From my earliest memories, I was always drawn to the sounds of the water. As a child, I remember sitting under the plastic covered picnic table in the backyard, listening with satisfaction to the rain falling around me. As I got older, I explored the local forests and found a stream with a small waterfall. This was the destination many days after school, and I found comfort there, watching the water as it moved and swirled, catching the sunlight shining through the trees. So as a natural progression, it’s not surprising that I was intrigued by indoor water fountains. Not only are they interesting additions to the decor, but they create the same mood-enhancing element that nature itself provides.

Decorative water fountains are now known to serve a much more scientifically beneficial role than simply providing an interesting accent piece for a room. In addition to adding a component that helps us relax and create “white noise” that helps block out bothersome background sounds in the home, decades of scientific research reveal much more. Listening to the sound of dripping water and observing the movement of the water actually increases creativity, reduces stress, and even speeds up our natural healing processes. We instinctively feel this: we know that these sounds are simply good for the soul! What really happens to create these benefits in our body, mind and spirit? What about harmonious acoustics and the interplay of light and shadow in the reflection of the water, which actually affects us in such a healthy way?

Running water really improves air quality. Just as the air always feels clean and bright after a rain storm, on a smaller scale, an indoor water source actually reproduces that phenomenon. Many people refer to the benefits of indoor water fountains as “fountain therapy.”

Air is electrically charged with microscopic particles called positive and negative ions. Positive ions are emitted by all the household appliances that we regularly use: microwaves, televisions, computers, refrigerators, clothes dryers, etc. Most people are unaware that breathing positive ions can lower energy and cause an overall decline in health. Negative ions are created by constantly moving water … streams, beaches, waterfalls, and, in the home, indoor water sources. As the water splashes into the fountain, the water molecule breaks down and negative ions are naturally emitted into the air as a by-product of turbulence in the water. The benefits of negative ions are profound.

Negative ions serve as natural air purifiers by sticking to impurities in the air and neutralizing them. Dust particles, bacteria, airborne toxins, and even viruses can be removed when negative ions adhere to these impurities. Grouped together, they fall to the ground where they can be vacuumed later. Larger indoor water sources can clean the air better than most air purifiers. Recent studies suggest that once negative ions reach our bloodstream, they are believed to produce a biochemical reaction that increases levels of serotonin, which is the chemical of mood. Elevated levels of this chemical have been shown to relieve depression, anxiety, relieve stress, insomnia, and increase energy. Also, indoor water fountains will add water vapor to the room, resulting in a friendlier atmosphere for all living things. Although indoor water fountains are not a cure, they will absolutely help improve respiratory function and mood.

If you’re like me, you probably have a collection of tapes and CDs with the sounds of a rain storm or waves crashing into the ocean. While these recordings are great for stress relief, they only mimic the presence of water and therefore do not provide most of the value. With the benefits so clearly displayed, it’s a huge boost to a room’s health, decor, and mood to add water features wherever we spend a great deal of time. I suggest that you place a decorative water fountain on your desk, where you can lose yourself so closely in the movement and sound of the water, and immerse yourself in a meditative reverie. This can do wonders for the physical body and mood.