Let The Sun Shine Through
by Ronald D. Whitmont, M.D.
Recently the sun’s been getting a lot of negative press: “Don’t go in the sun, you’ll get skin cancer,” or “There’s no ozone left, it’s dangerous to be outside!” Many of our physicians tell us to use sunscreens and slather it on our children. It’s as if our mother star had turned on us like a bad parent.But these cautionary words do not represent scientific reality so much as a distortion of the truth that can easily slip into misinformation. In fact the right amount of sunlight is important for maintaining a healthy mind and body. Too much of anything, including sunlight, can be an extremely dangerous thing. Yet too little can be just as devastating.
The seasons of the earth as well as the seasons of our lives are linked with the sun and its rhythms. The sun is worshiped in many cultures as a provider of prosperity and strength. Mythologically, we link the sun with the heart. It is represented by the metal, gold, which we have traditionally used to symbolize love and power. The return of the sun in spring marks the reawakening of soul to love and life.
Sunlight not only plays an extremely important role in nature, but a pivotal role in many biochemical and physiological processes within our bodies as well. Exposure to natural sunlight stimulates the body to produce a number of different hormones that regulate our daily rhythms of sleep and wakefulness, balancing salt and water concentrations while affecting organs like the heart, the kidneys, the brain and the immune system. The effect of these symphonies of hormones in our body is extremely complex and directly linked to natural rhythms orchestrated by the sun. “Threads establishing a connection between exposure to sunlight and blood pressure or risk of heart disease and stroke have already been elucidated and only await further study.”
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is just one emotional effect of getting too little sunlight in our daily cycle. Many of us are familiar with SAD, which used to be called Winter Blues and Cabin Fever. The depression that marks SAD is either caused or aggravated by seasonal changes in the sun’s light. We don’t know if it is the ultraviolet radiation or the visible spectrum that helps avert this illness, but we do know that when we are exposed to longer days and more temperate climates the condition tends to improve.
Sunlight contributes to the development and maturation of a certain subset of Lymphocytes known as T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the human immune system. These cells originate in the thymus and migrate to the superficial layers of the skin where they are exposed to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. The radiation appears to play some role in their maturation. These cells go on to become integral to our defenses against viral and bacterial infections, but they are also integral to the body’s defenses against cancer and other illnesses involving the immune system. While too much sunlight impairs the functional ability of these cells, too little sunlight has the same effect. Sun blocks and sunscreens that block ultraviolet radiation interfere with this process.
The benefits of sunlight and ultraviolet radiation have been long appreciated by those with a variety of skin afflictions, including many forms of eczema and psoriasis. By some unknown mechanism regular, moderate exposure to the sun sends many of these conditions into permanent remission.
Osteoporosis develops when bones miss enough of the mineralization, predominantly calcium, that, much like the cement on the steel rods of a bridge, helps add rigidity to the matrix of protein support. Most people know it’s important to have an adequate daily intake of calcium to prevent osteoporosis, but are unaware of the role of sunlight in making calcium available to the body. Yet there is a direct correlation between lack of adequate sun exposure and the risk of developing osteoporosis. This is most readily apparent when we look at the incidence of osteoporosis as the distance from the equator increases. Northern climate, lack of sunlight, and the use of sun blocks all increase the likelihood of developing this condition. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is essential in helping the body convert free cholesterol into vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D in the intestines assists in the absorption of calcium, while in the kidneys it prevents calcium loss through urination. It is also possible, though not yet known, that the conversion of cholesterol into vitamin D by ultraviolet light may reduce the body’s total cholesterol level, and thus bring a dual benefit.
Sunlight normally directs a subset of skin cells known as melanocytes to produce more of the dark pigment known as melanin. Melanin is the substance responsible for the dark skin of those from African, Asian or Mediterranean descent. It is also responsible for creating suntans. The dark pigmentation known as melanin is the body’s unique way of providing natural protection from many of the sun’s damaging effects. Dark skin pigmentation through birth or sun tanning provides a high degree of natural protection while allowing the sun to continue to bestow beneficial effects on our bodies.
Most dermatologists agree that sun tanning is not harmful when it is achieved by regular moderate exposure to the sun. Too rapid or intense exposure after prolonged avoidance can be harmful because the absence of pigment allows the sun’s rays to penetrate more deeply into the skin, reaching sensitive structures and causing damage to genetic material. Sunburns are the result of unprotected exposure to massive amounts of damaging radiation. Sunburns do not occur if there is regular, graded, exposure to the sun throughout the year. “Weekend warriors” and seasonal tourists are at greatest risk of being damaged by the sun. A safe, practical approach to the sun includes regular exposure in increasing levels until the skin naturally pigments and tans. Maintaining this exposure once pigmentation is present is not only safe, but thoroughly advisable, on a lifelong basis.
