Light Therapy

Luminosity is as important to human beings as are air, food and water. Because it is insufficient during certain seasons, some people suffer from affective troubles, moroseness, tiredness, sadness, depression or lethargy. Luminotherapy may offer some relief.

A daily 15 to 30 minute exposition to a 10,000 lux light, preferably when you get out of bed or early in the morning, will offer you the well-being of a sunny spring day and will help you fight the winter blues. Some people may require a 45 to 60 minute exposition to achieve the relief of depressive feelings.

What are the active principle of luminotherapy?

The two theories are:

• High intensity lights work since they synchronize the biorythm that can become unbalanced during winter, or
• High density lights work because they help increase the level of serotonin (a neurotransmittor stimulating good moods) which, otherwise, would decrease during winter.

Some additional tips:

• It is recommended not to look directly at the 10 000 lux lamp, but there is no problem giving it a short glimpse. Keep your eyes open and your face completely exposed.
• You can read , write, eat, apply make-up or simply relax, eyes open.
• After the treatment, the reflector can be oriented downward and be kept on to offer an excellent light or increase lighting in the room.
• As much as possible, repeat the treatment at the same time each day.

An intensity of 10,000 lux corresponds to that of a bright morning. In comparison, during summer, at noon, luminosity will reach 50,000 to 70,000 lux; on the beach, it will reach 100,000 lux. Conventional home lamps offer between 200 and 700 lux.