Heliotherapy

Soak in the warmth of the sun to lift your soul and health

How can heliotherapy nourish you?

Heliotherapy derives its name from ‘helios’, the Greek word for sun, and is defined as the therapeutic use of sunlight. The sun is critical to human survival, and mankind relies on it to provide warmth and nurture plants for nourishment. In addition to physical sustenance, sunlight is key in helping to regulate our internal sleep-wake cycle, known as our circadian rhythm, which is essential for optimal health[1]. 

Heliotherapy is the precursor of light therapy or phototherapy but is distinct from those modalities in its use of natural sunlight instead of man-made lamps. Heliotherapy’s effectiveness is a result of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, with the UVA and UVB rays being used as treatments for different conditions in various concentrations. UVB rays are also absorbed and converted by the body to Vitamin D, an essential ingredient for physical health and emotional well-being. 

While sunlight as a therapeutic force was used by ancient civilizations[2], heliotherapy as a scientific modality was first discovered by Danish Nobel prize winner Niels Ryberg Finsen[3] in the 1890s. He observed the effects of sunlight on his health conditions, which led to conducting clinical trials for the use of sunlight in smallpox and tuberculosis. Its effectiveness and success led to Finsen being awarded the Nobel Prize for his innovative investigation of light therapy in 1903. 

A tailored regime and controlled exposure to the sun is essential in heliotherapy, with over-exposure to ultraviolet rays being ill-advised. Even the location of the sun exposure could play a role – in the 20th century, the Dead Sea was a popular place for heliotherapy[4] due to its low sea level providing an extra layer of filtration from UV rays. With increasing evidence of the positive impact that sunlight can have on our health, some medical professionals are now advocating for a revised approach to sun exposure, and calling moderate exposure “necessary for public health[5]”. 

Benefits of heliotherapy

A well-known effect of sunlight and one benefit of heliotherapy is that it can increase vitamin D levels[6], a vitamin essential for optimal bone health[7] and one being investigated for its potential to assist other health conditions. 

In the early 20th century, heliotherapy was widely used as a treatment for tuberculosis[8] until antibiotic treatment was developed. These days, it is still used as a treatment for chronic skin conditions. It has been the most widely researched for its use in conditions such as psoriasis[9] and atopic dermatitis, with heliotherapy described as helping to significantly clear psoriasis symptoms in a majority of patients[10]. A study that prescribed heliotherapy alongside lifestyle advice found that a two-week course of treatment improved symptoms of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, with improvements lasting up to three months later[11]. Those with atopic dermatitis also reported enhanced quality of life. 

Exposure to sunlight is known to assist the optimal functioning of our circadian rhythm, which can help to stabilise one’s metabolism and weight. Sunlight also causes the production of melatonin, which in turn assists with inducing sleep[12]. Research reports that those exposed to sunlight or very bright light earlier in the morning commence melatonin production earlier, aiding sleep at night and assisting with insomnia as well as symptoms of premenstrual syndrome[13]. 

Sunlight can also help people to feel happier due to its impact on serotonin production[14] and therefore has been used to help those experiencing seasonal affective disorder[15]. With heliotherapy as the precursor to bright light therapy, the use of light to influence mood is now commonplace and often prescribed for mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder[16].

Heliotherapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:

Bipolar and personality disorders Depression Dermatitis Eczema and psoriasis Energy and vitality Insomnia and sleep disorders Mood imbalances PMT/PMS and menstrual issues Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Skin, hair and nail issues Weight control and obesity Show all

What to expect from a heliotherapy session? 

Heliotherapy has the distinct advantage of being a very accessible therapy, given the naturally occurring availability of sunlight. It is also a simple therapy to engage in, involving simply the exposure of your skin to sunlight. Your practitioner should provide you with instructions as to how much of your skin you should expose to the sunlight, the time of the day you should do it, and for how long. It may not need to be done every single day and is generally recommended in the early morning or the evening and for short periods of time[17].

Depending on your situation, heliotherapy may also be prescribed alongside other therapies, medication, or vitamins. For instance, heliotherapy may be used as a treatment for mood[18] by your psychiatrist. Alternatively, it may be recommended by your dermatologist as a treatment for a skin condition[19]. The effects of heliotherapy are also unlikely to be immediate, given it works at a cellular level.

