Light therapy and other non-invasive techniques LIGHT THERAPY
Light plays a major role in our well-being. As the sun begins to rise at dawn the light is recognized by the pineal gland located in the brain. This gland then secretes serotonin which in turn reduces the production of melatonin. This effect, known as the human biological response to light, was first demonstrated in 1980 by Dr. Alfred Lewy, MD, with Werh and other colleagues (Science, 1980; 210;1267-1269). Melatonin is the hormone the body produces to help us sleep, while serotonin regulates our morning energy.
During the winter months, when there is less natural light available, some people experience a number of symptoms which are collectively referred to as SAD. (See box below). Not surprisingly, regions of the central nervous system ,in those with SAD, have been found to be deficient in serotonin. It is serotonin production then which plays an important role in the mechanism of action of light therapy by exploiting the fact that as bright light stimulates serotonin levels in the brain the secretion of melatonin will be reduced which in turn alleviates symptoms.
Consequently due to its antidepressant and energizing effects, which have been widely reported, bright light exposure, or “light therapy”, is widely regarded as useful for patients with SAD. Indeed, timed exposure to daylight intensity light has become the treatment of choice, according to Anna Wirz-Justice, PhD, professor of psychiatry at the university of Basel in Switzerland.
“Light is as effective as antidepressant medications are, perhaps more so”
said Wirz-Justice who co-chaired a roundtable session at the SLTBR’s annual meeting held in May 1998.
Not surprisingly, research is showing that light therapy helps many conditions associated with a lack of serotonin such as circadian sleep disorders and circadian disruptions associated with jet lag and shift work. Other possible indications include alcohol and drug abuse, bulimia nervosa (bingeing), premenstrual syndrome and chronic pain.
SAD is a syndrome characterized by recurrent depressions that occur annually at the same time each year. During the winter months many people suffer from a variety of symptoms including increased appetite, weight gain, drop in energy level, reduction in sex drive, disturbances in sleep/wake patterns, reduction in the quality of sleep, body aches and pains, avoidance of social situations, decreased creativity, irritability, inability to complete tasks, suicidal thoughts.
The condition was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (Washington DC; American Psychiatric Assosciation; 1994). The criteria specify a regular temporal relationship between onset and offset of depression.
REFERENCES GET PROPER ONES FROM PAPERS
Dr. Alfred Lewy, MD, with Werh and other colleagues (Science, 1980; 210;1267-1269).
Anna Wirz-Justice, PhD, professor of psychiatry at the university of Basel in Switzerland.
REIKI
Reiki is an ancient healing art involving the gentle laying on of hands. It works on an energetic level; the body is made up of energy fields and what we experience as diseases are the manifestations of imbalances in these energy fields. These imbalances are often created in response to repressed emotions. Similarly environmental factors come into play – we are surrounded by electronic devises which generate electro magnetic fields that can negatively affect our bodies.
While most healing methods work only on the physical level, Reiki works on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels to restore balance where the flow of energy is blocked. It helps to release the underlying thoughts and emotions that caused the disease, and it heals the physical symptoms of the disease. Hand positions customarily correspond to the body’s endocrine and lymphatic systems and major organs, focussing on seven main chakras.
Several conditions have been successfully treated and the physiological effects have been observed. Nurses are beginning to use Reiki to assist in easing pain and anxiety, promote relaxation, accelerate wound healing, diminish depression and increase a patient’s sense of well-being.
A study conducted by the School of Nursing, The University of Texas Houston Health Centre in 1996 noted, for example, that anxiety was significantly reduced; the findings suggested both biochemical and physiological change in the direction of relaxation.
Reiki has also been used in the operating room of the Columbian presbyterian Medical Centre in New York City. During open heart surgery and heart transplants performed by Dr. Mehmet Oz, none of the patients treated by Reiki Master Julie Motz experienced the usual post operative depression.
However despite the popularity of Reiki, theoretical understanding of the mechanism of effect is not well developed and there is a need for more research in to the body’s energetic fields, and both the physiological and psychological effects of reiki.
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy can be defined as the inhalation and application of volatile essential oils from aromatic plants to restore or enhance beauty, health and well-being.
The intention is to strengthen the body’s self healing processes. For example essential oils famed for their anti-macrobial and anti-septic actions, are used in harmony with the immune system body to normalize and balance.
However, direct inhalation of particular oils can also have psychological effects through the olfactory link with the limbic system - the olfactory system is directly connected to the brain, which sends electrical messages directly into the limbic system. Consequently the inhalation of essential oils affects both our emotions and mental state and can have a major impact on memory, learning, emotions, thinking and feeling. Used therapeutically the oils will have either a stimulant or sedative effect on the nervous system.
Psychological impact of different oils
Lavender; relaxation
Peppermint; alertness
Basil; concentration
Rosemary; capacity to remember
Ylang-Ylang; excitement
Clary Sage; anxiety
Bergamot; burnout
Grapefruit; fatigue
REFLEXOLOGY
The ancient healing art of reflexology has been known to man for many thousands of years. It is a non-invasive technique which involves the application of finger pressure to specific points on the feet in order to produce a beneficial effect in another part of the body. It is reported to be an extremely effective therapy in cases of stress, tension and tiredness. In addition a range of health problems that are said to respond well include acute and chronic pain, and circulation problems. However, there is very little research to support the claims made by reflexologists and no-one really knows how the technique may work.
Some reflexologists suggest that stimulation of the some 70,000 nerve endings on the sole of each foot sends messages to all parts of the body, promoting better functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems in particular. This in turn may be responsible for the improvements in general health and sense of well-being commonly reported. It is also possible, that it is the effect a treatment has on the nervous and hormonal systems that brings about the emotional and psychological benefits often experienced.
Pam Rigden
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