Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment that uses light to treat a variety of medical conditions. It is based on the science of photobiology, which studies the interaction of light with living cells.
NASA first began researching the use of light therapy in the 1990s to promote wound healing in astronauts. Since then, light therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A type of depression that occurs during the winter months when there is less daylight.
- Skin conditions: Such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Pain: Such as arthritis pain and back pain.
- Wound healing: Can help to speed up the healing process and reduce scarring.