 |
 |
|
|
|
|
MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information
Mind & Emotion Therapies
LIGHT THERAPY
Sunlight and artificial light have been used for over a century to restore physical and psychological health. More recently, medical science has come to recognize the important role light plays in regulating the body's biological clock, which controls sleep, hormone production, and other functions. Light therapy is now used throughout the Western world to improve vitality and treat skin conditions such as psoriasis. It is especially associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a severe manifestation of the "winter blues", thought to be caused by light deprivation in winter.
MAIN USES OF LIGHT THERAPY
Season affective disorder (SAD).
Skin Conditions.
Depression.
Insomnia.
Disturbed sleep patterns, jet lag.
HISTORY
The benefits of natural sunlight have been used by generations of healers, notably 19th century naturopaths.
Danish doctor Niels Finsen received the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1903 for research into the ability of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat tuberculosis. About 50 years later, American photobiologist Dr. John Ott claimed that "full-spectrum" light from the sun is needed for the body to absorb key nutrients, and that pollution, windows, and eyeglasses may block vital components of the sun's rays. The discovery that reduced daylight hours can cause severe depression led to recognition of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER
When light enters the eye, it stimulates nerve impulses to the hypothalamus, part of the brain responsible for mood, appetite, sleep, temperature, and sex drive. These nerve impulses travel to the pineal gland in the brain, which regulates hormonal balance, including the production of seratonin, a hormone linked to mood. In darkness, the gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that controls sleep patterns by causing drowsiness and is also said to affect the immune system. If the body's internal clock is disrupted by jet lag, shift work, or seasonal changes in light, physical or psychological problems may occur.
Natural daylight also stimulates the body to produce vitamin D, essential for the absorption of certain minerals, including calcium, which strengthens bones. The UV rays in daylight have an antibacterial effect, thought to help clear skin infections such as acne and psoriasis.
A practitioner places you under a fluorescent full-spectrum or bright white light for up to an hour, depending on your condition. You can also use a light box and visor at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Fluorescent full-spectrum light is the same as natural daylight, but without the toxic UV wavelengths. Bright white light (so called because the colors combine to make white) contains no UV wavelengths - some studies suggest these are not needed for antidepressant effect.
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Light Therapy Information & Techniques
EVIDENCE & RESEARCH
Several studies led by Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, notably those published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in the 1980s, are accepted as evidence that SAD exists and can be treated by light therapy. The studies are supported by a growing body of research. UV light is known to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and has proved effective in treating psoriasis. Claims that it helps ailments such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and menstrual problems are not yet backed by research.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL OPINION
SAD may cause depression in winter, but many conventional health care providers believe the disorder is relatively uncommon. For ailments such as psoriasis, UV light treatment is conventional practice. For others, such as cancer, it efficacy is unproved. Exposure to unfiltered UV rays must be weighed against the risk of skin cancer.
LIGHT THERAPY PRODUCTS
RELATED LINKS
MEDICINAL THERAPIES
MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Naturopathy
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
A Source For Medicinal & Ritual Herbs & Supplies
Aphrodisiacs Aromatherapy Bath & Body Care Bulk Herbs By The Pound Capsules, Tablets & Extracts Chinese Herbals Electronics Extracts First Aid Products Food Products, Mixes, Seeds, Snacks & More! Hair Care Products & Supplies Herbs & Oils, Kilo & Ton Hydroponics & Gardening Kava Products Kitchen & Housewares Mushrooms Musical Instruments Oral Care & Dental Products PC & IT - Computer Supplies & Accessories Skin Care, Cosmetics, & Gift Sets Smokes, Seeds, Cacti Spices, Salts, Sweeteners, & Seasonings Sports, Toys & Games Sweets, Candy, Chips & Snacks Stimulants Sedatives Teas & Coffees
Shaman Shop Home Page
