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Psychiatry and Mental Health
Published on
July 17, 2026

de la Barra Ortiz H.A. et al. - Laser Auriculotherapy and Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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A systematic review with meta-analysis published in 2026 included six randomized controlled trials, involving 386 participants, on low-intensity laser auriculotherapy for anxiety symptoms. A significant reduction in anxiety was observed (SMD = -0.65), but this effect disappears when studies at high risk of bias are excluded, and the certainty of the evidence is rated as very low.

What this study measured

Anxiety disorders are common and have significant psychosocial implications. Low-intensity laser auriculotherapy involves stimulating points on the outer ear with light, without the use of needles. A team of researchers from Chile, Brazil, and the United States sought to evaluate the effects of this approach on anxiety in various populations.

This review follows the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in advance on PROSPERO (CRD420251159376). Only randomized controlled trials comparing laser auriculotherapy with a sham treatment, a placebo, or an active intervention were included. Nine databases were searched, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and PEDro; the most recent update was on July 2, 2026. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE method. Six trials, involving a total of 386 participants, were included.

Key Findings

The main result is favorable at first glance, but the sensitivity analysis significantly weakens it. The two figures should be considered together.

  • Anxiety after treatment: SMD = -0.65 (95% CI: -1.17 to -0.13) in favor of laser auriculotherapy.
  • Heterogeneity among the trials: I² = 78.9%, indicating a substantial level.
  • Sensitivity analysis excluding studies with a high risk of bias: SMD = -0.35 (95% CI: -0.94 to 0.25), non-significant result.
  • Significant reductions were also observed in pain intensity and functional impairment.
  • Adverse effects: lower risk of ear pain, redness, and itching compared with the comparators.
  • Level of evidence: very low for anxiety; low for pain, disability, and adverse effects.

How photobiomodulation works for this indication

The proposed mechanism is neuromodulatory and remains speculative. Light stimulation of auricular points is thought to act on afferents of the vagus nerve and the trigeminal nerve present in the outer ear, which could influence the balance of the autonomic nervous system and the activity of brain regions involved in the stress response. At the cellular level, light absorption by cytochrome c oxidase, leading to increased ATP production and modulation of oxidative stress, is the mechanism typically cited. None of these parameters were measured in the studies analyzed.

Limits You Should Know

These factors are critical to the interpretation. The evidence base is limited: six trials and 386 participants. Heterogeneity of 78.9% indicates that the results vary significantly from one study to another. Most importantly, the sensitivity analysis—which excludes studies at high risk of bias—shifts the effect from -0.65 to -0.35, with a confidence interval that crosses zero: once the most flawed studies are excluded, the effect on anxiety is no longer demonstrated. The GRADE certainty is very low for anxiety and low for all other outcomes. Finally, the authors highlight the absence of standardized protocols and the lack of long-term follow-up.

What This Means in Practice

It would be misleading to present this study as validation of laser auriculotherapy for anxiety. The authors describe it as a promising, noninvasive complementary intervention, the results of which should be interpreted with caution. The strongest finding of this review concerns tolerability: the risks of ear pain, hyperemia, and itching were lower than with the comparators. The abstract does not specify the wavelength, power, or number of sessions used in the trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser auriculotherapy effective for treating anxiety?

The current data do not support this conclusion. The main meta-analysis shows a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms (SMD -0.65), but this effect becomes nonsignificant (SMD -0.35) when studies at high risk of bias are excluded. The authors rate the certainty of the evidence as very low.

Are there any side effects?

This review reports a lower risk of ear pain, redness, and itching compared with the comparator interventions, with the certainty of the evidence rated as low. The noninvasive, needle-free nature of the technique likely explains this good tolerability.

Have any other effects been observed?

Significant reductions have been reported in pain intensity and functional disability. The certainty of the evidence is rated as low—higher than that for the anxiety criterion—but it remains insufficient to support a recommendation.

Reference

de la Barra Ortiz HA, Chamorro Lange C, Parizotto NA, Liebano RE. Laser Auriculotherapy for Anxiety Symptoms Across Diverse Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2026. PMID 42512223. View the study on PubMed

This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Photobiomodulation is not a substitute for prescribed treatment. Consult a healthcare professional.