What are Himalayan Salt Lamps? They are lamps made from Himalayan Salt with a small light inside. I love my new Himalayan Salt Lamp by Levoit made from the deep underground mines in Khewra, Pakistan located on the western edge of the Himalayan Mountains. Himalayan Salt Lamps supposedly can be of help with many things. After doing my research, I think these lamps are the perfect lamp to turn on before bed and/or to have on your night stand. Keep reading to find out why!
Himalayan Salt Lamps supposedly have many benefits from helping with allergies, to having positive health effects due to negative ions. I decided to focus on the soothing color light benefits because this seems to me the most realistically beneficial aspect of a Himalayan Salt Lamp given its size.
Research has shown that different colors of light affect the body in different ways. What is the science behind this? According to Harvard Medical School Publications, “Blue Light Has a Dark Side”, before artificial lighting, the sun was the major source of lighting, and people spent their evenings in darkness or with some candle light.
Blue light, or the light from modern day technology like cell phones computers and TVS can disrupt sleep hormones when used after sunset. This is because the blue light interferes with the circadian rhythm, or the body’s biological clock. Research shows that it may contribute to the causation of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Keep in mind, blue wavelengths are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood. Living in New York City, it is hard to get away from the blue light.
Salt lamps, on the other hand, offer a warm orange glow, similar to the hues found in a campfire or by candlelight. Makes sense right? They are a great light source for the evening and can even be used as a night light while reading without negatively affecting sleep.
Himalyan Salt Lamps may also help boost mood and energy levels, especially for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The soft orange hues are one of the soothing colors often used to calm mood and increase focus.
When looking for a Himalayan Salt Lamp, they must be from the Himalayan Mountains like this one. There are some fake lamps on the market. Levoit is certified and has the certification paper online and when receiving.
Both positive and negative ions in the air. An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving the atom a net positive or negative electrical charge.The positive or negative charge makes ions able to move and bond easily.
Negative ions occur more often in nature and they are mainly created by lightening storms, waterfalls, ocean waves and sunlight. Running water is considered nature’s greatest source of negative ions. An excessive amount of positively charged ions surrounding you is believed to contribute to a lack of energy, anxiety and irritability.
Do you feel refreshed after being caught in a rain shower or after swimming in the ocean? I always feel at my best after hopping out of the ocean in the Hamptons. The negative ions could be one of the reasons why according to Dr. Zach Bush. He mentioned this on a podcast I recently listened to “On Air with Ella” called ” Bacteria, C-Sections & Why your Probiotics Isin’t Working”.
Since positive ions are often created by electronic devices like computers, TVs, microwaves, and even vacuum cleaners and can often exacerbate problems like allergies, stress and sleep trouble. Negative ions can neutralize positive ions (they bond together) and help cleanse the air. The amount of negative ions emitted from these lamps seems to be small and I am not sure if it would make a large difference, but some people claim the lamps do help with symptoms like allergy and more.
References
Publications, Harvard Health. “Blue Light Has a Dark Side.” Harvard Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2017.
“Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 11 July 2017. Web. 11 July 2017.
Bush, Zach, Dr. “Bacteria, C-Sections & Why Your Probiotics Isin’t Working”.” On Air With Ella. 29 Apr. 2017. Podcast.