Ion Detox Foot Baths: Scam or Science?

We've all seen the advertisements.  Soak your feet in an Ion / Detox Foot Bath and watch the water turn a bright shade of orange or brown as the nasty gunk leaves your body.   A reader writes:  "Are those Detox Foot Baths really helpful?  The spa I use is now pushing them at $45 for a 30 minute session and guarantee I'll be amazed, but I'm really dubious."

Read Our Response

Comments

[Darren]

I would also like to throw some comments on this Foot Detox Bath. I have been using this foot detox bath and I really find it more useful and helpful. Detox Foot Bath really gives a luxury sensation to legs if the legs are cramped up inside socks, boots and wooly slippers. Foot detox also helps to filter toxin from body which helps in reducing headaches, poor circulation, constipation and other symptoms.

Editor's Note: Again, no substansitive information here, but included a link to the poster's website, which sells Foot Detox Baths.

[Kathy]

I have received Several Ion Foot detox sessions. I have been diagnosed with fibermyalga and feel 100% better. I feel that this really works and can now function day to day. The treatment costs only $30 and includes oxygen therapy for free.

[Shannon]

I absolutly think they work. It actually seems to detox according to what is going on in your body. I always have increased energy, more glowing skin, etc. Give it a try. it is worth the $35-40. Just be prepared to want one once a month!

[Christopher Davis]

Can someone please describe how high molecular weight molecules can be selectively removed and transported through multiple dermal layers? The flawed physiology of using exogenously applied ions to facilitate large molecule removal through the dermis needs to be addressed. "Osmosis" cannot perform these functions, and if it could, it would be non-selective for the ambiguous "toxins" over similar desirable biogenic compounds.

[Marco]

I have done some testing with several salts and array materials.

If you use RVS 316L as material and Natriumbicarbonate, you won't see any discolloration from the "treatment." This proves that the water's discoloration is a product of the materials in the array, and not the result of detoxification.

The explanation for any therapeutic influence has to be found in the electromagnetic changes of the water. My personal belief is that there is no benefit to the waste products cast off by the array and the treatment is only for psychological and economical use.

[Alexandra]

I tried an Ion Foot Detox at a spa and it did really help. The color of the water changed dramatically and there were definitely "floaties". I'm still actually skeptical about whether all that gunk (and it was gunk, and it was clear water before i put my feet in) were toxins drawn out of my body (and the spa attendant did try to say, "this is coming from your liver, etc.." which i'm still kinda skeptical of), i have to say i think something worked. About 3 weeks prior to doing this i had been bitten by a black widow. I had been to the hospital twice, had been on pain meds and nausea meds, but still had no feeling in my arm where i was bitten (i couldn't close my hand). After the treatment, the pain and numbness were for the most part gone. I think this treatment did draw some of the remaining venom out of my body. And while putting your feet in salt water at home feels great, i've never felt as completely cleaned out as with the ion detox.

[Mrs Rodgers]

I signed up for a foot Ion Detox as its a package deal from a Spa which i frequent in Singapore. Its a course of 10 session and my whole family uses the treatment although all of us came out with different type of coloured water with the same machine. I am unsure if its scientificaly proven but i personally experience that the cut and wound on my lower leg heal three time faster than it normally would. Also,the blemish caused by itchy wound from ecezema has also lighten. The Spa owner gave me a special price when i re-signed for a month course due to a recent skin infection cause by my over-indulgence on seafood. What Western doc define as Ecezema on my leg, i found a holistic way thro' Ion-detox instead of long term medication. A change of diet and aid receovery for my condition. I recommend this treatment for those who feel lethargic or having bad skin problem.

[Alexandra]

Amazing post. Foot Bath is very essential for you. You can get lot of advantages of foot bath, which you want. I agree with it.