What is Ionic Therapy?
What is Ionic therapy?
Maybe you have noticed that uplifting feeling you get when walking on the beach, standing near a waterfall or walking in the forest? One of the reasons for this improvement in mood could be the high levels of negative ions in these areas.
Multiple studies have shown that negative ions have a beneficial effect on mood as well as other therapeutic benefits. These observations began as early as 1900 when Nikola Tesla spoke about his improvement in mood when working with his electric coils. In 1932, Dr. Clarence Hansell, a research engineer, noticed that when the electrostatic generator his assistant worked alongside produced negative ions, he felt energized and had a positive mood. Hansell also noted that when the generator produced positive ions, the assistant was more tired and complained of a headache. Hansell continued his research on the beneficial effects of negative ions throughout his life.
What is an ion? What makes it positive or negative?
Ions are part of the building blocks of our physical world These tiny molecules possess either a positive or negative electric charge. A negative ion (anion) is an atom or molecule with more electrons than protons, while a positive ion (cation) has more protons than electrons.
When negative ions are generated in an indoor environment, studies have shown they can improve indoor air quality, reduce allergens, boost mood, increase circulation in the body, and more.
To get a better understanding of negative ions, consider that most indoor air contains less than 100 negative ions/cm3, while air near the seashore can contain 4000 negative ions/cm3 and air near a large waterfall, like Niagara Falls can create 100,000 negative ions/cm3.
Besides negative ion generators, other types of negative ion support is found in your shower, Himalayan salt lamps, ionic foot detox baths, and tourmaline infused bracelets or mats, often the infused bracelets or mats include amethyst as an ingredient.
Benefits of tourmaline and amethyst
Tourmaline is a semiprecious stone known for its various colors and positive health benefits. It can generate an electric charge when friction or pressure is applied, making it a piezoelectric stone. This stone, when exposed to heat or cold, can generate voltage, which classifies it as a pyroelectric stone. It also has the benefit of far-infrared warmth. In order to take advantage of these qualities, tourmaline is often ground into a powder and infused into wearable items to generate negative ions for the wearer.
Amethyst is a beautiful, purple quartz, that, like tourmaline, has piezoelectric and far-infrared properties. Amethyst is also ground into a powder and infused into wearable items or mats, often in combination with tourmaline.
When you give your horse a warm shower or bath, negative ions are generated. Horses given turnout time are also experiencing some negative ions from the surrounding plant life. Additionally, tourmaline-infused blankets, sheets, and boots can yield the benefits of these negative ions.
As with crystals, place the blanket, boots, or whatever tourmaline-infused item you may be utilizing, inside out in the sun to recharge (clear the negative energy). For best results, do this after every few uses.
Trail rides through the forest, riding by a waterfall, giving your horse a bath, turnout and, lastly, blankets and boots all can give your horse the uplifting and healing benefits of negative ions.