Heliotherapy is solar therapy (sun bathing). Indications and contraindications

Heliotherapy is a method of physiotherapeutic effect on the body using all spectra of sunlight. This treatment is one of the gifts of nature, since it uses purely solar energy, and not an artificially created semblance. However, before you run to take sunbathing, you should consult with doctors about the possible negative consequences of this method and deal with contraindications.

History and principle of the method

Heliotherapy is a method of treating diseases and improving the general condition of the body, based on the beneficial properties of sunlight. The name of the method comes from the Greek word "helios", denoting the name of the sun god.

The sun is a life-forming link for all life on earth, so the use of its energy has been known since ancient times.

Due to its spectral composition, sunlight can have the following positive effects on the body:

1. Antidepressant and psychostimulating effect is manifested due to increased production of serotonin and endorphins. These substances are responsible for mood, reducing anxiety, increasing vitality and energy. Therefore, residents of northern countries who are deficient in solar radiation are much more likely to suffer from depression and neurosis than southerners indulged in by the sun.
2. Healing and drying effects for skin diseases. This property is used in dermatology and cosmetology to combat acne, inflammatory processes and other skin pathologies. In addition, ultraviolet rays (UV spectrum) give the coat a bronze pleasant shade that improves the appearance with moderate use.
3. The bone-strengthening and calcium-forming action carries a vital function, because the sun is needed for the synthesis of vitamin D, which is responsible for the absorption of calcium in the body, and calcium keeps the bones in good shape, protecting against fractures.
4. The sun protects asthmatics from frequent attacks, which is confirmed by the latest studies of patients with bronchial asthma living in different regions by the number of sunny days.
5. The antihypertensive effect is due to the conversion of nitrogen compounds under the influence of sunlight, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure and blood thinning, which is the prevention of strokes and heart attacks.
6. The synthesis of vitamin D not only leads to the strengthening of bones, but also protects the prostate gland from malignant tumors.
7. Sunlight improves metabolic processes, reduces blood glucose, helps to lose weight.
8. Life extension is the main, summing up all the previous effects, the positive effect of the sun on the body.

Sun spectrum

Sunlight can be divided into components:

• The ultraviolet spectrum (UV), which makes up about 7% of solar radiation. These are the most intensely acting rays, which are absorbed by the atmosphere to a greater extent. They cause both tanning and burns, and also contribute to the formation of vitamin D.
• The visible spectrum that we observe when the sun appears is 42% of all rays. This part of the spectrum is involved in energy processes, including photosynthesis in plants.
• The infrared spectrum responsible for the thermal effect consists of three types of wavelength. This part of the spectrum in the amount of 51% of all radiation, it improves metabolism and blood circulation in the tissues of the body.

Indications for heliotherapy

These include:

1. Skin diseases (acne, pyoderma, weeping inflammatory lesions, furunculosis, eczematous pathology, dermatitis, neurodermatitis, psoriasis).
2. Injuries: fractures, sprains, bruises, as well as ulcerative lesions that heal for a long time.
3. Reduced amount of vitamin D in the blood, rickets in children.
4. Pulmonary pathology: chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, occupational lung disease, tuberculosis (in remission).
5. Digestive system pathology (chronic gastritis, inflammatory and functional intestinal diseases).
6. Gynecological problems (inflammatory diseases without exacerbation, conditions after surgery).
7. Increased immunity, hardening, prevention of neurotic disorders and depression.

Therefore, heliotherapy is a natural aid for multidisciplinary health promotion.

Solar procedures during pregnancy

Pregnant women can and should sunbathe in the sun, knowing the rules and time limits.

Sunlight improves mood, eliminates anxiety. It stabilizes metabolic processes by regulating the level of glucose in the blood. The sun enhances the immune defenses, which often weaken during pregnancy. Rays help to raise blood hemoglobin, improve microcirculation, regulate blood pressure, vascular tone. Sunlight helps to saturate the body with vitamin D, which is important for calcium metabolism and strengthening the bone tissue of a pregnant woman and the formation of the baby’s skeleton.

It should be remembered that being in the bright sun without a headdress is not permissible. In the period of pronounced solar activity from 11 to 16 hours it is better to wait in the shade, so as not to cause sunburn. Excessive sun exposure can lead to increased skin pigmentation. Significant overheating can cause bleeding from the uterus and miscarriage, so sunbathing should be strictly dosed.

Children and the sun

It’s good for children of all ages to sunbathe in the sun. But nobody canceled the rules of insolation.

Children's heliotherapy is a means of hardening, enhancing immunity, normalizing metabolism. Under the influence of the sun, vitamin D is actively produced in the body, which prevents the development of rickets in a child. Sun baths increase appetite, strengthen the nervous system, improve sleep.

To harden the baby should undress in the sun gradually, be sure to use a panama. Sunbathing should be in the morning and in the evening, when the sun is not too active to avoid sunstroke and skin burns. After tanning, water treatments are helpful.

Tanning Rules

To give the skin a beautiful shade and improve the body, you should adhere to the following rules:

1. A headgear is required to avoid sunstroke.
2. Being in the sun during the phase of the brightest sun without clothes is not recommended to prevent sunburn.
3. The best time is until 10-11 am and after 16-17 days, then the tan lies flat.
4. Sun baths should increase in time gradually from a few minutes on each side of the body. So the skin tans evenly. And also get used to the sun (UV) rays.
5. Sun protection and tanning products should be of high quality, suitable for age and skin type.
6. Water treatments enhance the tan, so after bathing it is better to hide in the shade.
7. Women need to protect their mammary glands from the scorching sun with a bathing suit.
8. Skin should be clean before sunbathing.
9. Before heliotherapy, you should eat, but not overeat.
10. After tanning, you need to take a shower without using a hard washcloth, and then apply cream after tanning.

Contraindications to heliotherapy

Sun treatment is contraindicated in persons with the following pathologies:

1. Oncological diseases of any organs and systems, including blood.
2. Acute inflammation or exacerbation of chronic processes.
3. Acute tuberculosis of the lungs, bones and kidneys.
4. Severe cardiac and respiratory failure.
5. The third stage of arterial hypertension.
6. Autoimmune pathology (systemic lupus erythematosus).
7. Hyperthyroidism.
8. Organic brain diseases and severe cerebral atherosclerosis.
9. Bleeding of various nature.
10. Expressed individual sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

Such people should take sunbaths partially in a small dose of solar radiation.

Side effects of sun exposure

Undesirable effects of exposure to sunlight include:

1. Sunburns of varying degrees, causing severe pain and detachment of the upper layer of the epidermis. It is not only not aesthetically pleasing, but also harmful to the skin.
2. Increased pigmentation, that is, the formation of a large number of moles.
3. Sunstroke, manifested by loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, nausea, cramps.
4. Allergic urticaria, which occurs in open areas of the body (usually in the decollete), is manifested by severe itching and swelling of the skin.
5. Deterioration of heart function in patients with chronic pathology in this area (arrhythmia, angina attacks, hypertensive crisis).

Help with side effects

With sunburn, you can not smear the affected area with oil. You need to make a cool compress for 20 minutes, using cold water and a cloth (preferably gauze). With severe soreness, you can use Bepanten cream, which is applied to the affected area 1-2 times a day with light movements.

During sunstroke, a person should be carried away to a cool place or in the shade. Call an ambulance, drink cool water, wipe with a damp cold towel or napkin, massage limbs to restore blood flow.

Antihistamines that block the hypersensitivity reaction are used to treat the symptoms of sun allergies. Such persons should avoid prolonged exposure to bright sunshine, and protect skin areas with a rash with clothing.