Light Therapy Lamps| Light Box Therapy, Helping with Depression, Health ailments so that you can rejuvenate your body

If you live in a northern clime, perhaps you've heard of light therapy lamps as a means to cure winter blues. But you might not know that there are uses for a light therapy lamp as well that include treatment of psoriasis or acne. In the latter cases, it's best to use a light therapy treatment under a dermatologist's direction, since incorrect use can cause more harm than good.

Light box therapy for depression, which is perhaps more well known, is often used for what is called "seasonal affective disorder," or SAD. People living in northern climes with dark winters and in places that don't get a lot of natural light often suffer from seasonal depression or "winter blues" that can be quite severe. Indeed, some people in places with extended darkness, such as Alaska, even suffer from depression serious enough to consider suicide in the midst of it.

Therefore, it's something to be taken seriously. It's also a surprising and very welcome remedy that is simple and noninvasive, non-addicting and relatively inexpensive therapy like light therapy lamps can alleviate this type of depression with just a half hour use a day. With light box therapy, the user sits in front of the light box for up to half an hour a day, within about 2 feet of it. One does not look directly into the light, but simply sets it close to him or her, while doing other activities such as watching TV, excising, reading, et cetera.

Within a week or two, you should notice an increase in positive feelings and energy, and a significant decrease in depression. You may also notice that you'll be much more drawn to a "warm weather diet" such as fruits and vegetables, and leafy greens, and less prone to want to eat carbohydrates, heavy meats, etc., which may help improve health as well. You should also return to normal sleep patterns, rather than over under sleeping, and be feeling much more inclined toward physical activity, which further improves health.

The cost of a good light therapy lamp is approximately $200 and therefore looks pricey, but the benefits you receive are worth it. In some cases, insurance companies may cover light box therapy, so check with your insurance company to see if they cover it. If they do, they may have their own resource for light therapy you should check into.

In lieu of a light box for SAD, you can also use a light "visor", which is operated by a battery pack clipped to your waist, usually, and this is portable light therapy that you can carry with you instead of having to sit stationary in one location.

"Light therapy lamps" for skin conditions such, as psoriasis and acne are also helpful. Again, these conditions can also cause severe emotional problems as well as physical symptoms. Of course, you should contact your dermatologist if you have severe acne and/or psoriasis, to determine whether a light therapy lamp is for you. If it is, though, this can be a very good way to manage symptoms without having to take medications. And of course, emotional problems will improve greatly as well.

Whether you think you are suffering from seasonal affective disorder, or perhaps endure conditions such as psoriasis or acne, consult your physician before you embark on any "self-administered" treatment. It's always a good idea to consult your doctor before you embark on any type of self-care. We here at LightTherapySpectrum.com want to help you with resources and information so that you can learn more about the benefits of light therapy.