Heliotherapy

Heliotherapy, also known as climate therapy, utilizes natural sunlight to treat specific skin conditions. This form of phototherapy harnesses the healing power of sunlight for medical purposes. The treatment involves exposing the affected skin to sunlight, aiming to alleviate various dermatological issues.

In heliotherapy, patients benefit from the therapeutic effects of sunlight, which plays a pivotal role in improving skin health. This method is particularly effective in addressing certain skin conditions by utilizing the positive impact of sunlight on the skin’s physiology.

The process involves the patient receiving controlled exposure to sunlight, carefully tailored to their specific condition. This targeted approach allows for the harnessing of sunlight’s beneficial properties while minimizing potential side effects.

Heliotherapy is also commonly referred to as climate therapy, emphasizing the role of environmental factors, especially sunlight, in promoting healing. Through this natural and non-invasive method, individuals with dermatological concerns can experience relief and improvement in their skin conditions, offering a holistic approach to skin health.

Importance of Sunlight

Sunlight is a form of energy, representing Agni among the panchamahabhuta. It is the most essential element required for all the plants and animals in the universe for different purposes. It is required for a wide range of activities beginning from vision to the act of photosynthesis, most essential thing for sustenance of life. plants can not grow in dark.

आरोग्यं भास्कारदिच्छेत् |

It is also mentioned else where that health is given by sun god, so he was worshiped during vedic period to procure health.

Types of Heliotherapy

1. Basking in morning sun –
   a. Direct Exposure
   b. Indirect Exposure
2. Mild sun bath
3. Walking sun bath
4. Louis Kuhne’s sun bath – patients not too weak
5. Trunk pack sun bath – diarrhea, dysentery, cough
6. Whole pack sun bath
7. Sun gazing (gaze through green leaves)
8. Pallative for heart disease, BP, Diabetes, Nervous system disorders

Time

The time should be within four hours after sun rise and in the evening in the mild sun rays

Methods of Sun Bathing

Following are various methods of Sun Bathing –

Basking in the sun

Morning time is ideal. It gives a pleasant feeling of warmth. Basking in sun should be done in the mild sun in the beginning and later when one gets accustomed, warmer shine is also equally beneficial. It can be while sitting, walking or lying down on the ground. Head and the face should be in the beginning shaded from the sun, untill the body condition becomes tuned to its light and heat, so that there is no injury. Green banana leaves, any other lead, white or green wet cloth can be used for this purpose.

One should practice basking until a pleasant feeling of warmth is felt. Later it may be continued till the onset of sweating. Then sweat should be wiped with towel till it is dry and bather may take spinal bath according to the condition. In severe cases where greater weakness is present with less response, then prolonged exposure to the sun is recommended, but body should be covered with a piece of cloth kept wet by drenching it in cold water.

Mild Sun Bath

Take this bath within three hours of sunrise when the sun is high and the heat is mild. Lie down on a bedsheet spread on the ground, almost naked, with minimal clothing. Cover yourself with a thin dry cloth or shawl until you feel well-warmed. Afterward, cover your body with a wet cloth or green banana leaf. Ensure your face and eyes are covered with a wet cloth.
Time – Begin with 15 minutes and gradually increase to 40 minutes.

Walking Sun Bath

Walking in warm sunshine when sun is quite hot, with head and upper part of body covered by wet cloth. It is an easy way of taking sun bath.

Trunk Pack Sun Bath

The sun bath can be taken in a spinal bath tub or other tub suitable for taking bath in lying posture. Place the tub in the sun with the head side in the shade and spread a thick cushion of porous wet cloth or Turkish towel of half inch thickness, so as to come under back of the patient from neck to the hip. Lay a separate wet sheet on the surface, ensuring it’s long enough to wrap around the trunk with overlapping edges. The patient lies down, keeping the arms outside the pack. Cover the entire body with a banana leaf. Once the pack dries in the sun’s heat, soak a cloth in cold water. So as to cool the weak patient.
Duration – Patient may lie down till he feels relieved.
Indications – Diarrhea, Dysentery, Colic and Cough