Book Review – The Healing Sun: Sunlight and Health in the 21st Century by Richard Hobday (2000)

 

Abstract – The human race evolved under the sun, and for thousands of years lived in harmony with its heat and light. Yet over the last fifty years we have lost this close contact with the sun and its healing powers. We have become afraid of it. However the sun is central to our well being and health.

 

 

In this book Richard Hobday discusses how sunlight was once used to prevent and cure diseases through history. Hobday describes how it can heal us and help us in the future through ‘Heliotherapy’ (sun therapy).

“The Healing Sun is, without a doubt, the best book I’ve read this year and clearly one of the most important health books I’ve read in my life.” —Joseph Mercola, M.D.

This book discusses how the sun is key in the prevention and healing of conditions such as:

• Cancer
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Adrenal Problems
• Digestive Issues
• Insomnia
• Heart Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  
• Osteoporosis and ANY form of chronic disease.

The author discusses ancient and alternative approaches to healing. For example Hobday explains how Florence Nightingale was an early advocate of sunlit wards and cross-ventilation to stop hospital infections. Interestingly Hobday also discusses how in the past regulated sunbathing was used to heal TB, wounds and other infections.

Here the author Richard Hobday discusses how Sunlight acts as a natural germicide…

Hobday explains the important role Vitamin D plays in our health. He describes how when the skin is exposed to sunlight how it can use Vitamin D to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, strengthen bones and lower incidences of various diseases. This book also offers information on how to sunbathe safely, and why we should be sceptical of sun creams and UV lenses.

Did You Know?

• Before antibiotics, sunlight was used successfully to speed up healing of wounds?
• Prolonged exposure to artificial light puts the body under great stress, and there are possible links between fluorescent lighting and malignant melanoma?
• Early morning sunlight in cool temperatures is especially beneficial to the body?

The author backs up the information in this book with links to various studies, and provides modern and historical evidence to support the ideas in this book. Hobday provides a well researched and unbiased view of the benefits of sunlight on our health. The text within is accessible and not requiring a scientific or medical grounding to understand. This book also contains useful ‘How To’ advice on using the sun for healing as well as dietary recommendations.

Summary

This eye opening book you will change the way you think about the sun, and will make you think about it more and more in relation to your own health and environment. You will likely be taking every opportunity to go in the sun, whether it be summer or winter! I personally would have liked more of the ‘How To’ parts of the book, and I would welcome another book with more practical advice. Overall though this is a great resource and a fascinating read.

Rating – 4/5

Click here to learn more about this book on Amazon.com.