By Marion McKay

The first ioniser that creates negative ions small enough to be inhaled could be a huge breakthrough in treating a range of illnesses from asthma and depression to migraine, insomnia and sinusitis.

Unlike conventional devices, which simply clean the air around us, the Elanra MkII therapeutic ioniser goes one stem further. The tiny negative ions it give out can be absorbed into the blood stream to help balance the negative and positive ions within the body.

The atmosphere is full of positive and negative ions – atoms which have gained or lost an electron. In clean unpolluted air, the ratio of positive to negative ions is evenly balanced. But environmental factors such as pollution, air-conditioning and electromagnetic waves from TV’s and computers disrupt these levels, robbing the air of small beneficial negative ions.

Michael Kearney, managing director of Aircare, distributors of the Elanra says, “Modern living destroys negative ions in the atmosphere and they need to be replaced. A build up of positive ions can lead to the release of excess histamine and this is responsible for many allergic reactions such as hay fever, respiratory problems and some skin conditions.”

“Levels of serotonin – a chemical found in the brain- are also affected by these positive ions, resulting in migraine and asthma. A balance of positive and negative ions is crucial to well being.”

Artificially generated air ions are also proving successful in the treatment of burns, stomach and nervous disorders. The Elanra’s ability to modulate frequencies down to as low as 4Hz improves to body’s ability to relax.

Developed and manufactured in Australia, the Elanra MkII’s revolutionary design incorporates 72 ionisers. Each can be altered to control the ions’ levels, concentration, frequency, direction and mobility. It also means the Elanra can be programmed to suit individual needs.

For seven year old Adam Hodgson from York, winter heralded a recurrence of his asthma. “For the past few weeks Adam had been coughing and wheezing so badly he has had to double the dose of his steroid and salbutamol inhalers” says his mother Jackie. “His coughing has been quite bad and overall he has been quite poorly.”

Jackie, a care assistant, agreed to try out the Elanra, which had been specifically programmed to deal with Adams asthmatic condition. As the maximum benefits of the ioniser are felt most when the body is at rest, Jackie plugged it in as soon as Adam went to bed.

“I really didn’t see how negative ions could make a difference, so I was amazed to find his asthma improved over one weekend”, she says.

Adam has reduced the intake of his steroid inhaler and tests show his lung capacity has improved.

Daily Mail "United Kingdom" 19th Jan 1999