Negative Ions Found in Nature

I always say Mother Nature gives us so many gifts, and Negative Ions are one of them! If you have ever gotten that uplifted feeling when you are outdoors, it very well could be the Negative Ions you are experiencing. Areas with high Negative ions include:

What are Negative Ions and Positive Ions

Everything is made up of atoms or molecules (a group of atoms), and atoms contain protons or electrons. Protons are positively (+) charged and electrons are negatively charged. Electrons can move about and often move from one atom to another. For example: Atoms that gain electrons become net negative or an anion (Greek word for up). Atoms that lose electrons become net positive or cations (Greek For Down). Atoms, like everything else, try to maintain a balance of positive and negative charges.

You are probably wondering, “What does all this mean or matter?” Negative and positive ions are naturally present in the environment, but their concentrations can vary depending on location and environmental conditions. Well, in high pollution areas, or on the inside of buildings or non-naturally lit areas, there is a greater level of cations or a higher positive charge, meaning that the atoms in that area lack electrons. Negative air ions tend to be found in higher concentrations around moving water, such as waterfalls, as well as in other natural outdoor environments. That may be one reason researchers have been interested in whether negative ions influence how we feel, although the science is still developing and results have been mixed.

Some research has been conducted using negative ion generators in offices, and it showed a possible elevation in mood in areas with high negative ion levels.

Negative Ion Benefits – The Research

Speaking of research, I ran across an article that compiled much of the scientific evidence together to form a hypothesis about negative and positive ions and their effects on people. Many of the studies seemed inconsistent. Some studies showed benefit, while others did not. For me, it wasn’t enough to be swayed one way or the other, especially with the limited groups of people the studies used. The studies looked at several of the following areas:

• Mood
• Anxiety Levels
• Sleep and Relaxation
• Personal Comfort Levels
• Depression

The reviews pertaining to mood and anxiety levels showed that when positive ions or charges increased, and negative ions or charges decreased, anxiety increased and one’s mood decreased. For relaxation and sleep, many of the studies showed a more relaxed state and improved sleep with exposure to higher concentrations of negative ions or charges. Studies pertaining to one’s comfort level showed a higher feeling of comfort and feeling less stuffy or unpleasant when exposed to negative charges or ions. The studies showing the least amount of inconsistency pertained to depression. Higher negative ions or charges showed a decrease in depression. The conclusions of these studies and articles warrant further study, especially since the study was partially funded by a grant from an electric transmission facility.

With or without the studies, one who has experienced Mother Nature’s negative ions can’t argue the fact of how good we sleep, how relaxed we feel, and how happy we become! Maybe that is why PEMF machines and Foot Detox Baths are found to be so beneficial for promoting an overall feeling of well-being.