According to Dr. Martin Weinstock, Director of the Department of Dermatoepidemiology at the Rhode Island Pigmented Lesion Unit at Brown University School of Medicine in Providence Rhode Island, “constant, consistent exposure to sunlight is far superior to short intense periods followed by periods of little or no sun exposure.” The harmful effects of sunlight on the skin are the direct result of too much sunlight over too short a period of time. Dr. Weinstock adds that “there is no conclusive evidence that sunscreen use reduces the risk of melanoma.”
According to Dr. Marianne Berwick, an epidemiologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan “the use of sunscreens may actually increase the risk of developing skin cancer.” Sunscreen products do prevent sunburns from developing, but they may expose us to an increased risk of damaging our skin. There are several reasons for this, but essentially these products are “screens” that only block some of the spectrum of radiation reaching us from the sun, not all of it. By blocking some wavelengths of radiation and letting others through, a sunscreen may interfere with the sun tanning-pigmenting process (that provides protection from the sun), yet allow other harmful wavelengths of radiation to penetrate deeply into the skin, causing damage to cellular structures without the helpful warning signs of burning or pain. Thus a heavy dose of sunlight on a sunscreened individual may actually do more damage than it would to an unprotected individual, who could not only produce some level of pigment but would be able to feel enough of a burn to know it was time to get out of the sun. Preliminary research results, which are necessarily controversial, indicate that sunscreen products, however reasonable a solution for preventing sunburn, may prove to be a deadly mistake as a defense against cancer.
To summarize:
1) Sunlight, in moderate amounts is not only safe, but it is extremely beneficial for growing healthy bodies, minds and immune systems. There are physical and emotional benefits that have been well described and noted. Regular exposure to the sun without blocks or sunscreens should be encouraged from an early age in most individuals.
2) Excessive sunlight exposure is hazardous to the skin and the immune system. Sunscreens may provide protection from burning, but may increase the risk of long term health problems without providing other benefits in most individuals. The use of these products should not be a routine part of summer, but should be used cautiously and judiciously, with knowledge of the risks involved.
| Author (Reference) | Trials/ # patients | Results | Conclusions |
| Cucherat (3) | 17 RCTs comparing homeopathy and placebo | 2617 Combined p value < 0.0001 in favor of placebo. | Evidence in favor of homeopathy; evidence of low level for best trials. |
| Linde and Melchart (4) | Melchart (4) 32 RCTs comparing homeopathy and placebo, conventional RR homeopathy vs placebo | 1.62 (CI, 1.17- 2.23); for better quality trials, 1.12 (CI of 0.87-1.44) | Some evidence; evidence not convincing for better quality results |
| Linde et al (5) | 89 RCTs comparing homeopathy and placebo OR for all trials 2.45 in favor of homeopathy | CI, 2.05-2.93); for good trials OR 1.66 (CI , 1.33-2.08) | “Clinical effects of homeopathy are not completely due to placebo” |
| Kleijen et al (8) | 107 non randomized trials | 81 trials reported positive results | Definitive conclusions could not be drawn |
Adapted from Ernst E. A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy.
Brit J Clinical Pharmacology 2002; 54: 577-582; and Jonas BJ, Kapchuk TJ, Linde K. A critical overview of homeopathy. Ann Internal Medicine 2003; 138:393-399.
Table 2
Clinical trials of homeopathy for cardiovascular diseases (8)
| Author/ Year | Indication Result |
| Bignamini/1887 | Hypertension Negative |
| Wisenauer et al/1987 | Hypertension Positive |
| Savage/ 1977 | Stroke Negative |
| Hitzenberger/ 1982 | Hypertension Negative |
| Master/1987 | Hypertension Positive |
| Dorfman et al/ 1988 | Venous perfusion Positive |
| Savage and Roe/ 1978 | Stroke Negative |
Adapted from: Kleijnen J, Knipschild P, ter Riet G. Clinical trials of homeopathy.
BMJ 1991; 302: 316-23.
