Artists have long harnessed color and light to evoke emotions, so it's no surprise that medicine is now exploring how these elements affect our bodies. As Paul Simon famously sang, “Kodachrome gives us those nice bright colors; the greens of summer. Oh Mama, don’t take that Kodachrome away!” He was onto something. Let’s take a brief autumn stroll through the history and recent findings on phototherapy before the leaves come tumbling down!
Dr. Ibrahim from the University of Arizona was inspired by the light filtering through trees to investigate green light. Forest bathing, an ancient practice of immersing oneself in nature, is known to enhance overall well-being. Research shows that “basking in green light for 1 to 2 hours a day could significantly reduce pain from migraines and fibromyalgia.” In his 2021 study, Dr. Ibrahim found that green light reduced migraine frequency from 7.9 to 2.4 episodes for those with episodic migraines and from 22.3 to 9.4 for those with chronic migraines. Additionally, fibromyalgia patients reported a decrease in pain from 8.4 to 4.9 on a 10-point scale. Similar results were observed at Duke University, where Dr. Gulur studied green light’s effects on pain. Fibromyalgia patients who wore green-lens glasses for at least 4 hours a day showed a 33% reduction in opioid use. Dr. Gulur supports the idea that green light helps reduce pain, though the specific frequencies used may not be available in over-the-counter products.
Red light and infrared therapy are well-established for aiding muscle recovery. Dr. Ghigaiarelli discovered an 18% reduction in blood levels of creatine kinase (an inflammatory marker) in athletes who rested in a red-light recovery bed compared to those who used a non-light bed.
Light therapy is also well-known for treating newborn jaundice, psoriasis, and seasonal affective disorder. It’s especially promising for conditions with limited treatment options. The LIGHTSITE III study, conducted at 10 U.S. ophthalmology centers, used a combination of red, near-infrared, and yellow light for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). “This was the first therapy for dry AMD that’s shown a benefit in improving vision,” concluded Dr. Richard Rosen. For those with wet AMD, consult your doctor about AREDS supplements and injections, which may help slow vision loss. Always seek medical advice before using light therapy for vision issues.
As the leaves begin to fall this November, savor the vibrant colors of autumn, knowing that these hues offer more than meets the eye.
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