Heliotherapy is an alternative treatment in which diseases are treated using the electromagnetic waves of the sun by exposing the body to sun rays. This is a therapeutic use of sunrays to treat ailments and maintain good health.
History
Heliotherapy has its roots in the ancient system of medicine around 3000 years ago, when sunlight was used by doctors for treating skin disorders. Sun bathing has been used as a treatment in ancient Greek, Egyptian, Indian cultures.
Principle
It is known that sunlight helps the body skin to prepare vitamin D. This vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and is crucial for many important body functions. Moreover, it has proved beneficial in preventing musculoskeletal problems, cancer and lowering cholesterol. Learn more about how it prevents these types of health conditions and diseases at MyMed.com. Sunlight also helps in improving the balance in body systems, boosting up immunity and increase longevity. The heliotherapy is based on this principle and the uses of sunlight, especially the ultraviolet rays are converted into a therapeutic system.
Method
The sessions for Heliotherapy are decided based on the individual’s preferences, skin sensitivity, the location, season and time of the day as the exposure to the sun may vary with this. As a therapeutic exposure the individual is made to lie down in the sun and the head is preferably kept in shade. Based on the influencing factors the time of exposure is decided by the therapist and it may vary from person to person.
While sunlight may not be available always, sometimes provisions are also made to perform this therapy in an artificial set-up using ultraviolet, infrared or visible light radiation.
Benefits
When Heliotherapy is performed as per the guidelines and in a controlled manner, it can prove to be beneficial in many ways. Some of the benefits are:
- Helpful in lowering cholesterol, improving resistance, decreasing blood pressure
- Helpful in treating acne, vitiligo and psoriasis
- Useful in treating backache, neck pain, arthritis, rickets and osteoporosis
- Treating neonatal jaundice, premenstrual syndrome and seasonal affective disorder
Safety First
While planning this treatment it is important to consider individual responses to the therapeutic rays. Some people may find it very sensitive and the dosage should be planned accordingly. Also the duration of the treatment should be properly decided and monitored by experts so as to avoid excess heating in the sun. Excess of sun exposure can be harmful and hence this therapy should be performed only under the guidance of trained experts.
