LIGHT THERAPY

If you put a plant next to a window, you will notice something interesting. As
the plant grows, it will grow toward the light instead of away from it. Also
known as phototropism, this phenomenon seems to work for humans too – in
a different way.
Light therapy is an alternative therapy that focuses on the idea that exposure
to certain wavelengths of light can affect the body in numerous ways.
For example, when you are out in the sun for too long without protection,
you will get burned by harmful UV rays. If this happens too often, you might
be damaging your skin at a cellular level and wind up with skin cancer.
On the healing side of light therapy, exposing the body to particular lights
can help to:
• Boost mood
• Clear up acne
• Enhance the immune system
• Help moods
• Increase wound healing speeds
• Reduce skin rash severity
• Minimize jet lag
• Lower the risk of cancer
Since light is what helps everything else grow on the Earth, it only seems
natural that we would get some sort of healing from it too.
When your skin is exposed to light, the body is able to produce Vitamin D, for
example. Without that sun exposure, we need to take Vitamin D into
ourselves through our diet. Just fifteen minutes of sunlight (without
sunscreen) each day will give your body the proper levels it needs.
If you have troubles adapting to the change of seasons, you might be
suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). By undergoing light
therapy, you can boost your moods and have more energy.

To practice light therapy on your own, you will need to look for special lights
that mimic the rays of the sun. You can find these lights at specialty health
retailers or also at your local art supply stores (as these make great lights for
painters and other visual media artists).
You can also buy more natural light bulbs which help to mimic the effect of
the sun.

Look for lights that advertise 'full spectrum' in order to get the lights you
need for the most benefits to your health.
You can also head to a doctor's office to be exposed to red, blue, and even
UV light if it's recommended. But sometimes, just pulling open the shades
and the blinds once in a while is all your body needs to feel better.