The Science Behind Himalayan Salt Lamps

I recently purchased a Himalayan salt lamp after hearing about their health benefits. Not really understanding how it works exactly, I really just got one because the yoga studio I go to has at least 20 of them and they look beautiful. However, I recently finally decided to dedicate some time to researching the health benefits of these nifty little things.

If you currently have one of these lamps just because you think they're aesthetically pleasing, be prepared to get your socks blown off. If you don't have one, there's no better time to invest in your health than now!

Have you ever heard of negative ions? Surprisingly enough, these little fellas aren't bad at all! In fact, negative ions are actually the good ions, the ions you want to be around. In contrast, positive ions cause negative energy. Positive ions come from electronic equipment such as computers, TVs, microwaves, pollution and any man-made byproducts. An excess amount of positive ions in the air can increased bodily stress, insomnia, brain fog, free-radical accumulation in the body, cause you to feel sluggish or and stuffy, and cause irritation.

Now, how does this all work? The light in the lamp heats up the salt crystals, which in return release negative ions and help to neutralize positive ions in the air. Additionally, because allergens and bacteria tend to attach to positive ions in the air, salt lamps can help to reduce the impact of allergies, colds, headaches, blood system disorders and skin conditions. The salt lamp also emits natural light similar to sunlight, and can be used to relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

Although the concept of having a glowing rock in your house to help cure your insomnia seems a little farfetched, give me a second to quickly explain the science behind negative and positive ions.

All matter is made of atoms and all atoms are composed of electrons (negative charge), neutrons (neutral charge) and protons (positive charge). Typically, electrons orbit their nucleus. However, occasionally, an electron flies off its orbit, leaving behind a positively charged ion that fills in the area of that lost electron.

For example, if you own a dog, you may have observed that they become very anxious before a bad thunderstorm. This is because dogs are extremely sensitive to ion imbalances in the air, and the onset of a storm causes a drastic imbalance of positive and negative ions.

Although I imagine you're not a dog reading this article, as I previously described, positive ions impact humans, too. The diagram above predicts possible areas in your home that emit positive ions.

If you do decide to invest in a salt lamp, be sure to get an authentic Himalayan salt lamp and place it in a room where you spend the most time or a room that holds the majority of your electronic devices.