Ion therapy is based on the belief that there are health benefits from doses of negatively charged particles. This therapy typically uses a special electronic device that generates negatively charged particles.

Negative ions contain an extra electron, and are created naturally by the sun, wind, and moving water. Such electrically charged molecules, in high enough concentrations, neutralize certain odors and make air seem cleaner. In themselves, they are imperceptible.

One comparative study showed that high doses of negative ion therapy can alleviate symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder, although it was not as effective as bright light therapy and no comparison was made to a group which was not receiving some form of treatment. Low density ion therapy was considered the least effective treatment studied.

References

• Terman M, Terman JS. (2006) Controlled trial of naturalistic dawn simulation and negative air ionization for seasonal affective disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 163(12):2126-2133.

External links

• A chemist's website refuting the concept of ionized water and other ion therapy claims However, this deals with ionized water, and not airborne ions.