemicals, including drugs, and eases their elimination once they have served their purpose. Inhibition of this enzyme results in metabolic slowdown, with a consequent increase in the toxicity of drugs due to reduced clearance.
- exerts a modulatory action on cyclooxygenases, i.e. the enzymes that are responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators. Prostaglandins increase localised blood flow, cause blood vessels to dilate and induce pain and fever – which are just our body’s defensive reaction against potential threats.
In the field of regenerative and anti-ageing medicine, this innovative laser infusion method is used to:
- stimulate the body’s natural self-healing process.
- strengthen the body’s defences against infection.
- increase mental and physical energy and quality of life.
- slow down processes that lead to ageing.
A non-invasive, pain-free treatment
With laser being used, one would perhaps expect this treatment to involve heat or even burning. However, since the method exploits cold, low-power light, the treatment is pain-free and has no side effects. Each treatment session lasts 20 minutes and the number of sessions required depends on the patient’s age and health conditions.
ADLER MED Balance
MD Rossana Lo Monaco
