How to Use Light Therapy

How to Use Light Therapy



The practice of using light to make people feel better has been around since Hippocrates recommended sun exposure for convalescence. These days, professionals employ light therapy to aid sleep, improve memory, cure winter depression, ease psoriasis and kill certain cancer cells. Follow these steps to utilize this therapy.









1


Solve sleep problems with bright-light therapy, also known as phototherapy, which can set or reset a person's body clock. This involves the participant sitting for a couple of hours a day in front of a light box which emits high intensities of white light.





2


See a specialist for syntonic optometry which involves shining colored light into a participant's eyes to affect the brain's regulation of various body functions. Results of controlled studies showed this light therapy can improve vision, memory, behavior, mood and concentration.





3


Cure Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the "winter blues" with full spectrum light therapy which involves exposing a participant to sunlight or bright light imitating sunlight. Symptoms of SAD can range from depression to overeating.





4


Try ultraviolet light therapy if you've been suffering from psoriasis for a while and medications have not brought relief. This form of light therapy is given as a series of 3-5 weekly treatments and maintenance sessions as needed. This therapy can also help treat other skin conditions.





5


Research Photodynamic Light Therapy (PDT), used to treat tumors by injecting a light-absorbing dye called a photosensitizing agent into the participant's bloodstream or applying it to the skin then using a special light to kill cancer cells.








Tips & Warnings










Provide a bit of safe, do-it-yourself light therapy to your home or office by replacing regular light
bulbs
with full-spectrum bulbs that will provide brightness similar to natural sunlight.








Some forms of light therapy can be harmful to certain people. Consult your physician before engaging in any type of light therapy.



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