Ions

Ions are electrically charged molecules. Molecules consist of atoms containing protons, neutrons and electrons. The negatively charged electrons are extremely tiny particles that are orbiting around the positively charged nucleus (made up of the positively charged protons and neutral neutrons) at extremely high speeds.

Electrons can absorb energy from the surroundings and get “excited” to leave the original atom and jump on to a different atom. This would leave the original atom to be positively charged while the new atom to be negatively charged. Such surroundings can be natural (e.g. cosmic rays, lightning etc.) or artificial (e.g. man made electrical circuits, magnetic fields etc.). The process is termed as Ionization.

A molecule can thus have several atoms either neutral and/or positively or negatively charged. The result is a negatively charged molecule (or a negative ION) or a positively charged molecule (or a positive ION).


Use of Negative Ions

The air surrounding us plays an extremely important role in our well being and efficiency. Breathing pure and clean air allows us to think more clearly, sleep more soundly, and stay healthier. Studies show that we receive 56% of our energy from the air we breathe, more than from water and food combined. On average we breathe 37 pounds of air a day (equivalent to volume of an Olympic sized pool).

Scientific tests have revealed that the ratio of negative to positive ions in the air should be between 1.02 and 0.98, and the air’s composition of negative ions should range between 1000 and 1500 per cubic centimeter (i.e. size of a sugar cube).

Negative Ions clean the air of impurities like dust, pollen, animal dander, mold spores, odors, smoke and even bacteria. Due to these qualities negative ions are termed as the Vitamins of air.

Negative ions get attached to pollution particles (e.g. dust, pollen and other impurities in the air). When that happens, both the ions and the pollution particles tend to be swept out of the air by the electric field that exists naturally near the earth's surface. Hence, polluted or impure surroundings tend to reduce the count of negative ions in the air.

The electrical circuits in electrical appliances, equipment and transmission lines create an electric field carrying a positive static charge. This field sweeps the nearby air of negative charges, thereby depleting the negative ion concentration in the immediate vicinity.

Experiments have shown that workers have complained of headaches, lethargy, dizziness and nausea in such environments. On the other hand high negative ions concentration does seem to make people feel better. It was found to speed recovery in burn or asthma patients and was discovered to affect serotonin levels in the bloodstream, stabilize alpha rhythms and to positively impact our reactions to sensory stimuli (thereby resulting in better alertness). Furthermore, high negative ion concentration apparently inhibits bacterial growth and perhaps fosters plant growth.

The invigorating freshness of the air after a thunderstorm, on a mountain top, or by the seaside, is due to high concentration of negative ions. The reduced well being one feels in highly polluted areas, air conditioned offices, traffic etc are usually due to an unduly low negative ion balance.

Here are some average sample readings of negative air ions taken in various locations

Ions and Ancient Ionic Crystal Lamps and Candleholders

The environment of today’s modern living is exposed to elements that sweep away negative air particles (or ions) from the surroundings. These elements include (but are not limited to) communication networks, electrical transmission lines, satellites, electrical equipment and appliances (e.g. television sets, computers, mobile phones), air conditioning ducts, cigarette fumes etc. The shortage of negative ions results in an imbalance in the entire environment in which we live and breathe. Such air (with low negative ion count) can penetrate deep down in our lungs and can cause tiredness, lack of concentration, anxiety, migraines, psychological disturbances, lack of sleep, respiratory tract problems, weakening of immune system etc.

The shortage of negative ions must be replenished in order to balance the environment. Ancient Ionic Crystal Lamps and Candleholders help do just that.

Ancient Ionic Crystal Lamps and Candleholders are manufactured from original rock salt. The heat produced by the flame in Ancient Ionic Crystal Candleholders and by the bulb in Ancient Ionic Crystal Lamps releases negative ions in the air which help balance the environment saturated with positive ions.

The concentration of negative ions can be measured by an “Air Ion Counter”. The Ancient Ionic Crystal Natural Small Lamp produces a stable emitting field of 500 – 900 negative ions per cubic centimeter of surrounding air. This emitting field can be limited to a radius of about 3 feet (and can grow to about 5 feet for larger lamps). The contribution of negative ions by the lamp is dependant upon different factors (e.g. size of the room, impurities and pollution in the surrounding air, cigarette fumes, windows, sunlight, breeze etc).

Salt crystals are known to have been used for healing by the oldest civilizations of the world for centuries. In China salt crystals have been used for curing lung related disorders and for helping people with insomnia.

Bioenergotherapists and Homeopaths in Western Europe have recommended these lamps to support treatment for allergies, respiratory & blood related diseases and rheumatism. Due to the beautiful and rich colors, salt lamps are also used in chromo (color) therapy.

When lit, these candle holders and lamps generate a relaxing environment comparable to one on a beach or in the mountains.
Unlike man made ion generating machines, salt lamps have NO expensive parts to replace, make NO noise, and do NOT produce OZONE (which is toxic for health).


Speleotherapy

Speleotherapy or underground climatotherapy is an alternative treatment for asthma and other diseases used in Eastern Europe. It involves the patient spending 2-3 hours a day underground in subterranean caves or salt mines over a 2-3 month period. This rather old therapeutic modality without a scientific explanation seems to give some benefit to patients with asthma, allergies, insomnia, lung related diseases etc. These benefits are attributed to the negative ions generated by the salt in the mines.


Recommended Reading

The internet is full of material and information about negative ions. Consumers are encouraged to discover more about the qualities of negative ions.

Following are a few articles that support the healing qualities of negative ions.

Negative-Ions and Computers by T. Neil Davis
Alaska Science Forum, Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
http://www.gi.alaska.edu (search for Negative Ions and Computers)

Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes
Web MD Magazine
http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/65/72756.htm?pagenumber=1

Everyday Applications from Mind - Brain Research
Second Edition - Bard Press; by Pierce J. Howard, Ph.D
http://www.bright.net/~comtech/NegativeIonsfortheBrain.html

Project AIR (Atmospheric Ion Research)
By Guy Cramer
http://mypage.direct.ca/g/gcramer/

Bactericidal effects of negative air ions on airborne and surface Salmonella Enteritidis from an artificially generated aerosol by Agriculture Research Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=112644

Negative Ions - Vitamins of the Air?
by Don Strachan and Jim Karnstedt

Disclaimer

Salt crystals are known to possess healing qualities. Please read the facts in the following text in order to learn more. In presenting these facts we have tried to create awareness with the anticipation that the consumers shall make their own independent assessment about the healing qualities of Salt Crystals. In no manner whatsoever, have we agreed or disagreed with the content of the text. Neither do we make any specific claims in order to prove or disprove this healing theory.

Our fundamental aim is to give an unbiased, honest and comprehensive view of the information that is available in this sphere.

We do confirm that Salt Crystals (especially when lit) emit negative ions. The quantity of this negative ionic emission is, however, a matter of debate at this point. In depth analysis and studies are needed in order to substantiate any claims. We shall endeavor to keep you posted on any progress in this respect.

These products are not intended to cure, heal, or prevent diseases.