The Positivity of Negativity at Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Have you ever wondered why everyone at Glen Ivy Hot Springs is so happy? From guests to employees, it seems that just being at The Hot Springs stimulates a feeling of wellbeing, contentment and cheerfulness. As it turns out, these feelings of jollity are not only a result of the serenity felt when strolling through beautifully maintained gardens, enjoying the delicious food or even the result of partaking in a heavenly spa treatment; the feel-good vibe at Glen Ivy actually has its roots in hard science.
Mineral springs, along with other naturally occurring bodies of water, are a source of negative ions, and while we normally desire only things that bring a positive charge, this is one time when the negative is very good for us.
This is how it works: The air around us is filled with electrically charged particles called ions. At one point in time, the ratio of positive and negative ions in our atmosphere was pretty balanced, however modern life has tipped the scales in favor of ions carrying a positive charge. High voltage networks, heating and air conditioning systems, fluorescent lighting, cigarette fumes, auto exhaust, TVs, radios, and computers are all sources of positive ions. Also known as free radicals, positively charged ions are highly imbalanced, reactive molecules that cause cell damage in our bodies and accelerate the aging process. Being in an environment that is saturated with positive ions has been shown to cause anxiety, tension, fatigue, and depression. Some research has even linked positive ions to the body’s inability to fight off disease, inflammatory autoimmune diseases and cancer. Most of us are exposed to environments that are heavily charged with positive ions, which results in everything from feeling a little out of sorts to feelings of unhappiness and melancholy.
To help balance the scales, it’s important to have regular exposure to an atmosphere that is heavily laden with ions carrying a negative charge. Science has shown that air rich in natural negative ions impacts us in many positive ways. Ionized air near waterfalls, the ocean or mineral springs has been shown to strengthen the immune system, relieve migraine headaches, increase lung capacity, and kill airborne bacteria. Negative ion therapy has even been used in treatments to help burn victims heal more quickly. Most importantly, scientists have now proven what most of us have known for so long – that a day at the Hot Springs just makes us feel good. It turns out that an atmosphere abundant in negative ions – like that of a mineral spring – has a positive impact on serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is key in depression…and in happiness.
So, there you have it; the next time you’re feeling a little down, head straight for the Hot Springs — we have an abundance of negative ions to help make you feel positive again.
Warm water wishes,
Seraphina Ashe,
Guest Experience Program Director
