The Waterfall Effect

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inBeauty of Nature, Health & Well-Being, Psychological Health, RepostTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can. ~John Muir

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

When I see the word waterfall, it evokes exquisite and peaceful yet powerful scenes of Nature.  When I see an actual waterfall, I often find myself holding my breath, as if the awesome, wild beauty I’m witnessing might disappear if I breathe too loudly.  Do you have a similar response?

Through the years, I’ve visited a great many waterfalls.  Niagara Falls, between New York and Canada, is probably the largest I’ve seen; I seemed to capture more spray than falls in every photo I took!  Multnomah Falls in Oregon is one of the most striking, and the area around Portland is home to a host of waterfalls, large and small, lending itself to some amazing hikes. You may remember my photo of Hanging Lake in Colorado, a small green paradise a little over a mile up a canyon wall. Glacier National Park in Montana showcases some spectacular cascades, and is certainly a park I’d like to revisit. Yosemite National Park in California is known for its wealth of waterfall beauty, making it a beautiful place to camp.  In the Navajo Nation of northern Arizona, you can find Grand Falls, often called chocolate falls due to its muddy water from the Colorado River.  And in southern Utah, a sweet waterfall and shallow lake can be found at the end of a hiking trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

In past posts, I’ve shared the idea that time near a waterfall is good for the gut’s microbiome and has a positive effect on immune function.  This post will give you more reasons to seek out waterfalls and bask in their glory.  Studies dating back to 1892 show that the natural force of crashing water molecules can cause electrical charges to separate.  As a result, some molecules gain an extra electron, and negative air ions, or NAIs, are formed, which studies show can be most valuable for health.  This process is referred to as spray electrification, or  simply, the waterfall effect. 

Yosemite National Park, California

According to an article published on the National Institute of Health site, the beneficial effect of NAIs include activation of natural killer cells and improved mental health, . . . which may reduce pain, including chronic pain. If helping with pain were the only benefit they offered, I’d say that’s reason enough to visit these spectacles of Nature.  But there’s more.

Niagara Falls, New York

A PubMed article states that studies reveal NAIs significantly reduced resting heart rate.  Further, it suggests that NAIs have a positive effect on the body’s circadian rhythms, which help regulate our sleep-wake cycle.  Could time at a waterfall help with insomnia?

For a Healthline article entitled The Effect of Negative Ions, various research studies from the past century were examined.  Exposure to NAIs, the science shows, has resulted in reduced depression symptoms, improved cognitive performance, lessened stress, and increased fat metabolism.  The article goes on to say that it is the natural form of NAIs, not the manmade ones, that provide benefits, as there are risks associated with using electric ionizers in your home or office.

View from behind

You may have asked yourself, what about beaches and rapids and other waters that crash?  Negative air ions can be found there as well, but at lower levels.  This is due to a lesser force of gravity acting on them versus waterfalls.  But, hey, if you’re within 10 miles of the sea and over 100 miles away from the nearest waterfall, by all means, catch some NAIs at the beach!

Grand Falls, aka Chocolate Falls, Arizona

Spending time near waterfalls not only puts us in a state of awe owing to their magnificent beauty, but also helps improve our health.  Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, sleep disturbances, or stress, or looking to boost immune function and fat metabolism, the waterfall effect may be reason enough for you and your family to plan an excursion to one of these natural beauties.

Cascades of Blessings,

Lisa

This post was first shared in 2021. Thank you for reading! Happy Earth Week!

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

39 thoughts on “The Waterfall Effect”

  3. Waterfalls are a favorite of mine as well as I search them out whenever possible. I like the smaller ones as well as those powerful large ones. The smaller falls are more relaxing to me. The Blackwater Falls in WV are one of my favorites in this area. Of course, it’s hard to beat the beauty and strength of Niagara Falls.

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  7. So gorgeous waterfalls to view this post and Niagara Falls is the most stunning view 🤩🙏🌷👌
    Malaysia also so many waterfalls got , most of them I saw , nature’s wonderful beauty
    we can enjoy our life time 👏😊 thank you so much and many Blessings dear friend 🥰🙏

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  12. Beautiful series of photos, Lisa. There is something about feeling, hearing, and appreciating the sight of a waterfall, and you also include my favorite one, Multnomah Falls along the Oregon Gorge 😊

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  14. That is an interesting thought Lisa, I was not aware of the benefits of being near waterfalls. While I am into birds, my wife specializes in waterfall pictures so we have definitely hiked our way to a share of them on our many treks throughout the country. I’ll never forget standing on the American side of the Niagara Falls and just feeling the absolutely power as the water cascaded over the ledge a short distance away.

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  15. Waterfalls are magical because of their natural beauty and power. I, for one, love how the cascading water, the sound of the roar, and the visual impact of a waterfall can create a sense of awe and wonder. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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