Light therapy is being widely used to treat a wide variety of conditions. A specific color therapy is used for a specific treatment depending on the condition you have. But what colors are usually involved in different color light therapy processes?
There are plenty of different colors involved in light therapy. However, the most commonly used colors in light therapy include red and blue. Still, how do red light therapy and other color light therapies work? And more importantly, what color of the light helps with depression?
Light therapy, also referred to as phototherapy, entails the usage of particular color lights to affect brain chemicals that affect your mood and sleeping cycles. An artificial lightbox is used when treating depression with light therapy.
Different light therapies are also used for treatments of other conditions. For instance, red light therapy is used to treat acne with the help of mask-like devices. Similarly, color light therapy is used to stimulate hair growth by the use of devices similar to helmets.
For light therapy to be effective, it must be properly performed in accordance with the required intensity level, time, and duration. If you are undergoing the light therapy treatment using an at-home device yourself, you have to make sure to study the instruction manual that comes with the device and get professional advice on how to implement and carry out the correct procedure.
Knowing What Color Light Works For Depression
Studies have shown that colors do exert mood-enhancing effects. And according to recent studies, blue has been proven to be the most helpful light color for alleviating depression, particularly Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Although SAD may still occur in individuals during spring and summer, most people experience it during the fall or winter periods.
Blue light therapy is proven to be most effective in treating depression. Moreover, studies further indicate that this color can be utilized to produce the same positive effects that other bright colors bring about if administered at a particular lower-level wavelength and frequency.
Blue light therapy has been successfully used for treating depression, however, you should know that blue light used for skin treatments is different from the blue light used in treating SAD. Blue light therapy that is utilized for treating skin disorders makes use of devices that emit ultraviolet light. So make sure to get the right kind of a light therapy device for treating your depression and related mental conditions.
Besides treating SAD, blue light therapy can also help individuals with other conditions. Blue light therapy can be beneficial to people who suffer from non-seasonal depression, individuals who have a hard time adapting to time zone changes, people who have a sleep disorder, individuals who suffer from dementia, or even people who have to synchronize their body clock to their daily schedule.
Advantages And Possible Risks Of Using Light Therapy For Depression
Using light therapy comes with perks. Here are some of them:
- A safe and non-invasive process
- Very quick to execute
- Eliminates your need for taking antidepressants
Due to these great benefits, it’s no surprise that a great number of people are turning to light therapy for its other beneficial uses besides requiring it to treat chronic pain, get rid of wrinkles, or improve acne symptoms.
However, despite the benefits that color light therapy offers, it can still cause certain side effects in some individuals. Here are some of the possible side effects of undergoing blue color light therapy:
- Migraines
- Strained eyes
- Nausea
- Agitation
- Triggering mania in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder
With that being said, if you are suffering from bipolar disorder, you may have to use light therapy with caution. You should get expert advice from a health professional before receiving light therapy. Furthermore, if you are on a particular medication or are extra sensitive to light, you are also advised to consult your doctor first before undergoing light therapy.
Do You Need A Prescription To Undergo Light Therapy?
If you want to purchase the light therapy equipment and be given light therapy at home, you are not required to obtain a prescription from a medical professional. However, due to its possible side effects, it’s still highly recommended that you consult with a professional first. Consulting with a professional could also help you establish the most suitable routine. The professional specialist will also give you advice on how to choose the best light therapy device for your needs.
Is Red Light Therapy Bad For You? Find out here.
Conclusion
So what color light helps with depression? Based on the most up-to-date research, it can be concluded that blue light therapy helps in treating depression the best. Although it comes with a few downsides, its obvious positive advantages surely outweigh them. You should keep in mind that as long as you take counsel from a certified professional, you can safely use at-home light therapy devices and you will surely reap the benefits that light therapies offer.
