There is a lot of confusion surrounding the powers of positive and negative ions and in particular,
the fact that negative doesn’t necessary equate to bad and neither should you take positive to
necessarily mean good.
Negative ions can in fact make you feel good and having an understanding of the effects that they
have on us will help you have a more informed opinion about the benefits of products that promote
wellness through the use of ions such as a Himalayan salt lamp and other products that are designed
to help us utilize the positive and negative ions around us.
“Our air contains a combination of
both positive and negative ions and
the balance of the two is what will
affect our wellbeing and mood.”
The Air Around Us
The basic principle is that our air contains a combination of both positive and negative ions
and the balance of the two is what will affect our wellbeing and mood.
The difficulty that surrounds discussion about the benefits of negative ions for instance, is the
fact that you are unable to see them or even taste or smell them, but some scientists are of
the opinion that they can positively influence certain health conditions.
Negative ions are generally considered to be most likely found in places that offer relative peace
and tranquility such as mountainous areas and also places where there is water such as beaches
and waterfalls.
The suggestion is that by surrounding yourself with these negative ions in these areas will give
them the opportunity to access your blood stream and to subsequently promote a greater feeling
of inner wellbeing as a result.
Biochemical Reaction
The effect of these negative ions reaching your blood stream is to cause a number of
different biochemical reactions.
One effect, is a greater amount of the hormone serotonin being produced in your body
and the increased levels induce a positive effect to counteract the feelings we can
experience with anxiety, stress and other related conditions.
If this theory is correct, negative ions do in fact have the opposite effect to their description
and the biochemical reaction can create positive feelings, which is why so many are keen to
try and harness its power.
“Negative ions reaching your blood stream
cause a number of different biochemical
reactions in your body including the
production of a greater amount of the
hormone serotonin and the biochemical
reaction can create positive feelings.”
The Great Outdoors Debate
In order to balance the argument, it is also worth noting that some skeptics might suggest
that being outside in a naturally calming environment like a mountain area where there is
plenty of peace and tranquility, is going to lift your spirits and feelings anyway.
Being outdoors and enjoying some rest and relaxation as well as some clean fresh air is
undoubtedly going to help promote a greater feeling of calm within you on its own, but
there is also scientific evidence to suggest that negative ions can help alter our mood
in a positive way.
So whilst the debate continues, there is enough scientific research to suggest that negative
ions can help with conditions such as depression and they can also be beneficial in aiding
the removal of particulate matter in the air, which is the principle behind the use of air purifiers.
Negative Ion Generators
Whilst we would all probably like to spend more time at the beach or taking mountainous walks,
the reality is that we don’t all have the time for that in our busy lives.
This is why there are certain products available to try and recreate that positivity and one of them
is a negative ion generator.
A generator can work to provide both ions and when it does this it manages to produce a by-product
called Hydroxyl, which provides assistance in removing some of the hydrogen in the air around you.
Reducing the level of hydrogen will have the effect of bringing down the amount of pollution and
toxins you are exposed to in your surroundings and this has led to some scientists suggesting that
Hydroxyl could be considered a natural way of cleaning your air.
“The positive powers of negative ions
can be an influence in helping you
achieve a healthier disposition
and lifestyle.”
Help with Allergies
As well as identifying a number of potential health benefits that are associated with the power
of negative ions, there is also the fact that it could help with some other health issues such as
allergies for example.
The effect of having cleaner air in your home is not only a positive influence on combatting the
symptoms of anxiety and depression but it can also help with reducing the levels of agitation
you might experience with allergies.
Despite the contradiction in the name, it would appear that the positive powers of negative ions
can be an influence in helping you achieve a healthier disposition and that is why so many people
are keen to learn more about this phenomenon.
About the Author:
Celia Narley works in alternative therapies and wellness and likes to share her insights online. Her articles and posts are mainly published on health and lifestyle blogs.
What do you think about the power of negative ions?
Have you used negative ion products in your home?
What have you used?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
Fascinating and a totally new topic for me! Loved reading this and learning. Thanks so much!
Great article, Deborah. I learned a lot about negative ions while studying nutrition and before that always wondered why I felt so reinvigorated and wonderful. And then I learned why. I see that the jury is still out on it, but I can’t deny how I feel when I’m outside and near water. I don’t have any products in my home – I’m not sure how I feel about them.
I have one of these lamps, and I love it!!! It’s true- it really can change the whole vibe of your house:) I’m glad you put this out there to share all the wonderful benefits!! Thanks for sharing on my blog hop too! I hope you join me again this month.
I’ve been looking for this informative post about negative ions and I found it here! Actually negative ions have many benefits like Strengthening the Immune System, Provides Relief From Rheumatism, etc. I been using Alabaster Miracle Oil because it is very effective and all my pain were relief.
Hi Deborah,
I have 2 of these Himalyan salt lamps -mine are electric with a 4 watt bulb in them. I don’t like lighting candles of any type. One is beside my computer desk & 1 in my bedroom. I knew they were supposed to be good for allergies and help EMF rays (which is why I put it beside my computer) I have to turn the one in the bedroom off at night because the night is too bright and affects my sleep, but then I turn it back on every morning. I understand they help with dust and I honestly believe that since I have had in the bedroom I have less dust which in turn helps allergies and makes it easier to breathe.
Just the glow of the lamp to me is calming when I am around it. I believe there is definitely some positive affects for the body to the salt lamps. I have no scientific way to prove it but my personal feelings and I love the warming soothing effects of them.
Mostly I don’t know how they possibly hurt expect you. I have never heard of the negative Ion generator balls but I will have to check them out.
Thanks for providing all this valuable information . Sharing
Hi Marla,
I am so glad to hear that you are using salt lamps successfully in your home. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I appreciate it.
I’ve been using these himalayan rock salt lamps for years now and have them in every room in my house.
They have helped me with some minor health problems i had like sinusitis and cluster headaches.
Their glow is also very relaxing and the warm colors are just beautiful
Hi June,
I am so happy to learn that Himalayan Salt Lamps were helpful to you. That’s wonderful! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.