What are Cations and Anions?

June 8, 2011

Ancient peoples recognized that the air is “electric,” so to speak, but it is thought that the formal study of ions did not begin until fairly recently. In 1899, two German scientists, Elster and Geitel, discovered that there are particles in the atmosphere that carry electricity. These particles were later named “air ions” by the British scientist Faraday. The word “ion” was taken from the Greek language, in which it means to “go” or “wander about.”

Cation are ions positive and anion are ions negative. And ions are invisible particles, either molecules or atoms, which bear an electric charge. Atoms, for instance, consist of an atomic nucleus that contains neutral neutrons and positively charged protons, as well as orbiting electrons that are negatively charged. When an atom is in a neutral condition, the number of protons (+) and electrons (-) is equal. When the
number of protons and electrons is not the same, the particle becomes an ion that is either positively (cation) or negatively (anion) charged. Generally speaking, cations are harmful to the human body, while anions are beneficial.

Cations: an atom or molecule that has lost one or more electrons due to a high-energy impact. Natural forces that generate positive ions include the decay of radioactive minerals, radon gas, forest fires, lightning and ultraviolet rays.

Anions: an atom or molecule that has gained one or more extra negatively charged electrons. Anions are naturally generated by evaporating water.

Electrons are highly sensitive to shock, impact, electric current and atmospheric change. Air pressure or heat, for instance, can cause electrons to escape from atoms and dissipate, increasing the number of cations in the air.

As mentioned above, the balance of anions and cations in the air is easily disturbed. A good example of this can be seen in the changes in ion levels associated with storm activity. Several hours before a thunderstorm, for instance, low atmospheric pressure causes the number of cations in the air to increase dramatically, to levels that sometimes exceed 5000 ions per cm³. In contrast, during a storm, anions increase to several thousand per cm³ while cations decrease, often to below 500 per cm³. We can detect similarly high anions concentrations near waterfalls.

In our daily lives, as well, we can directly experience the electricity of cations and anions in the air in the form of static electricity – especially in winter, when the air is dry. Static is caused by a high ratio of cations to anions because of a lack of moisture in the air.

The Ratio of Anions to Cations is Crucial to Health

The ratio of anions to cations is crucial, because anions are able to neutralize the harmful effects of cations. At the beginning of the 20th century, the ratio in the atmosphere was 1.2 anions for every cation. However, in recent years, the ratio has reversed and now there are 1.2 catios for every anion. This is due to environmental hazards such as air and water pollution, electromagnetic fields, and other factors.

Cations and anions also exist in our bodies, and the ratio of cations and anions in the air we breathe influences the ratio in our bodies. Cations and anions enter the body through the lungs (inhalation) as well as through the skin -especially through meridian (acupressure) points, which have weak electronic resistance. Then they travel through the blood and lymphatic systems to cells throughout the body. Wearing Anion products may increase the number of anions absorbed through the skin.

Harmful Effects of Positive Ions

Ions were first linked to human health by a Japanese medical study in 1910, which showed that patients with arthritis experienced greater pain when weather fluctuations elevated the percentage of cations in the atmosphere. As a result of this and other research, in Japan the close relationship between ions and health has long been widely recognized.

Cold fronts and low pressure systems increase the percentage of cations in the atmosphere, leading to a decrease in the number of anions in our bodies. Doctors in Japan report that under such conditions, the symptoms of their asthma and arthritis patients are aggravated, and the number of strokes increases.

In North America, the relationship between cations and asthma has also been studied. Cations winds (in which there are extremely high concentrations of cations) in Calgary, Alberta, southern California, and other places around the world have been found to coincide with increased incidence of asthma attacks (Guy Cramer, “Advanced Research on Atmospheric Ions and Respiratory Problems”, Certified Medinex Website, Sept. 2, 1996.

Moreover, in recent years a number of doctors in Japan report that high levels of cations in the immediate environment – due to electromagnetic fields generated from computers, cell phones and other electronic devices – can both impair brain function and suppress the immune system, leading to a host of ailments. Symptoms include headache, lack of energy, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, nausea, stomachache, breathing difficulty, vertigo (dizziness), poor concentration and mental performance, and sleep disturbance. When blood or urine samples from individuals reporting such symptoms are analyzed, extremely high levels of the stress hormone serotonin are detected. This hormone is known to be potentially harmful to the body at high levels, and it is thought that cations may work to increase serum serotonin. (Anions, on the other hand, cause the body to convert excess serotonin into a harmless compound).

Cations turn into free radicals in the body, oxidizing cells throughout the entire system. They damage healthy cells and increase the acidity of the blood. When cells are oxidized, lactic acid levels rise drastically, resulting in a variety of maladies, including cancer. The balance of the endocrine, immune, and autonomic nervous systems is thrown off, and blood and lymph circulation declines. As a result, aging processes accelerate, and premature aging occurs.

It is said that 2% of the oxygen we breathe turns into free radicals in our bodies. When these free radicals combine with free radicals produced by other sources (such as heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and cations), they become even more harmful. Anions work to prevent oxidation by neutralizing the free radicals in our cells. As a result, cells are revitalized, and immunity and resistance are strengthened. Anions also work to balance the autonomic nervous system and improve gastrointestinal function. They can relax the mind and body, promote deep sleep, increase metabolism, stabilize appetite and blood pressure, enhance recovery from physical exhaustion, and help one feel refreshed and invigorated. Anions are essential to overall health. Below is a summary of the healing properties of anions.

Healing Properties of Anions

Recovery from physical exhaustion or fatigue – by increasing oxygen levels in the blood and facilitating more efficient oxygen utilization, anions help accelerate recovery from fatigue.

Stabilizing brain function – by promoting abundant oxygen levels in the blood, anions help normalize brain function, resulting in relaxation and calmness.

Blood purification – by increasing the levels of calcium and sodium in the blood stream, anions help restore a healthy (slightly alkaline) pH balance to the blood.

Increasing metabolism – by stimulating the exchange of electronic substances in cell walls, anions help increase metabolism.

Strengthening the immune system – high levels of anions promote production of globulin in the blood, resulting in stronger resistance to illness.

Balancing the autonomic nervous system – anions can calm and relax taut nerves by balancing the opposing sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system.

Promoting better digestion – by counteracting over-arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, anions help ease tension in the stomach and intestines, promoting the production of digestive enzymes and enhancing digestion.

Cell rejuvenation – anions help revitalize cell metabolism, enhancing the vitality of muscle tissue and strengthening internal organs.

For overall health – anions can rejuvenate and revitalize all of the body’s systems and cells, promoting a stronger overall constitution.