Utilize the Therapeutic Potential of Solar Energy

Overview

If you've undergone surgery before, you're probably familiar with the disorienting feeling upon waking up post-operation. The recovery room is often dimly lit, making it hard to distinguish day from night. Research from the University of Colorado suggests that exposure to sunlight or simulated daylight upon waking up post-anesthesia can help regulate your circadian rhythm and aid in the healing process. Natural healers have long recognized sunlight as a therapeutic agent. An article from the 1800s medical journal discusses the effectiveness of the "sunlight cure" in treating various diseases.

Recent studies continue to validate the benefits of this ancient healing method.

"The Sunlight Cure" Treats Heart Attacks

Research by the University of Colorado indicates that sunlight or intense light exposure could potentially be used in the treatment of heart attacks. According to Tobias Eckle, a researcher at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, exposure to daylight can help reduce the risk and damage of heart attacks. Sunlight aids in maintaining the body's circadian rhythm, crucial for promoting healing. The circadian clock, controlled by proteins in the brain, plays a significant role in this process, with proteins in organs like the heart contributing to overall wellbeing.

Protective Protein

Studies from Colorado reveal that a circadian protein in the heart, known as Period 2, plays a vital role in protecting the heart from damage during a heart attack. When a heart attack occurs, the heart's oxygen supply is compromised, forcing a shift in the energy source from fat to glucose. Activating Period 2 through exposure to strong daylight improves glucose metabolism in the heart, minimizing damage from a heart attack.

Research also suggests that daylight has epigenetic effects in the brain, activating a gene called PER2 in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which indirectly protects the heart from damage.

Moreover, studies show that exposure to intense light can reduce triglyceride levels in the blood, promoting improved insulin sensitivity and better heart health.

Additional healing benefits of sunlight include:

• Enhanced movement of T-cells, boosting infection-fighting capabilities, as shown by research at Georgetown University.
• Potential weight management benefits, with studies in Australia indicating sunlight may aid in weight control and reduce the risk of diabetes.

All these findings support the belief held by traditional naturopaths that sunlight exposure is an effective form of medicine. An 1892 medical article emphasizes the importance of maximizing sunlight exposure for overall health by spending time outdoors and allowing direct sunlight into living spaces.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5281888/?page=1
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/nm.2728?draft=journal
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715538/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6708043/
5. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep39479
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25342734
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5281888/?page=2