Heliotherapy (Light Therapy)
Abstract
Life on Earth depends on sunlight. Besides using the natural properties of sunlight, humans, inspired by nature and aware of the properties of light waves in various spectra, have simulated the effects of light in prevention, improvement, and treatment of some diseases. This effort has led to the establishment of the science of phototherapy or light therapy.
This descriptive research aims to identify and familiarize with the properties of light (natural and simulated light) in the fields of prevention, improvement, treatment, and consequently, the development of health tourism using internet and library studies.The results indicate...
Contents:
- Abstract
- Introduction
1.What is light?
2.What is light therapy?
3.History of light therapy
4.Types of light therapy
4-1. Ultraviolet light therapy
4-2. Infrared light therapy
4-3.Laser light therapy
4-4. Red light therapy
4-5. Blue light therapy
5.Applications of light therapy
6.Treatment of skin disorders with light therapy
6-1. Broad band UVB
6-2. Narrow band UVB
6-3. PUVA therapy
7.Advantages of light therapy
8.Side effects of light therapy
9.Diseases improved by light therapy
9-1. Psoriasis
9-2. Sun damage
9-3. Acne vulgaris
9-4. Vitiligo
9-5. Sunburn
9-6. Atopic eczema
9-7. Wound healing acceleration
9-8. Cancer and pre-cancer treatments
9-9. Treatment of sleep and emotional disorders
9-9-1. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatment
9-9-2. What are light boxes?
9-9-3. Non-seasonal depression
9-9-4. Chronic circadian rhythm sleep disorder (CRSD)
9-9-5. Situational CRSD
9-10. Light therapy in infants
9-11. Parkinson’s disease
9-12. Other skin diseases
10.Risks of light therapy
10-1. When to use light therapy cautiously?
10-2. Contraindications for light therapy
11.Serotonin and light therapy
12.Melatonin and light therapy
13.Areas treated with LED therapy
14.Three key factors in increasing the effectiveness of light therapy
15.Heliotherapy (sunlight therapy)
16.Review of sunlight effects on human health
16-1. Strengthening the immune system
16-2. Preventing vitamin D deficiency
16-3. Reducing type 2 diabetes risk
16-4. Better bone health
16-5. Increasing libido and reducing menstrual problems
16-6. Reducing cancer risk
16-7. Improving mood
16-8. Lowering blood pressure
16-9. Weight loss
16-10. Improving sleep
16-11. Alzheimer’s symptoms
16-12. Treating skin disorders
16-13. Improving eye health
16-14. Enhancing brain function
16-15. Seasonal affective disorder – depression treatment
16-16. More sunlight and better mood
16-16-1. What is serotonin?
16-16-2. Better mood
16-17. Arthritis prevention
16-18. Psoriasis relief
16-19. Reducing cortisol levels
16-20. Lowering multiple sclerosis (MS) risk
16-21. Benefits of sunlight for hair
17.How much sunlight is beneficial for health?
18.Main skin risks from sunlight
19.How does sun damage the skin?
19-1. Skin spots
19-2. Actinic keratosis
19-3. Sun damage to eyes
19-4. Heat exhaustion
19-5. Sunburn
19-6. Heat rash
19-7. Skin cancer
19-8. Skin wrinkles and aging
20.Avoiding sun damage
21.Should we completely protect our skin from the sun?
22.Recommendations for children
23.Weather conditions and sunlight effects
24.Sunbathing
24-1. Sunbathing in different regions
24-2. Methods for sunbathing
24-3. Best time for vitamin D absorption from the sun
24-4. Sunscreen effects on vitamin D absorption
24-5. Important tips before sunbathing
24-6. Precautions for sunbathing
24-7. Best time for sunbathing
24-8. Ideal duration for sunbathing
24-9. Drawbacks of sunbathing
24-10. Using tanning beds or natural sunbathing?
24-11. Alternatives to sunbathing
- Conclusion
- References