HAVE YOU SEEN THESE PRODUCTS ON THE INTERNET? THEY'RE SOLD BY SO MANY STORES ON EBAY AND AMAZON. DO THEY WORK? DO THEY LIVE UP TO THEIR PROMISES? SOME PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHILE MANY RUSH IN TO TRY THEM. "NOT SO QUICK" IS MY ADVICE TO YOU. HERE'S WHY:
The Ionic Foot Detox: Fact Or Myth?
By Pacific College Of Health And Science
You may not recognize the name, but you probably have seen the infomercials about foot patches or foot baths that pull all the toxins out of your body through your feet, leaving you with a patch or bath full of brown liquid (aka the toxins). But is it all just a scam? Or is there actual scientific proof to support these claims?
Ionic therapy is loosely linked to the work of Royal Raymond Rife, an American inventor considered to have discovered bioelectric medicine. His theory said that viruses will be destroyed if they are introduced to the right balance of resonating frequency, similar to a glass being destroyed by the high pitch of a soprano. Fast forward to the 21st century, and Dr. Mary Staggs applies this theory and others to create the first commercial ionic footbath in 2001.
I decided to try it out for myself with Pacific College Alumna and Oncology Specialist Christine Adamo, LAc, and see for myself what the scoop is all about. Christine is a supporter of “true” ionic detoxes and uses them in her practice, particularly with her cancer patients to help with the side effects of chemotherapy.
First off, I say “true” because Christine warned me upfront about the many false companies out there who claim that the brown water produced in their bath or patch is the result of toxins coming out of the body. “This is NOT true,” Christine said. The water changes color naturally because of the chemical reaction between the electricity and the salt water, not because of toxins. So don’t be fooled by the infomercials; it’s actually the debris that begins to form in the water that are the toxins.
Don’t just take Christine’s word for it; the scientific evidence speaks for itself. “We can do a test and you can see for yourself if you’d like?” asked Christine, before we began the detox.
“Why not!” I said. Afterall, what better way to determine a treatment’s efficacy than with a scientific experiment?
We decided to do a urine pH test before the detox and then another pH test after the detox to compare the results. My first pH test showed to be more on the acidic side of normal. I was ready to see if this detox would really change my pH level in just 30 minutes.
The main point of these foot detoxes is to make the body’s pH more “alkaline,” but what exactly is the importance of being alkaline?
An alkaline body is crucial to a person’s health. Diseases thrive in an acidic environment. So basically, the less acidic your body is and the more alkaline, the less prone you are to contracting a disease, such as osteoporosis or cancer, according to Christine.
The Center for Disease Control reports that up to 85% of all illness are caused by toxins and pollutants in our bodies. The human body functions best when the ions are balanced at 80% negative and 20% positive.
So how do we achieve this?
What we put into our body, such as the foods we consume, have either acidic or alkalizing properties. Check out the food charts for yourself here. The more of the higher alkaline foods you can incorporate into your diet the better. An ionic detox, helps to facilitate the alkalization process through the process of ionization, which removes “free radicals” from the body.
How do ionic foot detoxes fit into Chinese medicine?
Traditionally, we think of acupuncture and herbal medicine as being the main components of Chinese medicine. The ionic foot detoxes we see today are a more modern invention, but magnetism itself has been used to accompany traditional Chinese methods medicinally in China for over 2,000 years.
Acupuncturists use a variety of modern tools nowadays, that weren’t invented yet back in ancient Chinese times. Tools besides the ionic detox machine, such as the electrical stimulation machine work to accompany acupuncture. Both of these tools work with acupuncture to clear heat in the body.
“Every physician has a set of tools in his/her tool bag; sometimes you have to branch out to find more tools,” said Christine.
So, the crucial question: Did it work?
The pH test says: Yes! My post detox pH levels were right in the middle of the spectrum, as they should be, and noticeably more alkaline than before the detox. Christine says that the detox continues to alkalize the body up to 48 hours after the treatment, via urination and sweat, which is an added benefit. One should not eat/drink acidic foods after a treatment, to help better facilitate the detox process.
It’s important to aid in your body’s alkalizing process. “You can’t just come in and ‘get fixed’. You have to take ownership in your health. The work I do with a patient has to be part of a team effort,” Christine said, which is why the food alkalinity chart is so important. Christine suggests bringing it to the grocery store with you to help in purchasing alkalizing foods.
Other scientifically measured effects of this detox, besides alkalization, are lower blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels. A 2008 study by Center for Research Strategies showed participants’ levels of aluminum to have decreased by 46% and arsenic levels to have decreased by 24%, on average.
Are ionic foot detoxes common in holistic healthcare settings?
A simple Google search will show that ionic foot detoxes are commonly offered in holistic healthcare centers, as well as spas, hair salons, and grocery stores across the U.S. Products purchased on store shelves, however, can vary in quality and so it’s wise to entrust a healthcare professional with the ionic detox process.
It’s important to note that detoxification is an important first step of a treatment plan. Similar to treating drug or alcohol addiction, detoxification helps prepare the body for the next phase of treatment, whether it is therapy or alternative care. For most natural healthcare enthusiasts, an ionic foot detox is the beginning of a lifestyle committed to eating healthier and exercising.
Is the ionic detox good for anybody?
Yes! Most people can benefit from an ionic detox. It is especially good for those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, skin conditions, fungal or yeast infections, and cancer.
CAUTION: The ionic detox is contraindicated for those who have a Pacemaker and open sores or lesions on his/her feet. People with Diabetes Type I should use this therapy with precaution.
