Many brine chambers now advertise ionised oxygen. But what exactly is that? And how can it help your horse? We spoke to our partner Tanja Hahn from Caballo Nebula and she explained to us what ionised oxygen is all about. We learned that oxygen ionisation is now even used in cars! More on that later...
What is negatively ionised oxygen?
Ionised oxygen is actually a natural phenomenon. After a thunderstorm, the oxygen molecules are magnetically charged and we enjoy the “extra fresh air”. The negative ions accelerate the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream and we can absorb the oxygen better.
Cells need oxygen to generate energy, and a lack of oxygen can lead to cell damage. In the blood, oxygen is transported by red blood cells, the blood pigment. This has a natural "saturation limit" that can be "bypassed" by ionised oxygen. The additional supply of oxygen increases performance and concentration, stimulates the metabolism, and makes us feel more vital.
Why does negatively ionised oxygen help with allergies?
The negative ions are able to attract harmful influences such as dust, pollutants and allergens through their charge and allow them to sink to the ground. As a result, the respiratory tract is less irritated in a room with ionised oxygen, such as a brine chamber, and can recover. Oxygen Concept has made a video to illustrate this:
How is ionised oxygen produced?
For example, to produce ionized oxygen in a brine chamber, a so-called oxygen concentrator is first used. The concentrated oxygen is then passed through an "ionisation module" in which electrically charged needles negatively charge the oxygen, i.e. ionize it. You can imagine this as a small mini-thunderstorm. The negatively ionised oxygen is then passed into the brine chamber. Of course, you can't see it, you just feel the draft.
Close-up of the ionisation module
If you look closely, you can see the ionisation needles shimmering green.
From discovery to today
In the 1980s, thanks to the physicist Prof. Manfred von Ardenne, many positive effects of ionised oxygen have been proven in studies. Since then, it has been used in particular for therapies of the ear, nose and throat system, for respiratory diseases and in the wellness sector. In the human area, the application is now very simple and there are also mobile devices for the bedroom. With increasing awareness of respiratory diseases in horses, the area of application has been expanded again and companies such as HorseAir, JSR Animal Inhalation and Oxygen Concept now also offer solutions for brine boxes and mobile horse trailers. Ionized oxygen has recently even been used in cars, which can bind dust, reduce bad smells, reduce smoke and pollutant levels and eliminate viruses, bacteria and spores. A technology that is particularly valuable for allergy sufferers.
Do you have any more questions about ionised oxygen? Or perhaps you have already gained experience? Then feel free to comment directly under this post or write us a message.
1 comment
Sehr geehrtes Team,
gerne würde ich noch einige Informationen über mobile Geräte für’s
Schlafzimmer erhalten.
Vielen Dank und viele Grüße
Bettina Haimann