Table 3
Reviews of select clinical trials of homeopathy for specific conditions (7)
| Author/ Year | Indication | Studies # | Results |
| Linde et al/ 1998 | Asthma 3 RCTs | Two trials with positive results | evidence inconclusive |
| Earnst/ 1999 | Headache prophylaxis 4 RCTs | One trial positive | one partially positive and two negative |
| Ludke and Wilkens/ 1999 | All trauma and post operatively 23 RCTs | 14 non randomized trials | evidence suggests that Arnica homeopathic medication can be useful |
| Vickers and Smith/ 2000 | Influenza like syndrome 7 RCTs | Oscillococcinum reduces duration of the syndrome | |
| Wiesenauer and Lludke/ 1996 | Pollinosis 8 RCTs | 1 controlled trial | Galphia is more effective than placebo |
| Barnes/ 199 | 7 Post-operative ileus 4 RCTs | 4 uncontrolled trials | evidence weak |
| Taylor/ 2000 | Allergic conditions 4 RCTs | pooled results in favor of homeopathy | |
| Jacobs/ 1993 | Childhood diarrhea 3 RCTs | homeopathy reduces duration of diarrhea. |
Several trials have suggested that homeopathy is ineffective for migraine, delayed onset muscle soreness and influenza prevention.
Adapted from: Jonas BJ, Kapchuk TJ, Linde K.
A critical overview of homeopathy.
Ann Internal Medicine
2003; 138:393-399.
VI– References
1. Lyons AS, Petrucelli RJ: Medicine An Illustrated History, New York, 1987, Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
2. Ernst E, Kaptchuk TJ, Homeopathy Revisited, Arch Int Med 156:2162-2164, 1996.
3. Haehl R: Samuel Hahnemann: His Life and Work, 1922, Homeopathic Publishing Co:36, quoted in Jonas WB, Jacobs J: Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors’ Guide, NY, 1996, Warner Books.
4. Hahnemann HCF: Materia Medica Pura, Dresden Germany, 1830, Arnoldischen Buchhandlung.
5. Hahnemann S: Boericke W, Translation Organon of Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, 1922, Boericke & Tafel.
6. Rothstein WG: American Physicians in the 19th Century, Baltimore MD, 1992, The Johns Hopkins University Press.
7. The evidence base of complementary medicine 2nd Edition, The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, 1999.
8. Reilly DT. The Puzzle of Homeopathy. J.of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 2001 7 (2): S 2103-109.
9. Reilly DT, Taylor MA, McSahrry C, Aitchison T. Is homeopathy placebo response? Controlled trial of homeopathic potency, with pollen in hay fever as model. Lancet 1986;ii: 881-86.
10. Reilly DT, Taylor MA, Beatle N, Campbell JH, McSahrry C, Stevenson RD. Is evidence for homeopathy reproducible? Lancet 1994; 344: 1601-06.
11. Cucerat M, Haugh MC, Gooch M, Boissel JP. Evidence of clinical efficacy of homeopathy. A meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Homeopathic Medicines Research Advisory Group (HMRAG). Eur J. Clinical Pharmacology 2000; 56:27-33.
12. Linde K, Melchart D. Randomized controlled trials of individualized homeopathy: a state of the art review. J. Alternative Complement Medicine 1998; 4:371-88.
13. Linde K, Clausius N, Ramirez G, Melchart D, Eitel F, Hedges LV. Are the clinical effects of homeopathy placebo effects? A meta- analysis of placebo controlled trials. Lancet 1997; 350: 834-43.
14. Ernst E. A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy. Brit J Clinical Pharmacology 2002; 54: 577-582.
15. Jonas BJ, Kapchuk TJ, Linde K. A critical overview of homeopathy. Ann Internal Medicine 2003; 138:393-399.
16. Kleijnen J, Knipschild P, ter Riet G. Clinical trials of homeopathy. BMJ 1991; 302: 316-23.
17. The desktop guide to complementary and alternative medicine. An evidence based approach. Ed. Edzard Earnst. Mosby- Harcourt Publishers Limited. 2001.
18. Murphy, R: Homeopathic Medical Repertory, Pagosa Springs, 1993, Hahnemann Academy of North America.
Suggested Reading
Materia Medica and Repertories
1. Morrison, R: Desktop Companion, Nevada City, 1998, Hahnemann Clinic Publishing.
2. Roberts, HA: “Sensations As If”, Philadelphia, 1937, Boericke & Tafel.
3. Murphy, R: Lotus Materia Medica, Pagosa Springs, 1995, Lotus Star Academy.
4. Lilienthal S: Homeopathic Therapeutics, New York, 1879, Boericke & Tafel.
5. Clarke JH: Clinical Repertory, London, 1904, The Homoeopathic Publishing Company.
6. Jouanny J, Crapanne JB, Dancer H, Masson JL: Homeopathic Therapeutics, France, 1994, Editions Boiron.
Homeopathic Treatment and Philosophy
1. Jonas WB, Jacobs J, Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors’ Guide, New York, 1996, Warner Books.
2. Coulter HL: Homeopathic Scienc & Modern Medicine, Berkeley California, 1980, The American Institute of Homeopathy.
3. Whitmont EC: The Alchemy of Healing, Berkeley California, 1993, North Atlantic Books.
4. Vithoulkas G: The Science of Homeopathy, New York, 1980, Random House.
5. Bellavite P, Signorini A: Homeopathy A Frontier in Medical Science, Berkeley California, 1995, north Atlantic Books.
6. Roberts HA: The Principles and Art of Cure by Homeopathy, London, 1936, Homoeopathic Publishing Company.
VII– Homeopathic Resources
The following is a list of Professional Homeopathic Organizations currently active in the United States.
