Pain of mind is worse than pain of body. ~Latin Proverb
Our ancient ancestors were very savvy, they understood that sunlight helped lift people's spirits. Remember Hippocrates, from one of my earlier blogs, he used 
sunlight to help his patients recuperate from illnesses. Hundreds of years later, European psychiatrists and psychotherapists utilized light to aid mentally ill patients. It is no surprise that today, light is hailed as an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD in adults and children, as well as some skin conditions and jaundice in newborn babies.
sunlight to help his patients recuperate from illnesses. Hundreds of years later, European psychiatrists and psychotherapists utilized light to aid mentally ill patients. It is no surprise that today, light is hailed as an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD in adults and children, as well as some skin conditions and jaundice in newborn babies.As I said before in my blog on the mental health condition SAD, when there is less light during the winter, it effects our internal clock or circadian rhythms. Controlled by our pineal gland which reacts to light, a disruption of our body's circadian rhythms, causes us to be depressed, it compromises our immune system, and makes it difficult for us to rest at night. An increase in light helps to restore our natural cycle thus alleviating some of the debilitating symptoms of SAD. Light also provides us with vitamin D which helps to prevent brittle bones, aids the absorption of calcium, and strengthens our teeth.
If you have mild depression, try to spend time outside everyday during the winter so that you are exposed to natural sunlight. Walking is a good exercise and is also good for your psyche. You may also purchase a full spectrum light which imitates sunlight, and use it in a lamp that is inside of your house.
For those of you out there who have severe symptoms of SAD, your mental health practitioner may suggest that you undergo phototherapy or light therapy. Bright light
that simulates natural sunlight emanates from a light box or board that sits on a table. You would sit in front of it, for approx 45 minutes to an hour every morning looking at it occasionally. It is essential to keep your eyes opened because for phototherapy to work, light needs to travel through your retina to your brain, thus affecting various bodily functions. Your symptoms should improve within a few weeks or until the long awaited spring solstice arrives bringing an increase in daylight.
that simulates natural sunlight emanates from a light box or board that sits on a table. You would sit in front of it, for approx 45 minutes to an hour every morning looking at it occasionally. It is essential to keep your eyes opened because for phototherapy to work, light needs to travel through your retina to your brain, thus affecting various bodily functions. Your symptoms should improve within a few weeks or until the long awaited spring solstice arrives bringing an increase in daylight.A note of caution. Ultraviolet light has 3 parts, each with its own pros and cons. UV-A rays are the least troublesome but they may precipitate skin cancer. UV-B rays produce Vitamin D, but may cause skin to age. RV-C rays are not good for your eyes. Avoid light therapy if you have an eye ailment such as glaucoma, cataracts, or detachment of your retina. Be sure that you are not taking any medications that make your skin sensitive to light. Some other side effects may be headache, pain and eyestrain. Please make sure that you check with your physician before starting light therapy.
Remember, that there are things you can do to stop the symptoms of SAD, so don't think that you have to suffer with it for the rest of your life.
Reference
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers,
Pittsburgh, PA.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Reference
Seasonal Affective Disorder & Children
