3B Scientific Laser Systems
German-engineered Class 3B lasers for acupuncture and photobiomodulation
These Products Are No Longer Available
ColdLasers.org previously carried 3B Scientific laser systems, but these products have been discontinued and are no longer available for purchase. This page is maintained as a historical reference for practitioners who own these systems or are researching the evolution of laser acupuncture technology.
If you're looking for current laser acupuncture or photobiomodulation equipment, we recommend exploring these alternatives:
Avant Laser →
PowerMedic →
Class IV Lasers →
A Legacy in Laser Acupuncture
3B Scientific lasers hold a special place in the history of photobiomodulation therapy. These German-engineered systems, manufactured by MKW Therapiesysteme GmbH in Germany and imported by 3B Scientific, were among the most sophisticated Class 3B laser devices ever brought to the US market.
If you've read the foundational texts on laser acupuncture—particularly "Laser Acupuncture: Successful Therapy Concepts" by Dr. Michael Weber and Dr. Volkmar Kreisel—you've seen these exact systems demonstrated. The book, considered essential reading for anyone serious about laser acupuncture, features 3B Scientific products throughout its protocols and treatment guidelines.
MKW has been specializing in low-level laser systems since 1984, and their products represent decades of refinement in European photomedicine. The company filed patents for their acupuncture laser with integrated point-search system as early as 1999.
The Weber & Kreisel Connection
Understanding 3B Scientific lasers requires understanding the work of their principal advocates:
Pediatrician and pioneer in laser therapy research. His work combines Traditional Chinese Medicine with laser physics. He conducts LLLT training classes across Europe and has stated that "LLLT is even more effective than metal needles in some studies" and predicts "LLLT will become mainstream in all fields of medicine."
Anesthesiologist who founded a practice for Integrative Medicine specializing in low-level laser therapy and implant acupuncture. He has performed over 1,000 laser needle acupuncture treatments and documented the "de qi" sensation achieved through laser stimulation—a key validation of the technique's effectiveness.
Their collaborative book remains the definitive practical guide to laser acupuncture, covering laser pen, laser shower, and laser needle techniques with specific protocols for dozens of conditions.
The 3B Scientific Product Line
3B Scientific offered three distinct product categories, each serving different clinical applications:
3B Scientific Laser Pen
The FDA-cleared version of the MKW laser pen—a top-tier acupuncture laser for dedicated practitioners.
Key Features
- Point Search System: Graphical display of skin conductivity helps locate acupoints precisely
- Auricular Specialty: 2mm tip on 200mW model ideal for ear acupuncture (1 J/point in 5–10 seconds)
- European Frequency Protocols: Pre-programmed with frequencies popular in European laser therapy
- Treatment Speed: 500mW model clears 8 J/point in 16–32 seconds
3B Scientific Laser "Shower" Power Twin 21/21+
A broad-coverage system with the largest treatment head of any handheld laser at the time.
Key Features
- Distributed Energy: Power spread across 21 diodes makes it one of the safest high-dosage lasers
- Large Coverage: Treats broader areas than typical single-point lasers
- Veterinary Applications: Comb accessory made it excellent for treating dogs and horses through fur
- Unattended Therapy: Could be positioned for hands-free treatment sessions
3B Scientific Laser Needle System
The most sophisticated system in the lineup—a revolutionary 12-point simultaneous treatment device that mimics acupuncture needle placement without skin penetration.
Key Features
- Multi-Point Stimulation: Treat up to 12 acupuncture or trigger points simultaneously—impossible with a single laser pen
- Wireless Control Touch Pad: Radio-connected touchscreen allows practitioner mobility during treatment
- Patient Database: Store individual patient programs with power, frequency, time, and diode settings
- Pre-Set Frequencies: Multi, Nogier, Alpha, Bahr, Reininger protocols built in
- Unattended Therapy: Set up treatment and attend to other tasks while patient receives optimal dosage
- Mounting Options: Table mount, cart mount, or wall mount for small treatment rooms
- Adapter Option: Convert all 12 fibers into one 600mW treatment head for direct tissue therapy
Treatment Example
Each laser needle delivers 0.05 J/second. To achieve 8 joules per point takes approximately 3 minutes. Since the system treats 12 points simultaneously, a complete multi-point acupuncture session—delivering therapeutic dosages to all points—can be completed in the same time a single-point laser would treat just one location.
European Frequency Protocols
One distinguishing feature of 3B Scientific lasers was their integration of frequency-based therapy protocols developed by European researchers:
Developed by Dr. Paul Nogier, the founder of Western auricular medicine. These frequencies (A through G) are believed to resonate with different tissue types and have been used in ear acupuncture for over 40 years.
Frequencies developed by Dr. Frank Bahr for use in laser acupuncture and auricular therapy, often used in combination with Nogier frequencies.
Additional therapeutic frequencies integrated into the MKW laser systems for expanded treatment options.
Frequencies associated with the seven primary chakras in traditional energy medicine, allowing integration with other healing modalities.
The theory behind frequency therapy (also called "resonance therapy") holds that specific pulsing rhythms increase photon absorption and enhance the photobiostimulatory effects of low-level laser therapy beyond what continuous wave delivery achieves alone.
Scientific Research
Laser needle acupuncture has been the subject of serious scientific investigation:
- Gerhard Litscher (Medical University of Graz, Austria): First demonstrated in 2000 that stimulating vision-related acupoints with laser acupuncture at sufficient intensity produced significant increases in blood flow velocity in the ophthalmic artery—proving laser systems can produce effects comparable to metal needles.
- Functional MRI Studies: Brain imaging has shown significant changes in activity in the occipital and frontal gyrus during laser needle acupuncture.
- De Qi Sensation: Dr. Kreisel documented that patients report a "pleasant warm and sometimes vibrating feeling" 5–10 minutes into laser acupuncture treatment—the laser equivalent of the traditional de qi sensation that indicates effective acupuncture.
- Double-Blind Capability: Unlike needle acupuncture, laser acupuncture allows true double-blind studies since neither patient nor operator can feel when the laser is active.
What Made 3B Scientific Lasers Special
Manufactured by MKW Therapiesysteme in Germany with precision components. The build quality and attention to detail exceeded typical Asian-manufactured alternatives.
Properly cleared for the US market through 3B Scientific's import process—not gray-market imports.
Backed by Weber and Kreisel's definitive textbook, providing practitioners with evidence-based protocols rather than marketing claims.
The Laser Needle system's 12-point simultaneous treatment remained unique in the market—no other system allowed true multi-point laser acupuncture.
The Laser Pen's integrated skin conductivity display helped practitioners locate acupoints with precision—a feature rarely found in competitors.
Historical Pricing Reference
For reference, these systems were positioned at the premium end of the Class 3B market:
These prices are historical and for reference only. Products are no longer available.
Looking for Current Laser Equipment?
While 3B Scientific systems are no longer available, we offer professional laser systems for a variety of clinical applications.
This page is provided for historical reference only. 3B Scientific® and MKW® are trademarks of their respective owners. These products are discontinued and no longer available for purchase. Specifications and pricing reflect historical information and may not be accurate. We are not affiliated with 3B Scientific or MKW Therapiesysteme GmbH.