We all are familiar with the harmful effects of the sun rays but how many of us actually know the natural healing benefits of these rays? I think most of us aren’t aware of the fact that a 15- minutes exposure to the sun can be effective in solving a lot of our health and wellness problems. In the Vedas, the sun is considered a symbol of light. It is a power that gives life to plants, animals and humans. The significance of the morning sunbathing to achieve better health has been accepted worldwide. Many Ayurveda experts believe that sunbathing in the morning is an effective way to keep the heart-healthy.
Sunbathing is a scientific process that keeps your body naturally healthy. The best time to take sunbathe is before 8 am and after 5 pm as the heat of the sun at that time is tolerable and does not harm the body.
The proper way to sunbathe
You need to start by being aware of the best time to sunbathe. According to experts, the best time to sunbathe is before 8 am and after 5 pm when the sun is at the farthest end of the horizon. As a general rule of thumb, avoid sunbathing when your shadow is shorter than your height. By avoiding such times you can stop the risk of getting sunburns.
You should start off with a small duration of 5-10 minutes for a week and gradually increase it to 15-20 minutes maximum. Always stay out only as long as you feel comfortable. Researchers have long been suggesting that regular sun exposure for short periods of time is not only harmless but also essential for vitamin D production.
Keep changing your body position while taking sunlight. Do not take sunbathe immediately after meals. Ultraviolet rays dehydrate the skin, so after sunlight, you need to nourish and moisturize it with the help of cream. The person concerned with sun-skin infection should adopt sunbathe only after consulting the doctor.
Vitamin D and its importance
Getting sufficient vitamin D is essential in keeping us healthy and fit. Our body gets the majority of its vitamin D – nearly 90 percent from the sun. Inadequate vitamin D is most often the cause of weak bones and can cause serious damage to bone health. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to strokes and raised blood pressure. Even diabetes can be prevented by getting sufficient vitamin D. As an essential nutrient, vitamin D helps to keep your immune system to function properly.
Benefits of sunbathing
Early morning sunbathings can not only brighten your day but it can also brighten up your health naturally.
Skin texture
Sunbathing is known to improve your skin texture and also keeps skin infections at bay by fighting bacteria. Exposure to the early morning sun is also known to brighten up your skin and remove blemishes.
Treating skin conditions
Acne causing bacteria are naturally destroyed by the UV rays of the sun as they can’t withstand them. Sun exposure is supposed to have similar benefits for those suffering from psoriasis and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Helps in weight loss
No, the sun just doesn’t magically burn the fat. Instead, it boosts the production of a hormone called serotonin that suppresses your appetite and makes you feel full for a longer time. It is one of the major benefits of sunbathing in the morning.
Increases happiness
The same serotonin that suppresses hunger is found in lower concentration in those suffering from depression. It is known as the happiness hormone. Morning sunbathing thus keeps you protected from depression.
Keeps your hair healthy
You might wonder but sunlight is also helpful for the health of your hair. Sunlight produces vitamin D which stimulates hair growth and retards hair fall. Sunlight also makes your hair shiny and vitamin D makes it stronger.
Boosts your immune system
Your immune system is composed of fighter cells that need to mature to become active. Sunlight helps your helper T cells mature and makes them ready to fight off the infections. Therefore, we can say that morning sunbathing is really beneficial for natural healing.
Unclogs your blood vessels
Sunlight is a natural detoxifying agent and it cleanses your blood vessels. People with atherosclerosis or hardened veins are often asked to spend time in the sun. Thus, sunbathing helps to improve blood circulation by following the principles of natural healing.
Helps babies grow tall!
Sun exposure, especially in the first few months, helps babies to gain height and also improves their bone health. People who take regular sunbathe are taller than people who don’t get enough sunlight.
Balances your hormonal system
Human brains are conditioned to perceive sunlight as daytime but now with artificial lighting, our brain gets the day signal even at night. Sunbathing helps to regulate your Pineal gland, which further regulates the sleep-wake cycle and also regulates the pigment-containing cell production. So, sunbathing can cure your insomnia.
Warning signs to look out for
You should stop sunbathing if you notice any of these signs;
- Appearance of redness
- Rashes on arms and legs
- Itching and pain
- Soreness of skin on touching
You must start morning sunbathing slowly otherwise you may experience sunburns. Also, remember to sunbathe in the morning to get the most of the sun God’s benevolence and the natural healing elements it provides. Other than these, to know more about the same or if you have any personal problem, you can always book a consultation session at Aanya Wellness to get personalized and preventive healthcare solutions.
How often should one sunbath?
When it comes to how often one should sunbath, then the answer would be sunbathing 2-3 times a week is more than enough to enjoy the benefits of the sun.
Can I take a bath after taking a sunbath?
Yes, one can take a refreshing shower immediately after sunbathing.
What will happen if we don't get any sunlight for a month long?
For starters, our immune system can suffer, and we may get sick more frequently. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to make our immune system more sensitive and weak, so chances of getting sick will automatically enhance.
How long is too long in the sun?
Walking, standing or taking a sunbath for about 10 to 15 minutes each day or twice a week is more than enough for one to get adequate sunlight.
What hours we should avoid the sun?
To protect your skin and health against any damage from the sun, it is important to avoid the sun between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. , as it is the time period when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
