What if you could access a colourless, odourless, tasteless, invisible and natural source of energy that can boost your mood without giving you a hangover, a headache, or any other side effects?

This resource is abundant, easy to create, and costs nothing. I am talking about ions. Remember back in science class we learned about these molecules/atoms that had positive or negative charges? Researchers are learning that those ions can impact our mood dramatically.

A positive ion is a particle that loses an electron. From a health standpoint, too many positive ions can be harmful.

The healthful negative ion gains an electron which increases its ability to absorb and utilize oxygen and reduces any excess of harmful serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical which plays an important role in mood, appetite, and sensory perception. Many antidepressants work to regulate serotonin. Negative Ion Report: The CBS Nightly News, Feb 14, 1995

Negative ions also clean the air. They act like magnets attracting pollutants and dust and dragging them to the ground. That’s why you’ll often see the haze in the sky disappear and a gorgeous blue sky return after a lightning storm.

Positively charged ions are everywhere. Computers, TVs, air conditioning, and other electronic equipment constantly release positive ions into the air. Some researchers claim that an excess of positive ions can cause discomfort and symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea in some people.

Some natural conditions contribute to excessive positive ions. Hot, dry winds such as the Sharav in Israel, the Santa Ana of California, the Foehn of Germany and the Chinook of Canada are positive ion-predominant. In their paths, weather sensitive people complain of breathing difficulty, nervousness, and migraines. In Bavaria, doctors postpone all but emergency surgery and judges are more lenient when the Foehn blows according to Fred Soyka, author of the Ion Effect.

Did you know the term lunatic is derived from the word Lunar (Moon)? You may have heard that hormones, moods, and hyperactivity increases around a full moon. This too is because the full moon causes an increase of positive ions in the air.

Negatively charged ions come from natural sources such as waterfalls, waves of the ocean pounding the sand, rain storms, lighting, and other atmospheric conditions. Have you ever found yourself feeling refreshed after a summer thunderstorm or invigorated by the salty sea air? The negatively charged ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, which increases mood, alertness and mental energy. Why is Niagara Falls one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners and couples? Researchers suspect because it is also the negative ion capitol of the world.

Scientists such as Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research and director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C. also believes negatively charged ions also "may protect against germs in the air, resulting in decreased irritation due to inhaling various particles that make you sneeze, cough, or have a throat irritation."

Since most of us don’t have waterfalls in our backyard, and we can’t make our own thunderstorms, how do we access negatively charged ions?

Well, every home has a built in natural ionizer -- the shower. Other natural sources include: sunlight, plants, beeswax candles, salt lamps, water fountains. Also, many Feng Shui practices help to increase negative ions.

You can also purchase items that artificially produce negative ions such as air purifiers and negative ion generators. I haven’t tried any of these yet; however, I recently switched to an ionic hair dryer as I was told it worked wonderfully in the winter to keep static out of hair through the use of negative ions. In the few weeks since I’ve had it, I have found my hair is stronger, it has stopped falling out, and I actually feel refreshed after using it.

If you would like to read more about the effects of negative ions on health, WebMD has a good article called Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes.

And, although it’s an older book Fred Soyka’s book has some great reviews and sounds like an interesting read. It is next on the ‘to read list’.

I am always thrilled to learn about natural ways to feel better. I always knew I felt better being around water, waves, and always surrounded myself with plants and fountains. I just never understood why until recently.
Hope your day is filled with negative ions! :