Feet detox is a form of detoxification in which toxins expel from the body through the feet. Toxins in the body consist of heavy metals, blood clots, uric acid, oils and chemicals, among other properties that can cause illness. Toxins result from stress, food and air pollution and commonly disperse into the body. Common detox treatments for removing toxins include massage therapy, organic diets and nutritional supplements, among others. Feet detox is one form of detox treatment and comes in many variations.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a therapeutic method of applying pressure, movement and stretches to the feet and hands. The belief of reflexology is reflex points in the hands and feet correspond to systems and organs in the body to improve circulation. The International Academy of Medical Reflexology states that reflexology allows the body to self-correct by balancing the 12 systems of the body that include the cardiovascular, muscular, urinary, central nervous, endocrine, immune, digestive, lymphatic, reproductive, sensory, respiratory and skeletal systems. Reflexology acts as a detox treatment by stimulating and reducing stress to glands, organs and other parts of the body to boost the lymphatic system and remove toxins.
Detox Foot Patches
Detox foot patches claim to cleanse the body of waste and toxins and strengthen the immune system. Patches filled with various herbal ingredients apply to reflex points on the feet to produce a reflexology effect. The ingredients in detox patches claim to stimulate and draw out toxins from the feet by heating and absorbing toxins through perspiration. Dark and discolored foot pads supposedly reflect the toxins removed from the body and enhance blood circulation when the pads peel off, states Mayo Clinic.
Detox Foot Bath
Detox foot baths claim to detox the body through hydrotherapy and by the use of positive and negative ions. The benefits of cleansing the body through detox baths include neutralizing free radicals, balancing the body's pH level, improving functions of the organs, and increasing range of motion and energy. Harvard Medical School Health Publications reports that ion cleanse machines contain two electrodes that supply low-voltage electrical charges in saltwater and supposedly attract toxic particles through positive and negative ions. Western parts of the world commonly use detox foot baths for promoting good health, but scientific evidence does not suggest that these products work.
