Soaking up the sun’s rays has been one of the most favoured practices in ancient Indian Ayurveda. From people consuming energy during the early morning hours on winter days to enjoying natural activity
on beaches and in other open areas, it is no secret that the sun plays a vital role in our overall health.
Now, a new concept of heliotherapy has been getting immensely popularised among fitness enthusiasts across the world, under the supervision of experts, reports Hindustan Times.
Undoubtedly, sun rituals are re-entering modern wellness centres under the name of the new trend – heliotherapy. This is the therapeutic and controlled use of natural sunlight to treat diseases such as tuberculosis, rickets, and skin conditions. This works by boosting the body’s defences through targeted phototherapy.
What Is Heliotherapy?
Commonly called light therapy, this wellness trend uses a variety of methods and approaches, as per a report by the National Library of Medicine.
Bodies consumed therapeutic light in one of two ways:
- Outdoors in the natural sunshine is known as heliotherapy.
- Indoors with artificial, electrical substitutes, known as phototherapy. This method commonly uses carbon arc, tungsten arc, or mercury vapour lamps, which produce different outputs of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet rays.
The ultraviolet rays are used in moderation to regenerate blood by increasing phosphorus, calcium, and haemoglobin levels. They also help in stimulating the production of vitamin D, the ‘sunshine vitamin’ in the body.
How Does Heliotherapy Work?
Practices like Atapa Snana (sunbathing) and Atapa Swedha (sweating through sun exposure) have long been followed. Now, the modern technique of heliotherapy blends the practice with the benefits and calming nature of banana leaves at various wellness centres. For instance, at the Shanti Wellness Sanctuary, Batangas, Philippines, they follow the Banana Leaf Detox Bath.
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Also known as a natural banana leaf sauna, the ancient detox method, according to them, helps flush toxins from the body within 15-20 minutes under the sun. The banana leaves, rich in antioxidants and their antibacterial properties, deter harmful rays while allowing the energy to flow throughout the body.
Benefits of Heliotherapy
- Impact on well-being: According to a report on the DermNet website, the ultraviolet (UV) part of the sunlight spectrum, including short-wavelength UVB and longer-wavelength UVA, induces vitamin D production and the synthesis of other chemicals that protect skin cells from dying.
- Improves skin: The daylight part of the sunlight spectrum can also be used to treat skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis/eczema, Vitiligo, and others.
- Boosts immunity: UV rays have many other beneficial effects in small doses, including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antiproliferative effects.
Side-Effects of Heliotherapy
According to a report by the National Library of Medicine, this wellness trend also increases the risk of sunburn. It may cause side effects such as pigmentation, photosensitivity reactions, long-term skin ageing, and skin cancer.
Variable doses depending on the amount of UV in sunlight, influenced by latitude, ozone levels, seasonal variation, time of day, cloud cover, rain, and the aerosol content of the air, should be properly taken care of.
Heliotherapy involves controlled sun exposure under expert supervision. Keep in mind that the sun is classified as a Class 1 carcinogen. Therefore, avoid self-practice, especially during midday when UV rays are strongest, to prevent prolonged and harmful exposure.
