valokuvaterapian

Valokuvoterapia, also known as phototherapy or simply light therapy, is a therapeutic approach that utilizes exposure to specific wavelengths and intensities of light to treat various medical and psychological conditions. This non-invasive treatment modality has a long history and has evolved with advancements in technology.

In medical contexts, phototherapy is commonly employed for skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. Dermatologists use controlled doses of ultraviolet (UV) light, typically UVB, to reduce inflammation, slow the growth of affected skin cells, and promote repigmentation. Specific types of phototherapy include narrowband UVB, broadband UVB, and PUVA (psoralen plus UVA light).

Beyond dermatology, light therapy is also a well-established treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to changes in seasons and reduced exposure to sunlight. Bright light boxes that mimic natural daylight are used daily, often in the morning, to help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and improve mood. This form of therapy is also explored for other mood disorders and sleep disturbances. The precise mechanisms by which light exerts its therapeutic effects are still being researched but are thought to involve photoreceptors in the eyes and skin, influencing neurotransmitter levels and biological clocks.