Light Therapy

About Light Therapy

Light therapy or phototherapy is a treatment for various disorders including seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression, hypersomnia, and delayed phase sleep disorder. It is demonstrable benefits for skin conditions such as psoriasis, there are also some degree of "skin rejuvenation".

Light therapy involves the use of visible light or non-visible ultraviolet light to treat a variety of conditions. Its process consists of exposure to specific ranges of light wavelengths (using lasers or LEDs), or very bright, full-spectrum light, for a prescribed amount of time. This light is much brighter than a lamp or other light fixture in your home.

Many health disorders are traced to problems with circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm refer to metabolic or behavior pattern that repeats in cycles of about every 24 hours. It is the body’s inner clock, and governs the timing of sleep, hormone production, body temperature, and other biological functions. Disturbances in circadian rhythm can lead to health problems such as depression and sleep disorders. Natural sunlight and various forms of light therapy can help reestablish the body’s natural rhythm and are becoming an integral treatment for many health-related conditions.

Common form of Light Therapy

The most common form of this therapy is done with a light box. It is to mimic sunlight and is a proven medical treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy is used to treat psoriasis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (a type of cancer that first appears on the skin).

Photodynamic therapy is helpful in treating certain cancers or pre-cancers of the skin, esophagus, and lungs, and is now being tested against other types of cancer.

Photopheresis, also known as extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), is for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Alternative forms of light therapy also use colored light to heal different parts of the body associated with the various chakras. Chakras are defined in Eastern systems of traditional medicine as energy centers in the human body located at different points along the spinal column. For example, yellow light would be used to heal digestive disorders, green to treat the circulatory system, and etc. Concentrating colored light into a narrow beam or applying a colored gemstone is thought to stimulate the acupuncture or acupressure points that govern the various organ systems of the body. This application of light therapy is sometimes called chromatherapy.

How it is Done?

Most light therapy is prescribed at 10,000 lux (10,000 lux is about 20 times as bright as normal indoor lighting) for about 30 to 60 minutes in the early morning. Light therapy is usually started in the fall and continued through spring. Studies vary as to whether light therapy at other times of the day is less effective, but some people with SAD should do their light therapy for 1 to 2 hours in the evening, ending 1 hour before bedtime.

Side Effect

Some common side effects of light therapy include headache, nausea, insomnia, mild sunburn or skin irritation, dry eyes. In addition, some patients receiving phototherapy for SAD may experience hypomania, which is a feeling of euphoria or an exaggeratedly "upbeat" mood. As with the physical side effects, hypomania can usually be managed by adjusting the frequency or length of light

Precautions

Patients with eye disorders should consult an ophthalmologist before being treated with any form of phototherapy. Patients who are taking medications that make their skin sensitive to UV rays or bright light should also consult their health care provider. You should consult your health professional and make sure they knows all of the medications you are taking.