A method of laser irradiation for alleviating the physical symptoms associated with acute or chronic inflammatory conditions, which can include directing a laser beam from a laser unit in a continuous wave operation having a wavelength of approximately 1275 nm and a power output level in the range of from one (1) Watt up to and including 75 Watts on an inflamed area that is to be treated, such that the laser beam penetrates the inflamed area in the range of from 0.1 cm to 30 cm. In addition, the laser beam from the laser unit can be configured to activate intracellular photoreceptors, thereby initiating a cascade of secondary cellular metabolic effects and normalizing cellular activity towards homeostasis.