An Interview with Lorne Brown of Acubalance Wellness Centre
Earlier this month, I spoke to acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Lorne Brown for the blog post, “The Definitive Guide to Acupuncture for Infertility“ During that conversation, Lorne told me how excited he is about a relatively new development in infertility treatments: low level laser therapy (LLLT), also called photobiomodulation.
“Like most discoveries, it was found by accident,” Lorne Brown tells me as he begins the story behind how cold lasers are helping women conceive.
“Dr. Ohshiro is a medical doctor and pain specialist in Japan, and he uses LLLT to treat his patients. He was treating a 55-year-old woman for back pain using what we call ‘cold lasers’. She called his office after her treatment was completed because she had started menstruating again. Her cycle had come back. Months later, another woman in menopause came in, got treatment, and her cycle returned as well.”
The scientific term for how these lasers are being used is photo-bio-modulation, and it’s been around since the late-1960’s. However, until recently, these low level lasers have been used to treat pain and wounds.
The lasers we’re talking about are not the high powered, hot beams of red light you see in the movies. They are instead low powered, non-heating, red and infrared waves of light. They do not burn or cut.
Since the initial discovery by Dr. Ohshiro, there have been several clinical studies in Japan and Norway to explore the potential of low level laser therapy to help with infertility and other issues.
Reversing Aging-Related Reproductive Problems
Most of us assume that aging and declining egg quality are irreversible. But early research into low level laser therapy is showing that it may be possible to improve egg quality, slow down the ageing process, and significantly improve fertility.
A tremendous amount of energy within the cells is needed for follicles (eggs) to mature, and for early embryos to divide and implant. As we age, the energy structures within our cells (mitochondria) begin to wear down and aren’t capable of producing as much energy (ATP).
“This has a beneficial impact on fertility because the rate of division and successful implantation of embryos has much to do with the amount of energy they have,” Lorne explains. “It’s not just about maternal age.”
Because of this decline in cellular energy, at age 40, nine out of 10 eggs are abnormal.
Low level laser therapy (LLLT/photobiomodulation) emits photon energy light directly into the cells, rejuvenating the cells and enabling them to produce more energy.
In addition to rejuvenating cells to help them produce more energy, low level laser therapy also has been shown to help with:
- Defending cells against damage caused by oxidative stress
- Reducing inflammation (which can lead to degenerative diseases, premature fertility decline, and accelerated biological aging)
- Improving blood circulation
- Softening scar tissue
All of these affects work together to support a healthier, stronger reproductive process.
Clinical Studies of Low Level Laser Therapy
A report published in Denmark showed that LLLT had a pregnancy rate of 66% success for women after at least four years of failure with other ART methods.
Similarly, under the direction of Dr Toshio Ohshiro at Sanno Hospital, an extended trial on LLLT was performed in 701 infertile patients. During the trial, 156 (22.3%) of patients became pregnant, with a successful live birth rate in over half (50.1%) of those pregnancies.
Lorne added that combining LLLT with acupuncture can double the rate of B5 embryos.
The Future is Bright for LLLT
“I see enormous potential in this research for women who are struggling to conceive—particularly those who are of advanced maternal age, diagnosed with poor egg quality or have been diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS,” Lorne says.
While LLLT is still considered an emerging therapy, practitioners like Lorne and his Acubalance Wellness Centre are offering it alongside comprehensive holistic services – and often in combination with ART – to deliver significant results to patients that are struggling with infertility.
Learn more about low level laser therapy and Lorne Brown’s Acubalance Wellness Centre.
With love & gratitude,
margaret says
like your post atleast you have put hope for ageing women
Anna says
Can you recommend any at-home Low level laser therapy devices please?
amy says
Hi Anna,
Thank you so much for reaching out.
Unfortunately, we don’t know of any at-home low level laser therapy devices, but you may reach out directly to Acubalance Wellness Centre, they may know.
Best,
Amy
Jess says
Anna,
look at https://www.biolight.shop