Sunlight is one of the most important factors for human growth and health, and it dominates the circadian rhythm of human physiological and psychological functions. Taking in sunlight can be very beneficial to your health and can effectively treat various diseases.
Natural sunlight has at least 4 benefits for the human body
1. Improved cognitive function
Natural sunlight can improve people’s moods and increase the brain’s cognitive function. When Alzheimer’s patients are exposed to sufficient natural sunlight, their cognitive function and mood will significantly improve, and the psychoactive symptoms will be reduced.
A 2008 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that sunlight can improve some symptoms of dementia. Another 2018 study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging found that prolonged exposure to intense sunlight was positively associated with better cognitive function.
2. Relieve depression
Sunlight has a powerful effect on mood. A 2023 study in Translational Psychiatry found that being exposed for an average of 1.5 hours a day was associated with a lower risk of depression.
Another study showed that patients receiving treatment for depression who were exposed to direct sunlight in the morning had a significantly shorter hospital stay than those exposed in the evening.
3. Helps regulate sleep
Sleep quality at night is determined by the amount of natural sunlight received during the day. Therefore, many people with insomnia can take in sunlight during the day to regulate their biological clocks.
4. Improves vitamin D absorption and immunity
When exposed to sunlight, your skin can produce vitamin D, which regulates the whole body’s functions, such as the brain, bones, cardiovascular system, and immune system. Vitamin D is not only a vitamin; it is vital for calcium absorption and the metabolism of phosphorus in bone.
The amount of vitamin D that can be absorbed from food is minimal. Even if you eat foods rich in vitamin D, the amount that can be absorbed is minimal. Thus, sunlight is an important source.
Adequate exposure can also reduce the occurrence of many diseases. Studies have found that other chronic diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases can be improved by supplementing vitamin D through basking in the sun.
When is the best time to bask in the sun?
The best time to bask in the sun is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is strong enough to allow the body to produce more vitamin D. Do not apply sunscreen while basking; however, you mustn’t exceed 15 minutes at a time to avoid any damage to the skin.
Three regions to bask in the sunlight
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, sunlight is a natural form of the Yang energy. The human body comprises many meridians or energy channels that transport Qi (energy) and blood to the whole body.
Different areas of the body respond differently to exposure to the sun, according to traditional Chinese medicine, and these three areas greatly benefit from exposure to sunshine.
1. Basking the top of the head
Basking the top of the head allows sunlight to reach the Baihui acupoint, located in the highest place of the head. This acupoint belongs to the Yang meridian and will make the body full of Yang energy.
2. Basking the back
The Bladder and Du meridians are on the back, and belong to the Yang meridians. The Yang meridians need the support of Yang energy to regulate Qi and blood.
3. Basking the hands and feet
The regions on the top of the hands and feet below the elbow joint and the knee joint correspond to the vital acupuncture points of the viscera. Sunlight in these areas can significantly help the regulation of Qi (energy) and blood and the functions of the viscera.
Also, basking the palms of your hands can stimulate the meridians corresponding to the heart. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the heart is in charge of the mind. Therefore, basking the palms during the day can replenish energy and calm the nerves at night.
A word of caution
A small amount of UV rays is good for you; however, everyone is at risk of the effects of long-term sun exposure. It doesn’t matter how old you are or your skin color. Your risk increases based on the length and depth of exposure. You are at greater risk if you have fair skin or moles. A family history of skin cancer also is a factor. People who work in the sun all day are also at greater risk.
Translated by Patty Zhang and edited by Amanda
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