I have to confess that I’m a Himalayan Rock Salt lamp addict! I have several in my home as well as at my office. These lamps have become very popular over the last few years, and perhaps you’ve seen their distinctive shape and color, either as a large dome or as small rock crystals in a basket. Typically, they have a small heat source such as a light bulb that shows off their varying colors. The lamps give off an attractive glow making them perfect for night lights or mood lighting. I never get tired of the soothing, ambient glow, and leave the ones in my living room on all the time.
Mined by hand in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, these lamps are a nice decorative item for your home, but more importantly, they also effect a number of health benefits as well. When the salt crystal heats up, it emits negative ions. These ions clean the air by removing dust, pollen, dander, cigarette smoke, and bacteria. They also offset the effects of the positive ions produced by computer monitors, TVs, and other electrical devices. Negative ions are also produced in nature by thunderstorms, waterfalls, and the ocean. That’s why we often feel refreshed and energized in these environments. The lamps offer this same benefit.
Benefits Of Salt Lamps
The rock crystals contain 84 different minerals, many of which are also found in the human body, so they are a natural way to positively affect your environment. The usual placement of these lamps are in bedrooms and living areas as that is where most people spend the majority of their time. Let’s look at some of the incredible benefits of Himalayan Rock Salt lamps and how they can boost your health.
Cleaner Air
This is probably the most well-known reason for using a rock salt lamp. They purify the air by attracting water molecules from the surrounding environment, then absorbing them and any foreign particles into the salt crystal. As the lamp heats from the light bulb, the water is evaporated, but the trapped particles remain in the crystal.
Reduced Allergy & Asthma Symptoms
Because salt lamps remove microscopic particles of dust, pet dander, mold, mildew and the like from the surrounding air, placing a lamp or two in the rooms where you spend the most time can seriously cut back on allergy symptoms. Even people who suffer from asthma should notice a big difference after a week or two.
When the salt lamp heats up and begins absorbing the airborne water molecules, it also changes the charge of the molecules which are released from positive to negative. Most homes have an overabundance of positive ions due to so many electronic devices. These positive ions are not good for your health, so using a salt lamp combats the harmful effects of technological society we live in.
When you breathe a lot of positive ions, it damages the microscopic hairs lining the trachea and nasal passages, allowing contaminants to enter the lungs. When you breathe the negative ions released from the salt lamps, you are breathing cleaner air that helps keep your lungs clear.
Better Sleep
Your quality of sleep can also be affected when you are exposed to too many positive ions in the air. These ions reduce oxygen and blood supply to the brain, which results in poor sleep patterns. If you need your room to be totally dark in order to sleep, you can still benefit from a salt lamp. Leave it on during the day to work when you are awake, then turn it off at night.
Increased Energy Levels, Mood & Concentration.
I am a huge believer in taking the time to get out in nature and fresh air, but that is often difficult in our wet climate. Having a salt lamp exposes you to a higher concentration of negative ions similar to what you would find in nature causing your energy levels to rise. If you constantly feel tired and don’t know why, try keeping a Himalayan salt lamp in the rooms where you spend the most time. After about a week, you should notice a difference. The increased energy levels also result in better concentration and a better mood!
Neutralizes Electromagnetic Radiation
Aside from the positive ions produced by electronics, you are also at risk of exposure to Electromagnetic radiation. Long-term or constant exposure to EM radiation is known to increase stress levels, decrease the body’s immune response and is a major contributor to chronic fatigue. A salt lamp works to neutralize this radiation.
Treats Seasonal Affective Disorder
In addition to generating negative ions which improve mood and energy levels, the soft, natural light given off by a Himalayan pink salt lamp is close enough to the warm glow of sunshine that they can even be used to relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. When the days are short, fight back the sluggishness by surrounding yourself with salt lamps set on timers.
Selection And Placement Of Lamps
When choosing lamps to place in your home, remember to start with the areas where you spend the most time. How much area a lamp covers is determined by its size, so larger rooms will need more than 1 lamp. Generally, 1 pound of salt crystal is most effective in a 4’ x 4’ area. For large rooms, consider placing several lamps at strategic places around the room to maximize the benefit provided.
Finally, caring for your lamps is very easy. Just wipe with a damp rag periodically to remove the dust and particles that have been attracted to it. Since salt is a naturally occurring mineral, the lamps may sweat or begin to melt when exposed to high humidity, so be cautious of placement near showers, dishwashers, and laundry areas. Also, as previously mentioned, results of negative ion generation may take about a week to be noticeable, so don’t give up if you don’t feel the improvement right away.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not to be construed as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. These statements made have not been approved by the FDA, nor should they be taken as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician.
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