Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help stabilize mood in people with SAD. It may also increase energy levels and speed healing. It is best used under the guidance of a health care provider. A light box or lamp emits bright light and mimics natural sunlight. It is most commonly used to treat major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns.
The term Photobiomodulation (PBM) can be confusing as it has a mouthful of words. The basic concept is pretty straightforward. The word photo means light, and the word bio means life, so Photobiomodulation is basically light that changes life. Light can be used to stimulate a wide range of cell responses in living tissues. Light Therapy has many beneficial effects, including the alleviation of pain, immune modulation, and tissue repair and regeneration. The key is to use specific wavelengths of light that can penetrate biological tissues, such as the skin, blood, and fat, to reach deeper structures like mitochondria. This is called the therapeutic window. Research has shown that certain frequencies of light can be effective at stimulating the cytochrome c complex in mitochondria, which then initiates a series of biochemical reactions that can reduce pain and accelerate healing. One study found that applying LED-based PBM to the foreheads of depressed patients improved both the Hamilton depression and anxiety scores, and increased frontal pole regional cerebral blood flow as measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Unlike blue Light Therapy, which can penetrate deeper, red light is less effective on the skin. It is typically emitted from handheld devices, panels or full-body beds. Some are designed to deliver both red and near-infrared light, while others are purely red or primarily near-infrared. This type of light reduces inflammation and improves the quality and texture of the skin. It boosts circulation, allowing more oxygen to reach the cells, which in turn helps to reduce breakouts and regulate collagen production. It can also help alleviate pain, as demonstrated by one study published in the Journal of Pain. It is considered safe, though it may be uncomfortable in case of sensitive eyes or a condition like lupus that affects the sensitivity to sunlight. Some experts also warn that long-term use could increase the risk of eye damage due to flickering and possibly lead to seizures in case of a history of epilepsy. Blue Light Therapy is a quick process that is done as an outpatient procedure. First, the doctor applies a photosensitizing drug to the affected area. Then, they expose it to a special blue light that reacts with the medication. This causes a chemical reaction that kills the diseased tissue. Along with killing bacteria, blue light can also help reduce redness and improve skin texture. It is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as acne and psoriasis. It can also decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Blue light should be avoided in case of porphyria, a rare condition that leads to heightened sensitivity to sunlight and certain drugs. It should also be avoided in case of lupus or other autoimmune diseases. These include chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin. White Light Therapy involves sitting in front of a device that emits bright white light. It is the first-line treatment for SAD and may alleviate symptoms within a few days. It can also reduce the need for medication. Research suggests it may treat other psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder and depression, and improve mood. However, more robust randomized controlled trials are needed for these disorders. Along with treating psychiatric disorders, light therapy can also help with sleep problems, such as insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. It can also be used to treat skin conditions, such as rosacea.
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