Light therapy is a common therapy used by many patients in an attempt to alleviate symptoms of various conditions and diseases
Its long-term use has led to it being considered a complementary medical practice and it is currently being used for a variety of treatments. There are some interesting facts regarding light therapy and how it is used.
A brief description of what light therapy is useful before we look at its potential uses. Light therapy involves exposure to sunlight as an alternative form of treatment for various conditions, including seasonal affective disease or insomnia. It is sometimes used to treat other diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, depression and anxiety.
Light treatment is generally carried out under the supervision of an optometrist or optician. For a consultation, the physician will examine the patient's eyes and ask questions about the eye health history and then will advise on whether the patient may benefit from light therapy.
Depending on the ailment being treated, the treatment may take the form of exposure to a series of different wavelengths of white light or ultraviolet light. The white light wavelengths are usually used to treat mild cases of macular degeneration or other conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinitis. Ultraviolet rays are used for cataract treatment and retinitis and can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as treating age spots. The combination of white light and UV rays may also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
When deciding on the best form of treatment, the physician will consider several factors, such as the severity of the condition and the duration of time that the symptoms will persist before the patient can resume a normal lifestyle. Light therapy has been used for some time to ease the discomfort felt in patients suffering from depression, migraine headaches, morning sickness and menstrual pain. Light therapy may also be used for reducing stress, to increase alertness and to reduce pain associated with muscle tension. In addition, light therapy may be used for improving blood flow to the brain during surgery or to relieve anxiety and to increase alertness. Light therapy has also been used to promote relaxation and enhance sleep.
In addition to its use in treating a wide range of conditions, light therapy is also used to stimulate and rejuvenate the skin. For instance, exposure to fluorescent light is known to cause skin cells to grow more rapidly than usual, thus stimulating the body's production of collagen and elastic fibers. Light stimulates collagen and elastic fiber production reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Exposure to low intensity white light in the early morning helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps to improve skin elasticity.
A number of studies have been carried out to examine the effectiveness of light therapy in skin's health
One such study found that exposure to a bright light in the morning was beneficial in the prevention of sagging. Another study indicated that exposure to light was beneficial in the treatment of various skin problems.
With regard to the effects of sunlight on the skin, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has reported that exposure to light was not linked with the development of cataracts, but there were some reports that suggested a link between exposure to sunlight and the development of melasma. Melasma is an abnormal skin pigmentation that can be treated with phototherapy. Another study has shown that exposure to bright sunlight increased the production of collagen and elastin in people with chronic dry skin.
As light therapy has been shown to be an effective way to improve the skin's appearance and improve health, it is also recommended for those who are looking to reduce their risk of skin cancer. Research suggests that exposure to bright light will lead to an increase in the levels of vitamin E, which has been linked with a lower risk of certain types of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma.
In light therapy, a blue light or the kind that emits a strong ultra violet light is used to treat certain conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. White light or the kind that emits a soft yellow light is used for treating burns, sun-burned skin and other skin problems such as rosacea, eczema, acne scars and macular degeneration. While it is not known for certain whether the light will be beneficial in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism, research has indicated that light therapy may be helpful in the reduction of hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
The best thing about light therapy is that it is available virtually everywhere, so it is not expensive, and can be used almost anywhere. People who suffer from hyperparathyroidism should consult their physicians before using light therapy. Those who suffer from hyperthyroidism should not use light therapy if their doctors have not advised them to do so.