It would be hard to miss both the chirpy television commercials and the drug store shelves full of detox foot pads. They're usually sold under the brand name of Kinoki, but not always. Even Avon is into the act with its own version. So, we'll assume you've seen the boxes of pads you stick onto the soles of your feet every night before going to bed, sold with claims that you'll wake up with a less toxic and more energized body. If wishes come true, these pads can remove heavy metals, metabolic wastes, cellulite, parasites, toxins, chemicals and more. That's according to Kinoki.
What to Look for
Claiming its product is based on ancient Japanese reflexology, Kinoki says it works by detoxifying your skin's outer layers when a pad is placed the foot's acupuncture points.
Of course, it's true that reflexology is based on the idea that there are points on the soles of the feet that correspond with nearly every body part and system, and that healing is possible through these points. There is also some scientific merit to the ingredient list in these pads. The company claims the pads contain negative ions to cleanse, refresh and enhance your overall well-being. One of the ingredients, tourmaline, is a mineral that in recent years has piqued the interest of scientists who believe it can improve circulation, relieve stress, increase mental alertness and strengthen the immune system.
Avon's "Healthy Remedies" line of foot pads also contains tourmaline, plus acetic acid, sorbitol, dextrin and camellia sinensis leaf extract.
Common Pitfalls
Testimonials without names attached are hard to believe. Unfortunately, that's the case with all the good things that apparently have been said about the Kinoki Foot Pads ("a fantastic product at a very reasonable price"; "you'll look better, you'll feel better"), which you can find on the company's site, www.buykinoki.com.
Skeptics also should note that ABC News aired an unfavorable report in which volunteers who tried the foot pads noticed no difference in well-being after treatment and lab testing showed little, if any, evidence of the company's detox claims. The volunteers did notice one thing: Peeling a pad off after a night of sleep released a very unpleasant odor.
Kinoki pads cost $19.99, and shipping is free. What that buys you is enrollment in the company's Free for Life Continuity Program, which seems quite like any other "club" that sends you something every month hoping you'll keep it and owe money rather than take the trouble and expense of sending it back.
Specifically, you'll keep getting 10 pads a month for what the company says is the $12.95 cost of shipping. We couldn't find anywhere on the company site that told a consumer how to stop a membership. Plenty of book- and record-club former members can tell you that this is not the best way to make purchases.
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