Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science - Department of Laser Applications in Medical and Biological

Laser acupuncture is a useful healing method for the treatment of abdominal obesity. The study was performed to compare between the effect of laser acupuncture and electro acupuncture in treatment of abdominal obesity in female.Material and methods: 60 female patients having abdominal obesity were divided into three groups. The first group (A) 20 patients were received placebo laser therapy ,The second group (B)were subjected to laser acupuncture, Diode laser (wavelength=630nm) for 24 sessions(3 times per week for 8 weeks) directed to acupoints St36 ,St25 ,Liv3 ,Cv12 ,P6 ,H7 and ear points (shenmen 55 and stomach87).During each session ,laser of 100mW power was applied to each acupoint for 50 second giving energy of 5 joule. The laser is applied with continuous wave , its beam diameter is 1mm and power density is 10 w/cm².The third group(C) 20 patients were subjected to electroacupuncture. Stimulating Needles at the abdominal acupuncture points using intermittent frequency of 10 to 40 cycle / minute for 30 minutes with which varied 2-5 volt or according to tolerance of patient and the leg acupuncture points were stimulated manually by twirling the needle up and down.The results of the present study revealed that in group (B)and C), there is a significant decrease in (BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist / hip ratio)with minimal insignificant differences between 2 groups.These results suggest that there is no significant differences between laser acupuncture and electro acupuncture in reducing waist circumference in obese female while they much better than control.Conclusion:laser acupuncture and hypo caloric diet are effective for decreasing abdominal adiposity, improving metabolic rate. Also, Laser acupuncture is a new additional method in dealing with obese patients. This new method exhibits a great advantage to avoid acupuncture needle complications

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