| Light from the sun had always benefited our | | | | the secretion of the serotonin hormone which makes |
| environment and our bodies since the beginning of | | | | the body feel alert and energetic. On the other hand, |
| time. That is why it is channeled or replicated by both | | | | the exposure suppresses the production of melatonin |
| scientists and cosmetic experts to satisfy the needs | | | | which causes drowsiness. This light also improves |
| of clients on their end. Light therapy is a | | | | blood circulation and reduces inflammation which |
| non-medication therapy duly approved by the National | | | | makes it a good stimulating device in the treatment |
| Institutes of Mental Health and American Psychiatric | | | | of wounds and acne. Light therapy also increases |
| Association for treatment of psychiatric disorders and | | | | metabolism and general fitness; therefore, it should |
| approved by a lot of dermatologists and medical | | | | be used by people who want to lose weight. |
| practitioners for the treatment of medical illnesses. | | | | Light therapy can be achieved at home by light |
| It is widely used for the treatment of psychological | | | | boxes and lamps designed for general health and |
| illnesses such as secondary symptoms associated | | | | wellness purposes. Light boxes are excellent tools to |
| with Alzheimer's disease, obsessive compulsive | | | | improve the body's general wellness. When used |
| disorder and bulimia nervosa. It is also prescribed for | | | | regularly, a significant effect can be observed in a |
| newborn babies to treat jaundice. People with | | | | matter of days. |
| problems on jet lag and work shift stress are | | | | However, people with skin diseases, such as acne |
| exposed to timed bright lights for reset of the | | | | and psoriasis, are advised to consult a dermatologist |
| circadian rhythm or biological clocks. And people living | | | | before using the product as this might do more harm |
| in the northernmost parts of the worlds are exposed | | | | than good to them. People with light sensitive eyes |
| to light therapy to treat seasonal affective disorder. | | | | or skin are advised to exercise caution in availing light |
| With such a wide range of uses for light therapy, | | | | therapy. Also, people with manic depressions should |
| one couldn't help but ask what it is and why it is used | | | | be allowed to use these light boxes only in the |
| for treatment of various conditions in different fields. | | | | presence of an experienced clinician because bright |
| Light therapy involves exposure to light of a | | | | lights have been known to trigger manic attacks or |
| compressed wavelength from the cool end of the | | | | depression in such persons. |
| light spectrum to the hot end using a variety of | | | | Generally, light therapy is safe for use and is not |
| equipment ranging from lasers to LEDs to dichroic | | | | known to effect carcinogenesis. With proper use, it |
| lamps. The kind of light, hot or cold, and the | | | | will not produce long term side effects, only the |
| treatment duration are based upon the condition | | | | good effects that you wanted to achieve. As a |
| being treated. | | | | general precaution, it is always best to follow the |
| The light gently penetrates the surface of the skin | | | | instructions of the clinician/physician and the |
| to stimulate the cells underneath. The body reacts | | | | manufacturer. |
| with the light intrusion in a positive way by increasing | | | | |