Laser auriculotherapy for the treatment of pain: a scoping review

While auriculotherapy is utilized for pain management, the specific application of photobiomodulation (PBM) within this modality remains poorly characterized. This scoping review aims to map the available evidence on PBM in auriculotherapy for pain relief, specifically characterizing therapeutic protocols and laser parameters to guide future research.

Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, major databases were searched for clinical trials evaluating auricular PBM for pain. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. This review included studies focused on clinical trials of auricular PBM for pain management, while excluding literature reviews, observational designs, protocols, and case studies. The final search was conducted in May 2025.

Seven studies were included. PBM in auriculotherapy demonstrated positive trends in pain reduction for chronic lower back pain and temporomandibular dysfunction. However, no significant differences were found in acute postoperative pain or knee osteoarthritis. Protocols utilized infrared (808-904 nm) or red (650-660 nm) wavelengths, with energy densities ranging from 0.54 to 4 J/cm². The most frequently stimulated points were Shen Men (85.7%), Sympathetic, Kidney, Liver, and Subcortex (42.8% each). Treatment regimens typically consisted of 8 to 10 sessions, performed once or twice weekly. Heterogeneity and incomplete reporting of dosimetry parameters were observed across the literature.

Laser auriculotherapy is a promising non-invasive approach for chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, substantial variability in parameters and methodological inconsistencies limit comparability. Standardized reporting and larger controlled trials are essential to define optimal protocols for auricular PBM.