Experts from the Institute of Materials Science and the Institute of Applied Technology have successfully developed a four-channel laser diode acupuncture machine.
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Laser diode acupuncture machine |
The acupuncture machine can be used for various purposes such as acupuncture (light acupuncture), intravascular treatment, treating infections, burn treatment, smoking cessation, and drug addiction recovery…
According to Associate Professor Dr. Vu Doan Mien, the head of the research team, instead of directly inserting needles into the patient’s skin as before, doctors now only need to press or attach laser light guide fibers to the acupuncture points. This means patients experience no pain. Additionally, doctors avoid the risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
The research team selected a laser light with a wavelength of 780nm because it can penetrate the body 4-5cm deep. The light is emitted from a semiconductor laser chip located within the machine. Subsequently, the laser light exits through four optical fibers connected to the laser chip. These fibers, referred to as channels, are equivalent to acupuncture needles. The number of optical fibers can be increased to 6, 8, or 10 depending on the user’s needs.
The output power of the laser at the fiber tip can vary from 0 to 70mW. Adjusting the power output within this range corresponds to using acupuncture needles of small or large diameters. The output power is stabilized by maintaining the laser temperature at a constant 25 degrees Celsius, thanks to a Peltier cooling plate. All operational modes of the machine are controlled by software developed by the team and displayed on a liquid crystal screen.
Dr. Vu Doan Mien noted that compared to other domestically manufactured machines, the advantage of this device is its ability to store and recall up to 10 treatment modes for patients, making it very convenient for medical professionals. Furthermore, the machine’s power of several tens of mW is considered the most effective for light acupuncture, unlike domestic machines that have lower power, around 10mW. The estimated cost of the machine is only two-thirds of that of imported machines. Devices from Russia, the United States, China, and Canada are priced around $5,000.
It is known that this acupuncture machine has been informally tested in Quy Nhon for drug addiction recovery and has initially shown good results. In the near future, the machine will be officially tested in Ba Vi for addiction treatment. Time will tell whether the laser diode acupuncture machine is as effective as traditional needle acupuncture.
