Why do we need light therapy?

Malillumination

Since the invention of the light bulb in 1879, we have changed our lifestyles from an outdoor society to an indoor society. Consideration, however, was not given to the effects of artificial lighting on human beings.

Relative to the power of natural outdoor illumination (100,000 lux), we are now living in the dark. Average indoor lighting is approximately 700 lux, or less than 1% of the light we are naturally intended to receive. Consequently, we suffer the physical, psychological, and emotional results of a lack of natural light, or malillumination.

Malillumination is similar to malnutrition in that natural light, with its full spectrum of radiation, including ultraviolet and infrared radiation, is a life-sustaining element and a basic human nutrient. Exposure to natural light is necessary for overall human wellness and longevity. Light therapy treats the effects of "malillumination."

Symptoms of Malillumination or a lack of natural light:

• irritability
• fatigue
• decreased sex drive
• insomnia
• illness
• disease
• weakened immune system
• SAD
• depression
• PMS
• alcoholism
• suicide
• infertility
• obesity
• decreased ability to pay attention or concentrate
• increased cravings for carbohydrates, sugar, and caffeine
• low vitamin D levels
• weakened, fragile bones
• rickets

What can be done?

• Gradually but consistently spend more time in the sun without sunscreen. A gradual increase in exposure time will allow your skin to develop a natural protection against sunburn (a tan). It is very important to avoid sunburn.

Recommendations of daily requirements for sunlight range from a minimum of 10 minutes 3 or 4 times per week to a minimum of 1 hour per day.

• When you do get outside, spend some time without your glasses or sunglasses when possible.
• Relocate to a climate more suited to outdoor living.
• Add a sunroom to your existing home.
• Replace daytime lighting in your home and workplace with bright full-spectrum light

This last point, full-spectrum light, is an important point to consider, since so much of our time is spent in artificial light, which does not contain the entire range. In order to expose our body to its required levels of the different colors within light, it is important to recognize that light, and full spectrum light are not the same thing.