Innovative Uses of Light Therapy
A certain amount of sunlight is necessary
for a healthy body, as well as for vision.
Too little light, causes the winter syndrome known as SAD,
or Seasonal Affect Disorder. Too much sunlight causes effects
on the lens, retina and skin. But light does stimulate the body,
helps you form vitamin D, tickles the soul and allows you to
see. Some very interesting things have been done using light
as a way of accessing peoples' emotional and behavioral needs.
Light stimulates our circadian or biological rhythm, which
is based on the relationship between the retina and the pineal
gland in the brain. With decreased light (i.e. sleep, darkness)
melatonin is produced in the pineal gland, stimulating relaxation
and sleep. It has been found that blue light at the back of the
knee has the same effect. People who practice with colored light
along the acupuncture meridians (or colorpuncturists), have also
identified this innovative use of light as a way to improve mood
and relax the body and mind.
Researchers use light to stimulate peripheral vision, and
to enlarge central vision after stroke. Scientific studies done
involving selective introduction of light to certain parts of
the eye have shown a marked effect on mood, inducing either relaxation
or anxiety, depending upon what section of the eye is exposed.
Colorpuncture also is using color at acupuncture points to
improve energy flow. The Chinese feel that energy flows throughout
the body through certain paths, or meridians, and Peter Mandel
and other researchers have found that colorpuncture along these
pathways works. Different color lights can influence the body's
energy vibrations using six basic colors.
Optometrists have found a field called syntonics. Four different
colored lights are given to people to look at as a mood-mellowing
practice. It has even been used on nearsighted people with some
success. The goal is to help harmonize the autonomic nervous
system between the sympathetic or stress system, and the parasympathetic,
or relaxation system. We need both in life, and we need balance.
Ultraviolent (UV) light stimulates the production of antioxidants
in plants in order to protect the seeds, flowers and leaves.
Some companies are using UV light as a way to enrich the production
of important disease-fighting chemicals in plants such as broccoli
sprouts. This is done in order to enrich herbal supplements.
In addition, birds, bees and other insects use UV light to help
them identify flowers. The ordinaryd dandelion, a rich source
of antioxidants, is a particularly stimulating sight for bees.
We all feel better seeing certain colors. We paint the walls
of our rooms, use carpets and select paintings to bring these
colors into our lives. Colors help harmonize the mind, body and
spirit. It will be very exciting to watch how developments in
the growing field of light therapy are approached scientifically
and I will be delighted to share information as it becomes available.
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