1) The American Institute of Homeopathy. A professional organization with membership open to MD’s, DO’s, DDS’s, PA’s and Advanced Practice Nurses. Publishes The American Journal of Homeopathy.
10418 Whitehead Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 246-9501
Website: www.
2) The National Center for Homeopathy. A national organization with open membership which promotes homeopathy through the journal Homeopathy Today.
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 306
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-7790
Fax: (703) 548-7792
Website: www.homeopathic.org
3) The Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York. The Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of
New York was established in 1862 as a professional organization open to M.D.’s and D.O.’s formed for the advancement of homeopathic
therapeutics. The society meets twice annually and distributes a newsletter to it’s members.
6250 Route 9
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
(845) 876-6323
Fax: (845) 876-2627
Website: www.hmssny.org
4) The Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania. Established in 1865, the society was
formed for the purpose of organizing and supporting the Homeopathic Medical profession in the state of Pennsylvania and advancing medical
science. Membership is open to M.D.’s, D.O.’s, P.A.’s, C.R.N.P.’s and R.Ph.’s, dentists and veterinarians.
637 West Lincoln Highway
Exton, PA 19341
(610) 269-0255
5) The Ohio State Homeopathic Medical Society. The Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of Ohio was founded in Columbus in 1864.
It has met continuously since, publishing transactions of its annual meetings in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Originally incorporated in 1878, new articles were drawn up in 1993.
556 West Portage Trail
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223
(330) 923-3060
6) The California State Homeopathic Medical Society. This society was founded in 1877 in response to the need for a professional association of homeopathic physicians. Today it is a non-profit, tax exempt, California corporation which has extended it’s membership to include the western United States.
169 East El Roblar
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-1495
www.homeopathywest.org
7) The Illinois Homeopathic Medical Association. Originally established in 1881 in Chicago and reincorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in 1992, the IHMA is a professional organization open to M.D.’s, D.O.’s, D.C.’s and D.D.S’s who are interested in homeopathy. Other licensed health practitioners are eligible for associate membership. the IHMA was formed to promote the science of homeopathic medicine, encourage homeopathic medical research, and establish standards of homeopathic medical education.
400 East 22nd Street, Suite F
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 792-9311
8) The Southern Homeopathic Medical Association. Established in 1885 in New Orleans, LA, officially incorporated in 1985 as a nonstock corporation in Virginia, the SHMA is a professional organization, open to M.D.’s, D.O.’s, and dentists, which was formed to promote homeopathic medicine, advance homeopathic education, and safeguard homeopathic practice in the Southern states.
10418 Whitehead Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 273-5250
9) The Florida Homeopathic Medical Society. To educate and network Florida licensed medical professionals for homeopathy.
496 North Harbor City Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 32935
(407) 752-0140
10) The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists. The AAHP represents the interests of homeopathic manufacturers, distributors, and individual pharmacists in cooperative efforts with regulatory agencies, and other organizations nationally. We provide educational opportunities for pharmacists and compliance training for companies.
33 Fairfax Street
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
(800) 478-0421
www.homeopathicpharmacy.org
11) The American Board of Homeotherapeutics. Established in 1960. Open to M.D.’s, and D.O.’s. Awards the DHt-Diplomate in Homeotherapeutics.
2776 Hydraulic Road, Suite 5
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 295-0362
www.homeopathyusa.org/ABHt
12) The Council on Homeopathic Education. Provides information about accredited homeopathic programs and conferences.
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 306
Alexandria, VA 22314
(212) 560-7136
www.chedu.org
13) The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States. Established in 1980. Publishes the “Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia” of the United States.
P.O. Box 2221
Southeastern, PA 19399-2221
(610) 783-0987
www.HPCUS.com
14) Homeopaths Without Borders-North America. Providing humanitarian aid, homeopathic education/treatment for communities in need.
P.O. Box 1550
Basalt, CO 81621
The authors would like to express their thanks to Julian Winston for his many helpful editorial comments in the preparation of this manuscript.
This Article was published in Complimentary and Integrative Therapies for Cardiovascular Disease,
Elsevier Mosby, Editors Frishman, Weintraub, Micozzi, Chapter 13, Homeopathy With a Special Focus on Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases, pages 232- 247, 2005. It is posted with permission from Elsevier.
Dr. Ronald D. Whitmont, MD
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