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do you ever wonder if those beautiful salt lamps you see in stores or online can actually improve your mood and overall well-being? let's dive into the science behind salt lamps and negative ions to find out if they're worth the hype.
what are salt lamps?
salt lamps, often made from himalayan salt, are decorative lamps that emit a warm, soothing glow. they're believed to release negative ions into the air when heated, which some claim can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even alleviate depression.
the science of negative ions
negative ions are atoms or molecules that have gained an extra electron, giving them a negative charge. they're naturally found in the air, especially in places like forests, waterfalls, and beaches. some studies suggest that negative ions can have a positive impact on our mood and health.
do negative ions improve mood and health?
the research on negative ions is mixed, but there are some interesting findings. a review study published in bmc psychiatry in 2013 found that negative ions may have a positive effect on mood outcomes, including reduced anxiety and depression. another review study published in j negat results biomed in 2013 found that negative ions may improve respiratory function.
salt lamps and negative ions
so, do salt lamps actually release negative ions? according to a video sponsored by lastpass and featuring prof. jack beauchamp and dr. nathan dalleska from caltech, the answer is yes, but the amount of negative ions released may not be significant enough to have a noticeable impact on mood or health.
conclusion
while the science behind salt lamps and negative ions is still evolving, it's clear that negative ions can have a positive impact on mood and health. however, the effectiveness of salt lamps in releasing enough negative ions to make a difference is still up for debate. if you're looking for a beautiful and soothing addition to your home, a salt lamp may be worth considering. but if you're hoping for a significant improvement in mood or health, you may want to explore other options.
additional resources
- the science behind colors and their impact on our moods
- the power of music for stress relief, sleep, and meditation
- the power of music: a soothing balm for stress, anxiety, and depression
references
- air ions and mood outcomes: a review and meta-analysis. perez v, alexander dd, bailey wh. bmc psychiatry. 2013 jan 15;13:29.
- air ions and respiratory function outcomes: a comprehensive review. dominik d alexander, william h bailey, vanessa perez, meghan e mitchell, and steave su. j negat results biomed. 2013; 12: 14.
- exposure of laboratory animals to small air ions: a systematic review of biological and behavioral studies. bailey wh, williams al, leonhard mj. biomed eng online. 2018 jun 5; 17(1):72.
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