Light exposure therapy (a.k.a. heliotherapy) uses light to achieve health and cosmetic benefits. To achieve these benefits, one of two types of light sources is used: sunlight, or light-emitting devices such as lasers, LED lamps, and fluorescent lamps. In a clinical setting or a salon, the therapy is administered using an artificial source that is often referred to as a “light box.” Below are four common health and cosmetic applications for advanced light therapy.
Pain Management
Heliotherapy that achieves a pharmacological effect can be used for pain management. Unlike pain medications that have adverse effects such as constipation, dizziness, and liver toxicity, heliotherapy affects only the nerve endings, altering their structure to prevent them from sending pain signals to the brain. Heliotherapy can also sooth pain by gently warming the affected area.
Skin Improvement
LED light exposure therapy can improve various skin conditions, particularly melanism, sun damage, oversized pores, eczema, and fine lines and wrinkles. LED advanced light therapy improves these conditions by stimulating metabolic processes in the skin, increasing circulation, increasing nutritional properties in the skin, and increasing the production of collagen and elastin-a list of benefits that “over-the-counter” (OTC) skin improvement solutions do not offer.
Sleep Improvement
Certain sleep disorders are treated with light boxes that emit high-intensity wavelengths toward the patient from a short distance away. Two sleep disorders that are treated this way are chronic Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder (CRSD) and situational CRSD. Soon after waking, and in some cases shortly before waking, the patient is exposed to the box, the light from which creates a response in the brain that helps regulate the person’s sleep pattern.
Mood Improvement
Heliotherapy is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and non-seasonal depression. In fact, heliotherapy has become the primary treatment for the former. Although the ideal type of heliotherapy for both disorders is time spent under the sun, using a light box offers three advantages:
- Treatment can occur in the comfort of the patient’s home
- UV rays can be filtered out to protect the skin and eyes
- Treatment can be conducted in all types of weather
For treating seasonal depression, heliotherapy is typically administered in addition to an antidepressant medication, although the treatment shows promise as a stand-alone treatment.
Risk Factors
When heliotherapy is conducted using a light source that emits UV rays, care must be taken to avoid overexposure to the source. Those who take medications or herbs that have photosensitivity as a side effect may experience adverse reactions to light therapy. Those who take medication or herbal supplements, or have a pre-existing health condition, should consult a physician or clinician before receiving heliotherapy.
Conclusion
Light exposure therapy is used to improve skin conditions, pain management, sleep quality, and mood. If you suffer from a cosmetic condition or health condition that can be improved with light treatment, you may be a candidate for advanced light therapy. To learn more about heliotherapy, contact a physician or clinician who performs the treatment.
