Light therapy dates back to ancient times. The ancient Romans and Greeks discovered the beneficial effects of sunlight on the body and built special flat roof - solarium for therapy sessions.
Following them Hippocrates and medieval doctors recommended intake sunbathing for the treatment of rickets, arthritis and other diseases. But the most complete study of the biological effects of light and all his bands carried out the famous Danish physician and scientist Niels Finsen in the 19th century. The scientist noted that the maximum benefit for a person brings it blue (UV) light.
Indications for phototherapy has a great variety. And the light has not only local (on the skin), but the overall effect. UV light therapy used in the treatment of many skin diseases (seborrhea and acne, lupus and eczema, dermatitis), trophic ulcers, burns, frostbite, poorly healing wounds. As well as gynecological diseases, respiratory diseases and diseases of the joints of different currents.
Ultraviolet irradiation is contraindicated for cancer, tuberculosis in an active stage, atherosclerosis, diseases of the thyroid gland hyperactivity, hypertension 11-111st., Renal failure, and systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as severe exhaustion.
Treatment with light in the infrared range is shown in diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, musculoskeletal system, eyes, ears and internal organs. Absolute contraindications to such treatment are the cancer and the risk of developing tuberculosis in an active form, as well as circulatory failure 11B-111 degrees, various bleeding.
Depending on the range of radiation, the distance to the source, the duration of exposure to the area of exposure and other factors, the light can have different effects on health. Typically, light therapy is used artificial light source. Use in treatment called heliotherapy sunlight. Sunlight is a different range of electromagnetic radiation, so has mixed effects on the human body.