Light therapy – a therapy based on shining bright white or coloured light onto a patient – has a history stretching back thousands of years to the Indians and ancient Egyptians. In modern times Light Therapy is used to treat eczema, acne, psoriasis, SAD syndrome (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and winter depression.
At the Ultraviolet end of the spectrum, PUVA treatment of Light Therapy combines UV light with an orally taken drug to treat psoriasis, by utilizing the UV light’s ability to suppress the immune system. PUVA is also used to treat certain cancers. Similarly, the well-known antibacterial effects of ultraviolet light are sometimes used as an acne treatment – though potentially skin damage can result from prolonged use. Visible violet light activates porphyrin, which damages and kills bacteria. Usually created by powerful LEDs, studies show effective acne reduction in this type of Light Therapy.
Red light appears to energize cells, and a NASA-sponsored study found links between red light treatment of Light Therapy and increased healing of wounds and ulcers. But the most common use of Light Therapy is in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorders (SADs). Winter depression happens often because a lack of natural light leads to a chemical imbalance in the body. Bright white light from a light box, similar to daylight, has been shown to alleviate its symptoms and restore health and vitality.
Today there is research into Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), a form of Light therapy where shining focused light of certain wavelengths onto particular body points is used to alleviate pain, arthritis, and to heal wounds.
Light therapy is a broad term for many versatile, dynamic approaches combining ancient wisdom with solid modern scientific advances. Colourpuncture light therapy is a specific part of Light Therapy which uses coloured light of visible spectrum, UV and IR applied on Acupuncture points and various reflex areas on the skin. Colourpuncture has been progressing from being a natural therapeutic technique in empiric research and development since 60-s of last century to clinical and laboratory research in recent years.
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Mayo Clinic Staff. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Updated September 24, 2009. [online]. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs . Accessed 12 August, 2011.
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This post appeared previously at learnesogeticolourpuncture.com.
