What are Ions?
Ancient peoples recognized that the air is “electric,” so to speak, but it is thought that the formal study of ions did not begin until fairly recently. In 1899, two German scientists, Elster and Geitel, discovered that there are particles in the atmosphere that carry electricity. These particles were later named “air ions” by the British scientist Faraday. The word “ion” was taken from the Greek language, in which it means to “go” or “wander about.”
Ions are invisible particles, either molecules or atoms, which bear an electric charge. Atoms, for instance, consist of an atomic nucleus that contains neutral neutrons and positively charged protons, as well as orbiting electrons that are negatively charged. When an atom is in a neutral condition, the number of protons (+) and electrons (-) is equal. When the number of protons and electrons is not the same, the particle becomes an ion that is either positively or negatively charged. Generally speaking, positive ions are harmful to the human body, while negative ions are beneficial.
Positive Ion
An atom (or molecule) that has lost one or more electrons due to a high-energy impact. Natural forces that generate positive ions include the decay of radioactive minerals, radon gas, forest fires, lightning and ultraviolet rays.
Negative Ion
An atom (or molecule) that has gained one or more extra negatively charged electrons. Negative ions are naturally generated by evaporating water.
Electrons are highly sensitive to shock, impact, electric current and atmospheric change. Air pressure or heat can cause electrons to escape from atoms and dissipate, increasing the number of positive ions in the air.
As mentioned above, the balance of negative and positive ions in the air is easily disturbed. A good example of this can be seen in the changes in ion levels associated with storm activity. Several hours before a thunderstorm, for instance, low atmospheric pressure causes the number of positive ions in the air to increase dramatically, to levels that sometimes exceed 5000 ions per cm³. In contrast, during a storm, negative ions increase to several thousand per cm³ while positive ions decrease, often to below 500 per cm³. (You can detect similarly high negative ion concentrations near natural places such as jungles, waterfalls etc. – see the chart below.)
Negative and Positive Ion Levels Measured at Various Locations
| + | NEGATIVE IONS | POSITIVE IONS |
| Offices | 70 | 1400 |
| Industrial Areas | 50 | 300 |
| Shopping Arcades | 220 | 280 |
| Residential Areas | 200 | 180 |
| Forests | 2500 | 820 |
| Hot Spring | 2500 | 820 |
| Waterfall | 5000 | 300 |
Negative ions are in the air that we breathe as well as in our bodies. They neutralize free radicals, revitalize cell metabolism and enhance immune function. In addition, they purify the blood and balance the autonomic nervous system, promoting deep sleep and healthy digestion. Negative ions also protect the body and mind from the harmful effects of environmental stressors such as electromagnetic fields.
How Positive and Negative Ions Affect Our Bodies
| + | NEGATIVE IONS | POSITIVE IONS |
| Blood vessels | Dilate blood vessels | Constrict blood vessels |
| Blood Pressure | Stabilize BP | Increase BP |
| Blood | Increase blood alkalinity | Increase blood acidity |
| Bones | Strengthen bones | Weaken bones |
| Urinary tract | Promote urination; increase nitrogen in urine | Suppress urination; decrease nitrogen in urine |
| Respiratory | Stabilize respiration and make breathing easier | Accelerate respiration and make breathing more difficult. |
| Pulse rate | Decrease pulse rate | Increase pulse rate |
| Heart | Enhance heart function | Impair heart function |
| Autonomic Nervous System | Calm and relax nerves | Tense and strain the nervous system |
| Growth | Promote healthy growth | Suppress and delay growth |