Light Boxes(Part 2)-Using a Sad Lamp To Fight The Winter Blues

4) Depression and S.A.D.

Perhaps one of the most documented uses of light boxes is their use for the treatment of S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

SAD is a disorder which is a form of depression triggered by the lack of sunlight during the winter months (I think all of us suffer from it in some form or other especially in January!).

Light boxes therefore have become a useful tool to treat SAD depressive symptoms whether the sun’s shining or not!

Research has discovered that light therapy (particularly blue light) has a calming and mood elevating effect on the mind after just 30 minutes use a day.

A good quality sad lamp will increase the production of  the ‘feel good’ chemical endorphins in the brain which spread out through the rest of the body invigorating and energising it (it’s how you feel after a really good workout out at the gym).

If you suffer from back pain or chronic pain, endorphins are your best friend as they’ve also been clinically proven to relieve pain as well as improve mood and shift depression. This is because endorphins are the body’s natural pain killers. We often ‘smother’ these by using artificial painkillers and medications which can have harmful side effects whereas endorphins (created when you laugh, exercise etc) are free, natural and harmless!

Light therapy means that a continuous steam of high lux light (10 o00 or over) can help sedate and relax muscles and nerves which, in turn, help to ease pain.

5) Light Boxes and Healing

Trials have found that a pulsing LED light interacts with soft tissues in the body and speeds up their healing process. This is because the light wavelengths pulsing resonate with the human body. For wounds or tissue healing, if there’s a pulse function on your product, most high quality products come supplied with this function, don’t be afraid to use it.

6) Light Boxes and Improving Circulation

Light therapy can be used to improve the body’s overall circulation.

You can do this by shining the light box at the belly button for 20 minutes a day. The aorta artery, just behind the belly button, will be treated and therefore every drop of blood in the body will be stimulated and energised! Blood circulation will improve as a consequence. Infrared light is best for this as it penetrates deeper into the body than other light wavelengths.

7) Light Boxes Side Effects

There aren’t any side effects. Light boxes are a 100% natural and non invasive therapy technique.

(It is advised however, that sufferers on medication which can make  people light sensitive, those with eye problems, very high blood pressure or those in any doubt whatsoever  should consult their doctor before using any form of light therapy.)