The history of light therapy dates back to ancient times when natural sunlight was used for various healing purposes. Over time, technological advancements enabled the reproduction of sunlight’s beneficial effects using artificial light sources, allowing targeted applications.

A Historical Overview of Light Therapy

• Ancient beginnings: In ancient Egypt, Greece, and India, sunlight (heliotherapy) was used to treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
• 19th century – Niels Ryberg Finsen: The Danish physician was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1903 for his development of light therapy. He was the first to successfully use artificial light to treat lupus vulgaris (tuberculosis of the skin).
• Early 20th century: With technological advancements, UV light therapy became increasingly widespread, particularly for treating diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency, such as rickets.
• Modern light therapy: The emergence of polarized light therapy and LED technology revolutionized light-based treatments, which are now used not only for skin conditions but also for pain relief and tissue regeneration.

Hungarian Contributions to Light Therapy

Hungary has played a significant role in developing modern light therapy devices, particularly in the application of polarized light. Márta Fenyő and her research team discovered that polarized light stimulates biological systems, especially the body’s self-healing abilities. This effect is attributed to the regeneration, stimulation, and harmonization of cell functions. The therapy has proven effective in treating stubborn conditions such as ulcers, acne, chronic skin diseases, and sports injuries.

The mechanism of polarized light therapy is largely based on strengthening the immune system. The treatment increases the activity of immunocompetent cells, stabilizes the membranes of red blood cells, and enhances their oxygen-binding, retention, and transport capacities. This ensures that more oxygen reaches the cells, promoting healing. Polarized light also stimulates T-lymphocytes, which recognize and eliminate damaged cells, preventing the development of serious diseases.

Summary

The history of light therapy spans thousands of years and is considered one of the earliest natural healing methods. Hungarian science and innovation have played a key role in developing modern light therapy technologies, with the Bioptron lamp linking Hungary’s name to polarized light therapy worldwide.