First of all, what is a negative ion, because anything that’s negative is bad for you right? A negative ion, which are also known as anions, are particles which contain at a minimum, one extra electron. That’s the vague scientific definition.
What occurs is this particular additional particle, has a negative ion charge. It’s the opposite of a positively charged ion, known as cations
Negative ions are thought to cure maladies such as: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), allergies, depression and asthma, along with other healing properties.
There’s also other benefits of negative ions, such as being an inexpensive solution to kill surface bacteria and airborne viruses.
What Are Negative Ions
Negative ions are invisible to the naked eye, they are odourless, colourless and tasteless, and are found in abundance. What we do is inhale them, without we knowing.
Once ingested, they enter into our bloodstream, which immediately creates a biochemical reaction. What occurs is an increased level of serotonin in the brain.
In nature, negative ions can be found abundantly near waterfalls, the oceans and in the forest, as well as every time you take a shower.
Negative Ion Research
Researchers have been conducting studies on the biological, as well as the psychological impact negative ions have on humans, as well as animals.
What’s been discovered is negative along with positive ions, can accelerate or decelerate the elimination of Staphylococci cells, or Staph infection, in clean air.
Studies have shown negative ions, were able to slow the growth of bacteria and fungi in contaminated water, both on solid surfaces or airborne.
What the negative ions exhibited, was an immediate direct and effective elimination process in the bacteria.
Outdoor Sources Of Negative Ions
In certain natural outdoor environments, such as rain, waterfalls and beaches, mountain tops and deep forests, all contain more negative ions than any artificial indoor environment.
These negative ions are created naturally when there’s movement of pure air, water, or sunlight. This by a process of radiation, breaking apart the air molecules.
Negative ions will gain one or more electrons, which becomes negatively charged.
The positive ion will as a result, lose one or more electrons, becoming positively charged.
This is why we feel refreshed directly after a sudden spring thunderstorm, or a walk after a rainfall when the air is still pure and charged with negative ions.
Interior Sources Of Negative Ions
Negative ions can be generated by air ionizers, known as negative ion generators. These devices uses high-voltage currents, so they can electronically ionize the air molecules.
These air ionizers are commonly used in homes, as well as industrial or institutional settings like hospitals.
Because of the recent outbreaks and epidemics such as SARS, or the virus, negative ion generators as a consumer orientated product, have become popular.
Products include appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, toothbrushes and even ion friendly laptop computers.
Can Negative Ions Cure Or Heal
There really isn’t any scientific backing, on why you feel better and refreshed once you’re outside taking a walk, or when you go for a run.
What’s known is these ideal natural environments, are charged with thousands of flowing negative ions.
This in contrast with a typical home or office, where the presence of positive ions is extremely high.
A Positive Ion Environment
All of the power sucking electronics such as TVs, computers, mobile phones, along with the acid-forming highly processed foods we consume, all emits a positive ion charge.
These technological devices although convenient to use, creates a cloud of unseen electrical smog.
What they do is affects our thinking, leading us to bad moods, headaches, and general restlessness.
These positively charged ions which are in our homes, cling to and interfere with the negative ions which are circulating our body.
This in effect reduces the body’s natural overall ideal negative charge, and why we feel ill.
Benefits Of Negative Ions
Once you activate negative ions or there’s an increase, what it does is repels the unwanted positive ions, bringing our body into a state of homeostasis.
What a body that’s in complete balance with itself does, is develops the capacity to be able to heal itself.
Where Negative Ions Are The Most Effective:
• It effectively discharges energy blockages in the body
• It clears out the distortions which are present in our bio-energetic fields
• Negative ions facilitates the body so it can heal itself
• It energizes the foods and the liquids we consume while increasing their potency
• Balances and energizes the imbalances in our bodies
• Directly energizes the immediate environment
The Debate Of Legitimacy
There has been debate by the scientific community whether negative ions, can actually effect our mood or improve our lives.
The argument being, is it actually the immediate environment itself, along with the surroundings, which causes the improvements, or is it our mindfulness.
There’s seemingly no end to this debate. What we’re all seeking is easier, better overall health in our lives, and this appears effective.
Creating Negative Ions
The easiest and fastest way to create your own natural negative ion environment, is by taking a shower.
The next time you do so, place your head under the stream of water from the shower head, and place your hand directly over your nose and mouth.
Begin to take deep breaths filling your lungs. This is pure negative ion infused oxygen at its best, that you’re breathing in.
This is the reason why you feel refreshed and energized once you take a shower, and it’s not because you’re cleaner.