Many people who work indoors, or who live in cities, or who are in their home for most of the day are exposed to excessive amounts of positive ions from computers and other electronic equipment as well as fluorescent lighting. Excessive positive ions lead to stress, agitation and lethargy. Positive ions are also released by: cell phones, televisions, heaters, electric blankets and even man-made fibers in carpets, clothes and furniture.
It is important to increase our exposure to negative ions which balance this energy, making us feel rejuvenated and energized. Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy.
Negative ions help relieve stress, and also strengthen the immune system. It’s one reason why most people feel invigorated after being near a waterfall, or at the beach. Waterfalls and the ocean’s movement create negative ions that help balance out the positive ions and they also help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which controls rest, digestion and sleep.
Negative ions are EXTREMELY important to good health. In fact, negative ion therapy is actually used to treat certain conditions. Many generations in Europe have used negative ion treatment for chronic congestion problems by staying for a period of time in salt mines. This is a form of treatment called Speleotherapy. The very dry, negative ion environment of these salt mines helps to clear out bronchial tubes and sinuses, and to kill bacteria and other microbes.
You can balance the ions in your immediate environment (whether home or work) by:
1. Using a Himalayan Crystal Salt lamp. This is one of the most effective ways I have personally found to restore balance in an indoor environment. We have been using crystal salt lamps for years, and immediately feel the difference when we are indoors for a period of time in a location that does not have salt lamps. They are an inexpensive and immediate way to provide the balance you need, and even help many people sleep more peacefully.
2. Diffusing certain essential oils. We use the following oils in our home, especially around computers and other electronics:
~ Clove
~ Cypress
~ Eucalyptus
~ Marjoram
~ Pine
~ Rosemary
~ Thyme
~ Ylang Ylang
3. Get to the beach or a nearby waterfall and spend some time there. Of course, it can’t be stated enough that being in nature, on nature, with bare feet and exposed to the natural elements, is by far the best way to recharge. But waterfalls in particular are incredibly invigorating, energy-charging and soothing at the same time.
4. Go out in nature and walk barefoot on the earth. The earth is charged with negative ions, and provide your body with the correct balance of energy.
5. Get some indoor potted plants. Having oxygen producing live plants in your home is a great way to increase the energy in your home or office if you can’t be outdoors often.
Follow these tips and you will soon feel physically, mentally and emotionally more at peace. You are likely to sleep better, make better food choices, and overall experience less stress.
