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A Wearable Auricular Laser Acupuncture Device: Conceptualization, Design, and Implementation

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Abstract

Laser acupuncture has long been regarded as an effective and minimally intrusive practice for regulating body dysfunctions. However, critical gaps, notably unwearable devices, lack of consensus on treatment protocols, and extensive training required for practitioners impede the ability to introduce laser acupuncture therapy pervasively into telemedicine scenarios. A wearable modality used for standardized laser acupuncture therapy with proper objective feedback would embody the potential to revolutionize how we interact with and manage our health and well-being.This dissertation reviews prevalent laser parameters in laser acupuncture and focuses on developing the AcuHealth system, a wearable cyber-physical system for standard auricular laser acupuncture. The dissertation also encompasses a randomized-controlled trial conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the AcuHealth V1.0 system in administering auricular laser acupuncture to parents of children undergoing outpatient surgery, thereby assessing its practical feasibility on anxiety mitigation. Furthermore, an advanced version of the AcuHealth system is proposed, enhanced with automated acupoint localization algorithms and laser steering actuators to fully bridge the gaps in current laser acupuncture practices and realize automated and personalized laser acupuncture therapy in telemedicine scenarios.

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This item is under embargo until May 23, 2026.