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Sunlight has been prescribed to treat illness as far back as 500 B.C. Hippocrates, the famed Greek physician, used sun exposure for convalescence. Centuries later, electric light was used to treat patients in European sanatoriums. If is no wonder, then, that light's therapeutic effect continues to be praised.
The body's circadian rhythm - its inner clock - is regulated by the pineal gland. Affected by the absence or presence of light, the pineal gland is responsible for controlling such bodily functions as hormone production, body temperature, and the timing of sleep (sleep patterns). Disturbances or disruption in the circadian rhythm can lead to depression, weakened immunity as well as insomnia and other sleep disorders. The use of natural sunlight and various forms of light therapy has been effective in re-establishing the body's natural rhythm.
Among light therapy's many forms are full spectrum, photodynamic, syntonic, ultraviolet (UV), bright light and cold laser. It has been touted as a remedy for cancer, arthritis, diabetes and more. However, to date, light therapy has only proven useful for seasonal affective disorder, certain skin ailments and jaundice in newborns.
THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF SUNLIGHT
Besides regulating circadian rhythm, natural sunlight is a source of Vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption, helps build teeth and bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. Sleep disorders, moodiness and even thought processes can be significantly affected by the sun's rays.
Natural sunlight contains the full-wavelength spectrum needed for maintaining health. It triggers the impulses that regulate most bodily functions. Artificial lighting - incandescent and fluorescent - lacks the complete balanced spectrum found in sunlight. Without certain wavelengths, the body cannot absorb some nutrients. Inadequate exposure to proper light can contribute to or worsen such illnesses and conditions as fatigue, depression, stroke, hair loss, suppressed immune function, cancer, hyperactivity, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
There are many different forms of light therapy, but each one involves exposure to light. A variety of light therapies has been used effectively in the treatment of a number of disorders. Some of the most common therapies are:
- Bright Light Therapy. This therapy involves the use of bright white light at high intensities - that ranges in intensity from 2,000 to 5,000 lux. (A lux is equal to the light of one candle: the average indoor light ranges from 50 to 500 lux.) Bright light therapy has proven helpful in treating cases of bulimia, sleep phase syndrome (a condition in which the person cannot fall asleep until the middle of the night), and irregular menstrual cycles.
- Cold Laser Therapy. Utilizing a low-intensity beam of laser light that stimulates the natural healing process at a cellular level, cold laser therapy has proven effective in the treatment of pain, trauma, and orthopedic myofascial syndrome. It has also been used in dentistry, dermatology, and neurology.
- Full-Spectrum Light Therapy. Exposure to natural sunlight and other forms of full-spectrum light is effective in relieving a number of disorders, including depression, hyperactivity, hypertension, insomnia, migraines, and premenstrual syndrome. Sunlight has long been used to treat babies with jaundice. Full-spectrum light, as well as bright white light, is effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Common symptoms of SAD, which is also called the "winter blues," are depression, fatigue, overeating, and lowered libido.
- Photodynamic Light Therapy. This therapy involves injecting light-absorbing dye into specific types of malignant tumors, then exposing the tumors to certain light. The dye absorbs the light, causing a chemical reaction that, in turn, kills the cancer cells.
- Syntonic Optometry. In this treatment, colored light is applied directly into the eyes to intensify the control centers of the brain that regulate various body functions. Syntonic optometry has been useful in treating pain, inflammation, headaches, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Ultraviolet Light Therapy. Ultraviolet light therapies are used to treat autoimmune diseases and illnesses such as asthma and cancer, as well as conditions like high cholesterol and premenstrual syndrome. The sun's UVA rays, which have longer wave lengths that UVB or UBC rays, are considered the least harmful. There are a variety of ultraviolet light therapies:
- UVA-1 Therapy isolates a portion of the UVA wavelength. It is used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Hemo-Irradiation Therapy involves removing an amount of blood (up to a pint) from the body, irradiating it with ultraviolet light, then re-injecting it. This therapy has been used successfully in treating asthma, blood poisoning, cancer, infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and symptoms stemming from AIDS.
- PUVA Light Therapy (Psoralen UV-A). Patients with vitiligo and psoriasis can benefit from the treatment of PUVA light therapy. First patients are injected with psoralen, a light sensitive drug; then they are exposed to UV light.
THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT THERAPY
Most light therapies are based on the premise that light enters the eyes, travels along the optic nerve and affects the brain's control of various body functions. Light does stimulate the immune system and support circadian rhythms, which affect sleep, energy and mood. Further, full-spectrum light is necessary for clear thinking and nutrient absorption.
Around The House - Bright light can reduce fatigue, mental confusion and depression. Increase this health benefit by replacing ordinary light bulbs at home with full-spectrum bulbs.
USES FOR LIGHT THERAPY
Skin Ailments: Full-spectrum sunlight, can ease the itching of psoriasis and dermatitis. The sun can also disinfect oily or acneic skin, which results in healing pimples and blackheads.
Depression: Many people suffer from depression during the winter months. This is known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It is common in people who live in northern latitudes with very short days during the winter. If you have this condition, spend as much time in the sun as possible, or consider special lamps made for SAD sufferers. Two hours of bright light a day can relieve winter depression.
Sciatica: Pain along the sciatic nerve and damage to the intervertebral disks are often treated with infrared light. Its warmth loosens muscles, promotes blood circulation and helps to supply oxygen to the cells, easing both muscle and nerve pain.
EFFECTS OF UV LIGHTS
UV light has three components, each with a good and bad side. Although they are the least hazardous, UV-A rays may be related to skin cancer. UV-B rays help to produce Vitamin D, but they may also speed the aging of skin, make skin burn and cause cancer. UV-C rays are mainly hazardous to the eyes.
TAKE CARE!
Avoid any light therapy if you have an eye condition, including glaucoma, cataracts, extreme sensitivity or retinal detachment. In addition, some medications increase skin sensitivity to light, which can lead to burns. Side effects of light therapy may include pain, headaches and eyestrain. Light therapy should only be done under a health care provider's supervision.
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