What are Detoxifying Foot Pads?
Detoxifying foot pads are adhesive pads filled with chemicals and materials that absorb liquids. Sold via television infomercials, Internet retailers and retail stores, the pads are meant to be placed on the bottom of each foot and left in place overnight while the user sleeps. Most foot detox pads are recommended for use every night until the pads become dry or have changed color during use. There are numerous brands of foot detox pads, and the ingredients vary between brands, although most pads contain some form of vinegar, tourmaline and multiple plant extracts. One popular brand of detox patch, the Japanese Takara Patch, is listed as containing wood vinegar, bamboo vinegar, the mineral tourmaline, eucalyptus, cornstarch, mushroom, chitosan (crushed seashell protein), chameleon plant and Chinese Lizard's Tail plant. The exact quantities and ratios of these ingredients are not provided by the manufacturer.
The Theory
Manufacturers of the popular Kinoki and Takara foot detox pads claim that the idea for the product's concept is founded on the theories of reflexology, acupuncture and holistic detoxification. The chemical components of the foot patch, specifically the tourmaline and vinegars, are said to draw out "toxic" materials from the body. Television advertisements for the Kinoki brand product claim the pads can rid the body of unwanted heavy metals, parasites, metabolic waste, toxic chemicals and even cellulite--all through the bottom of the foot while the user sleeps. In a September 22, 2008, interview with the LA Times, a Kinoki representative stated that the product also worked by creating "magnetic channels" that encourage toxic excretions via sweat. Makers of the pads further maintain that the removal of toxins via their product can treat a variety of ills including fatigue, depression, diabetes and high blood pressure.
The Evidence
Anecdotal evidence on the effectiveness and healing benefits of detoxifying foot patches abound on product websites. However, detoxifying foot patches are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of any disease or ailment. On January 28, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, filed a complaint against the makers of the Kinoki foot pads, charging that the product has been deceptively marketed. The FTC has requested to not only prevent the Kinoki manufacturers from further deceptive marketing but has also requested that the manufacturers reimburse consumers who purchased the product. Additionally, a number of physicians have publicly voiced their opinions that the pads are a modern day snake oil. For example, Dr. Devra Davis, from the University of Pittsburgh's Environmental Oncology department, stated in a June 19, 2008, MSNBC feature titled "Kinoki Foot Pads: Sucking Away Toxins or Just Your Money?" said the color change of the pads is unlikely to be created by toxins being drawn out of the body. Most importantly, no clinical evaluation or evidence of effectiveness of the patches has ever been published in any of the scientific literature as of June 2009.
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