If using light for therapeutic purposes light boxes with an intensity of 10,000 lux has been found to be the most effective. A general rule of thumb is: people who awaken early would benefit with evening use and those having problems falling asleep would benefit most with morning use.
Fifteen minutes of sunlight every day could prevent nearly 100% of osteoporosis cases in that it stimulates the skin to produce Vitamin D which is absolutely necessary for calcium absorption and utilization. It is obvious that we need sunlight for good health.
Doesn’t exposure to the sun cause cancer?
The prevailing thought is that sunlight causes cancer, yet scientists and doctors have repeatedly proven that there is no link between sunlight and cancer. In fact studies have shown that the incidence of cancer is six to ten times lower in countries that are closer to the equator. A naturopath by the name of Harland Call was diagnosed with skin cancer. The medical doctors recommended surgery as well as other traditional therapies. Dr. Call decided to forgo these therapies in favor of his own protocol which included a healthy diet and sunbathing the affected area. Within a relatively short period of time one of the medical doctors declared the cancer "healed."
The benefits of sunlight as a cancer protective are pretty well established for ovarian, colon, rectal, prostate, and breast cancer. It is our processed, refined, adulterated and hydrogenated foods with sunlight exposure that cause cancer. The chemical interactions that occur between the adulterated food and the sunlight is the actual cause of cancer.
Is there a safe way to be in the sun?
Sunbathe with caution. Generally speaking, dark skinned people can tolerate more sun than light-skinned people. Red-headed and blond people should begin with very brief exposures to the sun. Sunbathing for two minutes on each area - front, back and sides - is the safest way to begin. Gradually increase the time by one minute, each day. Never sunburn. Should you become pink, do not increase the time for several days. If after several days you are still pink, decrease the time. Aloe or calendula are effective for healing of reddened or even burned skin.
Beware of reflecting surfaces in the area where you sunbathe. Snow reflects 85% of the UV light, dry sand 17%, and glass and water around 3 - 5%. Sunbathing around snow or sand can cause you to burn more rapidly. Also, wet skin sunburns more easily than dry skin.
Clean skin is best for sunbathing. Fat or oil, such as those in suntan creams, oils, or lotions when applied to the skin can stimulate the formation of cancer cells. Sunscreen agents filter out many of the therapeutic and healing effects of sunlight. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) which is in many of these products, can cause genetic damage when exposed to sunlight. Many people are allergic to PABA. I caution my patients against the use of sunscreens. Even “natural” sunscreens may be contain chemicals. Just read the label.
As in most things moderation in sunbathing is the fundamental key. In our house we make sure that we do not consume hydrogenated oils. If we did, I certainly would not eat them just before going out in the sun for extended periods. Prior to being out in the sun we take several flax and DHA/EPA (fish oil) capsules along with several calcium lactate in the morning and throughout the day for skin protection.
This web site is intended for informational purposes and not self-treating. For full disclosure statement see disclaimer.
