The winter blues are upon us and people are trying to find ways to keep their mood and energy up. Red Light therapy has shown benefits to those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. Main symptoms of SAD include sleepiness or insomnia, irritability,
helplessness, and ill feelings like anxiety and increased stress. Red Light Therapy helps to combat these feelings by mimicking the sun rays activating the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates our circadian rhythm. Light exposure increases neurotransmitters in the brain like serotonin and dopamine making us more positive and energized.
A study by NASA concludes that red light therapy also helps with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis by increasing collagen production. It is also said to relieve pain and inflammation in the tissues. Red Light Therapy is especially beneficial for cancer patients going through chemotherapy.
The Salt Den offers 20-minute full body red light therapy. It is recommended 2-3 sessions a week for about 4 weeks to see cosmetic benefits. Maximum skin exposure is necessary for red light to penetrate deep into the dermis. It is also a good idea to have skin free of deodorant, lotions, perfumes, and oils.
For more information see the Salt Den’s website at www.nysaltden.com
Citations:
Berry, Scott. “Red Lamp Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder.” SBC Health, 10 Sept. 2017, www.sbchealthnet.com/blog/post/red-lamp-therapy-for-seasonal-affective-disorder.
Dunbar, Brian. “NASA Light Technology Successfully Reduces Cancer Patients Painful Side Effects from Radiation and Chemotherapy.” NASA, NASA, 3 Mar. 2011, www.nasa.gov/topics/nasalife/features/heals.html.
