We live in an electrical environment; the air around us is filled with naturally occurring electrically charged particles—either positive or negative. In our modern, industrialized society, however, far more positive ions are present in our environment, created by electronic devices, cigarette smoke and other pollutants and highly processed, manufactured foods. Once these positive ions enter our bodies, they turn into free radicals, which, as you may know, are toxic to the body, weakening cell structure and causing premature aging. In fact, people with a lot of free radicals in their systems tend to look aged, experience more headaches, fatigue, increased blood acidity and blood pressure, a tensed nervous system and a host of other effects.

 We can fight the effects of free radicals by immersing ourselves in nature, eating natural, wholesome foods, exercising regularly and drinking plenty of fresh water. Sometimes, though, incorporating all of these elements every day is not possible. Recent research has found that by introducing negative ions into our systems, we can repair damage caused by free radicals. Negative ions seem to neutralize free radicals, revitalize cell metabolism and strengthen cell structure. In addition, negative ions purify the blood, allowing for greater oxygenation, balance the autonomic nervous system by relaxing the nerves and promoting deep sleep and healthy digestion. They also enhance the immune system and protect the body and mind from the harmful effects of environmental stress.

 So….how do you integrate negative ions into your environment? There are a few ways. First, by following the suggestions above is a good start, but also by reducing your exposure to positive ions such as by avoiding environments that are highly manufactured (such as office buildings) and reducing levels of stress.

 A simple way to add negative ions to your space is by making your own room diffuser or an oil heater. Relatively simple and affordable, room diffusers are a subtle way to enhance the peacefulness of any indoor environment and I highly suggest one if you work in an office. Negative ions introduced into the environment in this manner will purify your air, killing bacteria and you have the added benefit of a lighter mood.

 Scents high in negative ions include the following: bergamot, cypress, pine, cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, orange, grapefruit and lemon. You can mix any of these to create a custom blend to suit you, or use any of these single scents in your diffuser.

 How to Make a Reed Diffuser

1. Add essential oil and fragrance grade dipropylene glycol to the glass bottle (experiment until you get the right proportions. You may want to look up some essential oil recipes on the interwebs to get you started…) Don’t fill the bottle completely full. There must be enough space so that when you put in the diffuser reeds the liquid doesn’t spill over the top.

 2. Put the cap on the bottle and mix by gently turning the bottle upside down a few times.

 3. Remove the cap and insert the diffuser reeds, fanning them out as shown in the photo above. It may take several hours for the oil to wick all the way up the reeds and diffuse the scent into the room. You can “refresh” your reed diffuser by flipping over the reed sticks every few weeks.

Everyone knows that to eat a variety of foods ensures optimal nutrition but with the constant changes in recommendations for a “balanced diet,” many of us are left confused and, frankly, apathetic. The easiest way I know of to get a true, balanced daily intake of nutritious foods is to “eat a rainbow”–no, not a bag of the rainbow-colored candies, but a vibrant mixture of fresh, real and wholesome foods. Not only do you ensure intake of minerals and vitamins in this way, but did you know you also are nurturing your energy field when you eat a rainbow?

The wisdom in this lies in the fact that the rainbow is important to our vitality on so many levels. For one, the body’s energy system is reflected as such in our chakra system. Because our energy bodies contain the full spectrum of light rays, our responses to color can tell us a lot about what our physical bodies need at any given moment in time. For instance, when you find you are drawn to a particular color, your energy field is in need of that particular vibration and all it represents. And just the opposite for colors you reject; your subconscious is feeling overloaded by that particular vibration and is pushing it away. Pay attention to the colors of the foods you are instinctively drawn to and you may be surprised by what your Higher Self is leading you towards.

Here is a quick breakdown of the spectrum of food and the needs they meet: