Improving Your Mood by Getting Negative Ions

Curious about negative ions? Here is a brief summary of what they are and why they are worth seeking out.

Negative ions are created when air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, and moving air and water. When the molecules break, they gain or lose an electrical charge. The resulting particles are ions. An ion holds a positive or negative charge. These naturally occurring charged air particles constantly circulate around us.

Computer terminals, fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, modern building materials, poor room air circulation, heat, and humidity can generate an abundance of positive ions. Dense masses of positive ions tend to encourage fatigue and depression. Levels of electric and magnetic fields are unregulated, so it is difficult to figure out which machines are creating the most positive ions. But don't worry. A Harvard study notes that "there is currently no firm indication that electric and magnetic fields cause health effects at any particular level." However, even if the EMFs aren't clinically proven to be harmful, taking breaks from such highly charged scenes can quickly refresh your body and mind.

Dr. Michael Terman, PH.D, Professor of Clinical Psych at the College of Physcians and Surgeons at Columbia Presbyterian Medial Center, found that boosting the supply of negative ions "evokes beneficial mood effects," indicating "clear improvement in patients with winter depression." He points out that negative ion generators available for sale do not create enough negative ions to significantly shift one's mood. Crashing ocean waves, rapidly flowing rivers, rain showers, and even the splash of water from household showers create the high density of negative ions required to make a difference.

My experience is that 100% of the time, simply being on the beach, near flowing water, or in the rain (by choice) improves my mood dramatically. I believe that this can be partially explained by the high levels of negative ions in these locations. The air circulating in such locations is said to contain tens of thousands of negative ions, while the typical home or office can register zero negative ions. If you're up for lifting your mood, try taking a trip to a negative ion place.

Read more about negative ions.

© 2002-2007 Dreyfuss Enterprises
Please contact Dreyfuss Enterprises for reproduction permission