Effect of Low-Level Laser Acupuncture Therapy on Blood Dopamine and Serotonin Levels: An Experimental Study
Mahesh Ravindra Khairnar, P. G. Naveen Kumar, Harakh Chand Baranwal, Arun Kumar Dubey, Sachin Kumar Jadhav, Zainab Akram, S. Savitha Priyadarsini, Ridhi GhodelaAbstract
Background:
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is quickly becoming popular for quitting smoking. Proponents of laser therapy for tobacco cessation claim that stimulation of auricular acupoints leads to the release of dopamine and serotonin, thereby minimising cravings and withdrawal effects. However, there is a lack of research supporting this theory of an increase in feel-good hormones after stimulation. This study aimed to evaluate the blood dopamine and serotonin levels before and after the LLLT.
Materials and Methods:
This study on 14 healthy human volunteers who consented to participate were included in the study. Prior to the laser therapy, blood was drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow. The participants were then subjected to LLLT on four different points on the ear pinna of both sides. Each point was irradiated for 1 min. Immediately after the laser therapy, blood was again drawn from each subject and was sent to the laboratory for the evaluation of plasma dopamine and serum serotonin levels.
Results:
There was a statistically significant increase in dopamine (
Conclusion:
LLLT can be found to be extremely effective for tobacco cessation as it painlessly stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin. These feel-good hormones can reduce the severity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms and increase the feelings of improved well-being and calmness.