You’ve heard many times that the sun is harmful to your skin. But did you know that in the right balance, the sun is actually very healing for both your mind and your body? Ancient Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, the Ayurvedic rishis, and Hippocrates knew that the sun was the foundation of every aspect of human health.
Mike Adams, author and natural health researcher, said, “Sunlight is more powerful than any drug; it is effective and available free of charge. If it could be patented, it would be hyped as the greatest medical breakthrough in history. It’s that good.”
I once read about an orphanage in which a number of children with scoliosis resided. The nurses sat the children with their backs to a sun-filled window for several hours a day, and over time, their scoliosis was healed! That’s pretty incredible.
Here in southern Utah, the sun can get pretty intense in the summer months. Caution must be exercised, especially if your skin is extra sensitive. You must know your limits; however, used judiciously, the sun benefits all of us in many ways. The sun:
Boosts the immune system.
Improves sleep. Early morning sunshine gets the light into your pineal gland. It will regulate your rhythms and balance the serotonin/melatonin hormones. A word of caution: do not stare directly at the sun as this can be harmful to your eyesight.
Maintains strong bones.
Provides vitamin D. If you can get outside for a few moments during midday, the ultraviolet rays will penetrate the skin and help the body produce this healthy hormone naturally. Deficiencies in this important vitamin have been correlated with breast cancer, MS, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis as well as a host of mental conditions.
Lowers blood pressure.
Reduces stress.
Improves mood.
Aids weight loss.
Increases the ability to focus.
Accelerates recovery from surgery or illness.
Wards off cancer.
Kills bacteria.
Not yet convinced of the health benefits gained from exposure to sunlight? Just look to the science:
A 20-year study (Lindqvist PG, Epstein E, Landin-Olsson M, et al) following approximately 30,000 subjects found that those who avoided exposure to the sun were twice as likely to die from all causes.This research corroborates several prior studies that stated diminished exposure to the sun is a risk factor for all-cause mortality.
Various studies have found sunlight to act as a natural antidepressant, promote significant clearance of psoriatic symptoms, and provide healing to the liver (as we see in jaundice patients).
Further, clinical research (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation) has shown that exposure to full- spectrum light throughout the day coupled with darkness at night can help improve aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, reducing agitation, increasing sleep efficiency, decreasing nighttime wakefulness, and decreasing nighttime activity in these patients. It does this by resetting the circadian rhythm, which is out of sync for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Of course, use caution and common sense during the peak hours of the sun. If you need sunscreen, I advise finding one without harmful chemicals. Do some research and find one with as many natural ingredients as possible.
A great habit to form is to get outside first thing in the morning and greet the sun as it comes up. Seriously, just five minutes makes a difference. Mornings are beautiful! Fill your soul and boost your health by getting out there and letting that sunshine in!