A UK hospital gave 'sun therapy' to a woman who was in the ICU. But what exactly is this sunlight treatment? We break down how this old-school method is making a comeback.
A photo of a woman in a wheelchair, soaking up the sun, has gone viral. She's getting 'sun therapy' at a UK hospital, just days after being in the ICU. This practice is now catching on across Europe. Doctors are even taking critically ill patients outdoors for short periods, sparking a huge debate about this old-school healing method. It's not a new idea, though. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, before modern medicine, doctors knew that fresh air and sunlight helped patients heal faster than being stuck inside.
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What is Sunlight Therapy?
This method was originally called ‘Heliotherapy’. Now, European hospitals are bringing it back in a big way. They are changing their building designs to include large windows, open balconies, and terraces, creating special 'Sunlight Zones'. They bring even very weak patients, sometimes with their beds or wheelchairs, to these spots for a set amount of time. Doctors report that patients show surprisingly fast recovery when exposed to the open air and sun.
So, can sunlight really heal you? The answer is yes. When sunlight touches your skin, your body naturally produces Vitamin D. This vitamin strengthens bones and makes muscles active. It also balances hormones and boosts your immune system. What's more, sunlight increases 'Serotonin', known as the 'happy hormone'. This helps reduce a patient's stress and anxiety, because a positive mindset is key for a quick recovery.
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Sunlight Therapy Spreads to India
This trend is now reaching India, with some government and private hospitals adopting the practice. It's a bit like our own tradition of massaging babies with oil and letting them rest in the gentle morning sun, isn't it? That's also a form of sun therapy. Now, hospitals are using it for seriously ill patients too. **Important Warning:** Doctors give this therapy only for a few minutes in mild morning or evening sunlight, under strict supervision. It is never done in the harsh afternoon sun, and you should never try it for a sick person without a doctor's approval.
