What are negative ions?
Ions are molecules that have lost or gained an electrical charge. They are generated in nature by molecules breaking apart due to sunlight, radiation, high winds or moving water.
Those that have gained an electron or charge are known as negative ions, those that have lost charge are know as positive ions. Negative ions are the so called good ions or “happy ions” because of their effects on mood, energy, libido and a sense of well-being.
Negative ions form predominantly near waterfalls, high on mountains, at the seashore or after storms. Negative ions can improve sleep, appetite and recuperation. Air quality studied at the site of a waterfall, seashore, mountains, or after a rain shower, records hundreds of thousands of negative ions per cubic centimetre.
Researchers from the former Soviet Union have noted that more than 5000 scientific studies support the view that high doses of negative ions produce positive effects. The opposite is true with similar exposure to positive ions.
They were the first to become convinced of the benefits of negative ion treatment for individuals with various illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and upper respiratory problems. Scientific research concludes that negatively charged ions have positive effects on living organisms. Plants grow faster and healthier and we respond with increased alertness and relaxation.
Researchers believe that negative ions
- Act on our capacity to absorb and utilise oxygen. Negative ions in the bloodstream accelerate the delivery of oxygen to our cells and tissues.
- Speed up oxidation of serotonin (Hydroxtryptamine). This is well known to have far reaching effects on mood, pain relief and sexual drive.
- Ionisers are often used as an alternative to drugs such as Prozac to treat depression.