Light and the human beings

Without light there would be no life on earth

The nature of light is an electromagnetic energy. It is scientifically described by wavelength (frequency) and its intensity. Wavelength is stated in nanometer. “Nano” means that it is the billionth part of  something, in this case of a meter.

Relation of Light / Light Therapy an human beings

By exposing the body to light of a certain quality a positive medical effect is achieved

The UV-Range (<280 to 380 nm)

UVA: 380 – 320 nm, UVB: 280 – 320 nm, UVC: < 280 nm

The wavelengths invisible to the human eyes start beyond light of the colour violet and are, therefore, called ultra-violet.

The forms of ultra-violet light are distinguished as follows:

• UVA: 380 - 320 nm
• UVB: 280 – 320 nm
• UVC: < 280 nm

Light in the UVA and UVB range  is used for the medical treatment of skin diseases , such as:

• Psoriasis
• Neurodermatitis
• Vitiligo (white spot disease)
• Eczema (prurigo)

UV-radiation is mainly absorbed in the upper skin layers.

The energy of light increases as its wavelength decreases. Therefore, a short-waved UV-light will exert  a strong influence on the upper epidermal layers whereas light of a longer wavelength (UV-A ) will penetrate deeper into the skin.

The visible range of light (380 – 780 nm)

This range of light is visible to the human eye

White Light Therapy mainly employs intense white light which, when physically perceived, can cause a release of hormones, such as Serotonin.

Light of the visible range is indicated for the treatment of:

• Seasonal depression (SAD), the so-called winter depression
• Various kinds of sleep disorders
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Additionally, the intense white light is used in the following cases:

• Bulimia
• Compulsive disorders
• Alcoholic withdrawal syndrome
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Schizophrenic diseases with depressive component
• Treatment of non-seasonal depression
• Headaches (approx. 50 % of depressed people complain about headaches and approx. 25 % of headaches patients are depressive)

Light of the visible range, i.e. blue light of 400 – 450 nm and red light of 580 – 659 nm is employed for acne treatment.

The Infrared range of light (780 nm onwards)

Infrared radiation (IR-radiation) is also called thermal radiation

It can be subdivided into the following ranges:

• IR-A radiation from 780 nm – 1400 nm
• IR-B radiation from 1400 nm – 3000 nm
• IR-C radiation > 3000 nm

Infrared radiation is particularly useful for thermo therapy of the human body.

DAVITA® LIGHT BOXES FOR SUCCESSFUL LIGHT THERAPY

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