Given there are risks related to excessive exposure to sunlight[20], heliotherapy should always be performed according to your practitioner’s instructions. As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing heliotherapy. If you have an injury or other health issue, or any concerns at all, also speak to your practitioner, who will be happy to address these and personalise the treatment regime to suit your requirements.

References

  1. Bryan L, Bryan L. Circadian rhythm. Sleep Foundation; 2024 Mar 15. 
  2. Gupta, Nishant & Gusain, Poonam. ANCIENT LIGHT THERAPIES: A BOON TO MEDICAL SCIENCE. Science and Culture; 2018 Jul.
  3. Alpert JS. The Jeremiah Metzger Lecture: Jeremiah Metzger and the Era of Heliotherapy. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc; 2015.
  4. Heliotherapy. DermNet® [cited 2024 Oct 17].
  5. Baggerly CA, Cuomo RE, French CB, Garland CF, Gorham ED, Grant WB, et al. Sunlight and vitamin D: necessary for public health. Journal of the American College of Nutrition; 2015 Jun 22.
  6. Vestita M, Filoni A, Congedo M, Foti C, Bonamonte D. Vitamin D and atopic dermatitis in childhood. Journal of Immunology Research. 2015 Jan 1. 
  7. Vitamin D and your health: Breaking old rules, raising new hopes. Harvard Health; 2021 Sep 13.
  8. Sunshine: Clinical Friend or Foe? The American Journal of Medicine; 2010 Apr 4. 
  9. Roth E. Sun and Psoriasis: Benefits and Risks. Healthline; 2022 Sep 29.
  10. Heliotherapy. ScienceDirect [cited 2024 Oct 17].
  11. Karppinen T, Ylianttila L, Kautiainen H, Reunala T, Snellman E. Empowering heliotherapy improves clinical outcome and quality of life of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients. Acta Dermato Venereologica; 2014 Dec 19.
  12. Sleep. The Royal Women’s Hospital [cited 2024 Oct 17].
  13. Mead MN. Benefits of sunlight: A bright spot for human health. Environmental Health Perspectives; 2008 Apr 1.
  14. Crna RNM. What are the benefits of sunlight? Healthline; 2019 Apr 1. 
  15. Campbell PD, Miller AM, Woesner ME. Bright Light Therapy: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond. Einstein J Biol Med; 2017.
  16. Choukroun J, Geoffroy PA. Light Therapy in Mood Disorders: A Brief History with Physiological Insights. Chronobiology in Medicine; 2019 Mar 14. 
  17. Peters B MD. How getting sunlight in the morning can help you sleep better. Verywell Health; 2024 Oct 11.
  18. Meldon M. Healing with heliotherapy. Crownview Medical Group [cited 2024 Oct 17].
  19. Light therapy for psoriasis. NYU Langone Health [cited 2024 Oct 17].
  20. Causes of skin cancer. Cancer Council [cited 2024 Oct 17]. 

Frequently asked questions

Heliotherapy is the therapeutic use of natural sunlight, derived from the Greek word 'helios' for sun. It differs from light therapy or phototherapy, which utilizes artificial lamps. Heliotherapy harnesses the sun's natural ultraviolet (UV) rays for various health benefits.

Sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian rhythm, the internal sleep-wake cycle. A well-maintained circadian rhythm is essential for optimal health, influencing various physiological processes, including sleep, hormone production, and overall well-being.

Heliotherapy utilizes UVA and UVB rays from natural sunlight. These rays are applied in different concentrations to address various conditions. UVB rays, in particular, contribute to the body's production of Vitamin D, essential for bone health and overall well-being.

Sunlight exposure during heliotherapy stimulates the production of Vitamin D in the skin, primarily through the absorption of UVB rays. Vitamin D is crucial for optimal bone health, and ongoing research explores its potential benefits for other health conditions.

Heliotherapy is known to be beneficial for conditions such as certain skin disorders, mood disorders, and Vitamin D deficiency. The specific application of UVA and UVB rays can address different health concerns.

While heliotherapy has health benefits, it's essential to take precautions to avoid overexposure and potential harm. Guidelines may include gradually increasing sun exposure, using sunscreen when necessary, and consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

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