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.

The post Book Review – The Healing Sun appeared first on GazeTheSun.Com.

Sungazing is the practice of staring at the sun with the intention of achieving both nourishment and enlightenment.

It is also know as Solar Healing, Sun Eating, Sun Gazing, Solar Gazing or Solar Yoga.

However it isn’t as simple as just staring up at the sun for a while whenever you wish to achieve this.

It is important that the sunlight is gradually introduced, and a strict schedule and guidance is adhered to in order to avoid harm.

People who practice Sungazing may also be known as ‘Breatharians‘.

The History of Sungazing

Sungazing in various forms has appeared in many cultures.

It has roots in Egypt but been practised by ancient Hindu and Buddhist Yogis, Aztecs, Incas and also Native Americans.

Ancient religions often incorporated the sun into their religious practices.

One of the most famous examples is the ancient Egyptian god ‘Ra’. Sharing his domain was the god ‘Atum’ which was later merged into the god ‘Atum-Ra’. The Hindu religion has ‘Surya’. Lesser known is the Tiv god ‘Awondo’.

Even the Romans had ‘Sol Invictus’ (the Unconquered Sun) which was most famous for the Dies Natalis Solis Invicti birth festival. This would later go on to be called “Christmas.”

The sun figures so prominently into our cultures that we celebrate dies Solis, the day of the Sun at the end of every week, or Sunday.

What is the difference between Sungazing and Breatharianism?

Breatharianism or Inedia (Latin for “fasting”) is the belief that it is possible for a person to live without consuming food and sometimes water.

In Hinduism sunlight is one of the main sources of Prana or life force.

Many practitioners believe it is possible for someone to survive on sunlight alone, with Sungazing being a method of harvesting this Prana.

Noted practitioners through history include:

• Paracelsus – A pioneering Swiss physician
• Ram Bahadur Bomjon – A Buddhist monk who was the subject of a 2006 Discovery Channel documentary titled ‘The Boy With Divine Powers’. Ram was observed for 96 hours neither eating, drinking or moving.
• Prahlad Jani – An Indian Monk who claimed to have lived for 70 years without food or water. Prahlad was studied under observation as being able to survive for two weeks without food and water.
• Hira Ratan Manek – Who is also know as HRM, and is one of the most well known modern day practitioners. HRM claims to have lived on a diet of mainly water and sunlight since 1995.

The subject of Breatharianism however is a controversial one, with some practitioners reportedly dying as a result of the practice.

The practice of Sungazing is also linked with an increased risk of solar retinopathy.

So with these risks in mind you may ask why someone would practice Sungazing?

Well let’s take a look at some of the benefits of Sungazing as reported by Sungazers and Breatharians around the world.

The post What is Sungazing? appeared first on GazeTheSun.Com.