Heliotherapy

Heliotherapy is the use of sunlight in the treatment of disease.The ultraviolet carbon-arc or mercury quartz lamp can be used as a subtitute for sunlight.Sunlight at low altitudes is not as effective as that high altitudes because the dusty and moist air at low altitudes absorbs much of the rays.The earth is a part of the sun, and we are grandchildren of the sun, and all life on this planet originated and exists by virtue of the sun, and it is therefore not surprising that sunlight can influence so much the functions of our bodies

The food we eat is bottled sunshine, and vitamin D is produced in the body by the effect of sunshine on the sterol compounds in our tissues,Sunshine or ultraviolet light from a lamp prevents and cures rickets, cures many skin diseases such as psoriasis, lupus and tubercular lesions.Sunlight is used very much in the treatment of tuberculosis affecting bones and also of T.B of the lungs.

But one must be careful in exposing oneself to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet rays. If used excessively or carelessly it may do great damage to the skin and to the internal organs. Expose yourself gradually and for only short period ( 5 or 10 minutes) at a time without causing a burn. If used for curing disease, it is best to get the advice of a doctor on how to use it for the particular trouble.Short exposures will not be harmful.Never expose the eyes to direct sunlight or to ultraviolet lamp light.

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