Light Therapy, also known as phototherapy, heliotherapy, or solar therapy, has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of ailments. Researchers have shown that light therapy is an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder and depression. Unlike antidepressants, light therapy does not have any side effects and can be self-administered at home. It is a method of treating a wide range of health conditions by exposing patients to natural or artificial light sources, either in outdoor sunlight or specific indoor sources. An individual can visit a light box to experience the benefits of the therapy. It usually takes between 20 and 60 minutes, however, can be as long as an hour a day if the person needs to achieve a significant impact. However, the duration of the therapy must be limited to one hour a day.
The wavelengths used in light therapy are different from those used for other medical treatments. However, the red and near-infrared ranges penetrate the body’s tissues the best. In fact, researchers have found that exposure to these wavelengths can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety by up to 60%. Other wavelengths are not effective as treatments for depression, yet they are still effective for other conditions. The benefits of light therapy are often seen in a few days.
It may be helpful for people suffering from anxiety or depression. It may cause caffeine-like effects, however, light therapy does not interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm. It’s best to start off by taking a light therapy session in the early morning, althoughfrequency of sessions can gradually be increasedto suit needs of the patient. In most cases, the patient may notice improvements in the symptoms within the first few days.Along with being a good treatment for anxiety, light therapy may also be helpful for depression. For some people, it has a therapeutic effect. In other cases, it is a good way to combat the negative effects of the disease. While it is a great way to manage the symptoms, it is not a permanent fix. The benefits of light therapy are often temporary. It should not be a replacement for other forms of treatment.
It can also help people with acne. For people with a skin disorder, light therapy can be beneficial. Depending on the condition, a person may benefit from several sessions per day. Initially, patients should try the therapy every day for a week. A light therapy session lasts about 15 minutes and can be used several times a day. In most cases, the effects of light therapy will be noticeable after only a few days.
The global light therapy market was valued at US$ 874.0 Mn in 2020 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% over 2020-2027, Says Coherent Market Insights
Researchers have shown that low-intensity LLLT has an ability to repair damaged tissues. There is a biphasic dose response curve, which could have implications for pain relief. In high-intensity LLLT, meanwhile, inhibits mitochondrial metabolism in c-fibers, and may even cause nerve blockade. These findings indicate that LLLT may be a useful treatment option for pain management.Light therapy has been used for more than 50 years, and has various names. Its scientific name, photobiomodulation, is safe and has no side effects. It is safe for the skin and will not cause skin cancer.