The benefit of this form of detox is that it is, “gentle and safe, and not compromising because it bypasses the gastro-intestinal system,” Christine said. The detox also works well when accompanied
with acupuncture, to stimulate blood flow, in treating peripheral neuropathy.
The best time to detox for people who are not suffering from a specific ailment is during the transitional seasons: Spring and Autumn.
Christine Adamo is a board certified Oriental medical physician in the state of California. She practices various forms of Eastern medicine including herbal medicine, nutrition, natural supplementation, acupuncture, and detoxification. She is a graduate of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. Her passion is in integrative oncology, providing specialized care for patients with cancer. Source HERE
Let’s hear what Constance Corry from Spectrum Foot Clinics has to say about the Fakes:
We might even think of ‘detoxing’. The idea is simple - you take in ‘toxins’ from your environment constantly (‘artificial things’ and junk food usually being fingered as the culprits), and they supposedly build up in your body, making you feel unwell. Lots of people are happy to sell you things to help remove those toxins. “But this is about what we eat and so on” I hear you say. “Aren’t you one of those people who deals with feet? Why are you writing about this?”
That’s the problem. That’s why when someone sold my unwell friend a five hundred euro footbath to ‘detox’, I was less than impressed. In case you have not come across them, there are a range of foot products out there that promise to save you from the modern, polluted world and from dietary excesses. Some of these are pads and patches you are supposed to wear on your feet. They will turn impressively brown, and you are supposed to accept this as evidence of the toxins and go out and get another set.
There are also foot baths which turn a scary shade of brown when you put your feet in the water and run an electric current through it. The water looks murky and rust-coloured, probably because that is, in fact, rust. Put iron into the water - as these have - make the water salty, and then run an electric current into it, and watch the water turn brown. Corral a handy secondary-school chemistry student and they can confirm this for you. Or if you know someone who has one of these detox foot baths, try putting a teaspoon of salt into the water and then running it without any feet in it.
Remember the Travelling Medicine Men in the 1800s? Medicine Shows, popular primarily between 1850 and 1930 in the United States, were traveling groups that put on performances and entertainment acts interspersed with sales pitches peddling miracle cures and other various products of a dubious nature. Source HERE
There's all manner of SCAMS these days. Or should we call them SHAMS?
The same applies to Detox Foot Patches - the ones that work an those that don't. After finding some iffy ones, I came across some by Dr Ed Group. A lot of cheaper ones promise you the earth, his Info sounds more balanced. I've heard him teaching on YouTube numerous times and venture to ay he would not cheapen his reputation in any way. Here's what his webpage says on the subject.
Dr. Group's Foot Pads
Natural Cleansing Cosmetic Foot Pads with Organic Ingredients
Dr. Group's Foot Pads promote the natural cleansing of chemicals, toxins, and heavy metals. Made with all-natural, non-GMO, organic ingredients, these foot patches provide a safe and relaxing experience to promote cleansing.
- Boosts Energy Naturally
- Helps Increase Circulation
- Promotes Natural & Safe Cleansing
- Year to Love It — One Year Money-Back Guarantee
What Are Dr. Group's Foot Pads?
Every day, your body is exposed to harsh toxins from the water you drink, the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the environment in which you live. Those toxins accumulate and impact your overall health and well-being. Cleansing can help you live a healthier and happier life. Formulated with bamboo extracts, herbs, and gemstones and developed through years of medical research in Japan, Dr. Group's Foot Pads cleanse while you sleep. Apply one pad to each foot before bed and cleanse!
Health Benefits of Dr. Group's Foot Pads
Every day, we're in contact with harmful toxins from a variety of sources. Removing them from your body can boost your overall health.
Natural & Safe Cleansing
These Foot Pads have pure and powerful natural ingredients for advanced cleansing.
Boosts Vitality & Energy
Toxins and impurities weigh you down and make you feel sluggish. Eliminating them from your skin can elevate your well-being and give you more energy.
Helps Circulation
Organic, all-natural ingredients stimulate the feet, which increases circulation and the flow of positive energy throughout the body.
What's in Dr. Group's Foot Pads
Zeolite Sporopollenin Organic Wood Vinegar Organic Bamboo Vinegar Tourmaline Gemstone Amethyst Gemstone Organic Loquat Leaf Organic Dokudami (Houttuynia cordata) Organic Agaricus Blazei Murrill Dextrin
Why Dr. Group's Foot Pads™ Is Different
We use the most effective ingredients, so you get the best cleansing Foot Pads available.
High-Quality Ingredients
Our Foot Pads are made with all-natural, premium ingredients. We’ve partnered with state-of-the-art laboratories in the USA and Japan to create the best foot pads anywhere.
Energy-Activated Cleansing
Tourmaline emits far-infrared energy, which stimulates the bottom of the feet. It activates the body’s cleansing mechanisms and even soothes physical stress.
Lesser Ingredients
Many foot pads contain weak ingredients that do nothing. This is a waste of money and can prevent you from experiencing the health improvements you’re after.
Little to No Detoxification
Many foot pads on the market don’t contain energy-emitting gemstones. Without them, the feet won’t get stimulated, meaning limited or no detoxification. Source HERE
I have seen a few brands with the ingredients highlighted in Dr Groups product.
So what's my conclusion here? Ionic Foot Baths are good when they are the real thing and so are the Patches, but they are the FEW rather than the MANY different ones out there. Please be careful. Watch out for cheapy imitations that waste your money aye? I hate Scams - so does everyone.