Most people normally associate anything negative as inherently bad. But that’s not always the case. Instead of nature’s negative ions being a bad thing, they can have quite positive effects. Even if you’ve never heard of negative ions before, you’ve likely felt their effects and benefitted from their impact. If you’ve ever bathed in sunrays on a hot day, breathed in the fresh air at the beach, or went on a hike and marveled at a rushing waterfall, then you have felt and been impacted by these negative ions.
What are Negative Ions?
Negative ions refer to molecules that are odorless, tasteless, and are not visible to our naked eyes. These ions occur naturally in various spaces as mentioned previously, and one way they are created is termed the Lenard Effect. This is when molecules of water collide (like at the ocean or a waterfall) and break apart to create a positive ion and a negative ion. This phenomenon is one of the few ways where a significant number of negative ions are generated in the natural environment. What’s more is that even the tiniest creek sized waterfalls can generate up to several thousands of negative ions per cubic centimeter in their surroundings. The average home or office building on the other hand may contain merely dozens or hundreds of negative ions and might even be measured as zero negative ions total. Thinking of other ways negative ions might be naturally produced brings up thoughts of storms, lightning, friction in the shift of large air masses, disturbances in the atmosphere, volcanic eruptions, and even plants. There are also devices that generate these ions for personal use, and you likely even have direct access to one in your home – the shower!
What can Negative Ions Do for You?
At a high level, negative ions are found to increase the flow of oxygen to the brain which in turn results in higher levels of alertness, decreases in levels of drowsiness, and more overall mental energy. There is also potential for them to protect against other airborne molecules like germs, causing decreased irritation and less sneezing and coughing caused by those germs. Research is being done on the use of negative ions for treatment in seasonal and chronic depression. Overall, the impact of negative ions results in feelings of boosts in daytime energy and can make us feel like we’re on top of the world as we breathe in the fresh air and negative ions. But we don’t always have access to sunny days, gushing, rushing waterfalls, and other natural sources of negative ions. To supplement the natural, look to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which may provide a negative ion generator during the oxygen session.
Negative Ions in HBOT
Certain manufacturers of HBOT chambers include these negative ion generators, pairing the increased oxygen intake of HBOT with the relaxing benefits of negative ions. This combination allows patients to intake pure oxygen-containing negative ions at a higher pressure and promotes the body’s overall self-renewal and healing process, enhancing the vitality of our immune systems. Whether receiving negative ions through nature on your next hike or in HBOT at your next session, the effects are sure to multiply and help you feel at your best.
