Ionised Air Explained
Negative ion exposure is associated with feeling better about oneself, less sensitive, more responsive and more energised.
The air is naturally full of particles, including billions of ions. We are constantly surrounded by them, breathing them in. Ions are invisible electrically charged particles, either positive or negative. They are part of nature, generated by cosmic rays, radioactive elements in the soil, ultraviolet radiation, storms, waterfalls, winds, the friction of blowing sand or dust.
High levels of negative ions are naturally found in places like the countryside, forests, at the beach, in the mountains, near waterfalls, and many other places where we naturally like to be, places that make us feel good. Fresh country air will have up to 4000 negative ions per cubic centimetre; a city centre during rush hour will typically have only 100 negative ions per cubic centimetre. Standing by a large spectacular waterfall, you may experience up to 100,000!
Ions appear to have varied effects, such as how ants know in advance to unblock their tunnels before rain falls; why cattle become skittish before a storm; why rheumatic joints ‘tingle’ when a barometer falls.
High levels of negative ions are naturally found in places like the countryside, forests, at the beach, in the mountains, near waterfalls, and many other places where we naturally like to be, places that make us feel good. Fresh country air will have up to 4000 negative ions per cubic centimetre; a city centre during rush hour will typically have only 100 negative ions per cubic centimetre. Standing by a large spectacular waterfall, you may experience up to 100,000!
Ions appear to have varied effects, such as how ants know in advance to unblock their tunnels before rain falls; why cattle become skittish before a storm; why rheumatic joints ‘tingle’ when a barometer falls.
Ions are widely believed to have an effect on people too. Negative ions have a positive effect on us; positive ions have a negative effect. Our moods, energy and health appear to be remarkably improved by supercharging the air we breathe with negative ions.
Negative ions freshen and purify the air. Allergens such as dust, pollen, mould spores and animal dander have a neutral or positive charge. Therefore, they stick to the negative ions (opposites attract), forming heavier clumps of particles which then drop to the floor, too heavy to remain suspended in the air that we breathe.
Medically speaking, it is thought that ions act on our capacity to absorb and utilise oxygen. Negative ions in the blood stream speed up the delivery of oxygen to our cells and tissues. Positive ions, however, slow it down. It is also believed that negative ions may stimulate the reticuloendothelial system – a group of defence cells in our bodies which marshal our resistance to disease. Negative ions in the bloodstream are thought to increase the levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress and boost our energy.
Negative ions freshen and purify the air. Allergens such as dust, pollen, mould spores and animal dander have a neutral or positive charge. Therefore, they stick to the negative ions (opposites attract), forming heavier clumps of particles which then drop to the floor, too heavy to remain suspended in the air that we breathe.
Medically speaking, it is thought that ions act on our capacity to absorb and utilise oxygen. Negative ions in the blood stream speed up the delivery of oxygen to our cells and tissues. Positive ions, however, slow it down. It is also believed that negative ions may stimulate the reticuloendothelial system – a group of defence cells in our bodies which marshal our resistance to disease. Negative ions in the bloodstream are thought to increase the levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress and boost our energy.