Proponents of foot baths claim the baths eliminate toxins from your system and rejuvenate energy levels. The baths can relax your body and relieve stress, but there is little research as to whether they truly detoxify your body. Detoxifying foot baths take a naturopathic, or holistic, approach to improving health without drugs or surgeries. Consult your doctor before using naturopathic remedies at home.
Significance
According to Aundrea Adams of the International Institute of Holistic Healing, soaking feet in a detoxifying foot bath rebalances the energy in the body. The body purportedly eliminates toxins and chemicals via soles of your feet. Proponents of this method believe that detox or ionic foot baths increase the amount of energy available to cells, improve oxygen levels and enhance stamina once balance is restored.
Process
The detox foot bath process takes half an hour per session. It includes bath salts and a low-voltage electrical current passing through electrode assemblies in the bath. This current generates positive and negative ions that oscillate through the body, rejuvenating your cells. Proponents say the water usually changes color during the process as evidence that bodily toxins have been expunged; skeptics say this is simply because of a reaction caused by the salt in the water. Dr. Adams recommends this process be repeated every two days for 14 sessions. Take one week off, then repeat the cycle.
Benefits
Detox foot baths are supposed to remove toxins and other chemicals trapped in the skin and pores due to environmental pollutants. Supposedly they remove parasites from the liver, improve memory, circulation, relieve arthritis pain, reduce fatigue and strengthen your immune system. No scientific research has been conducted to prove these claims, but many detox foot bath users say they feel better after using one.
Considerations
According to Stephen Lower, a retired professor at Simon Fraser University, the electrodes produce the same coloring regardless of whether or not feet have been immersed in the bath. The water color change is a result of corrosion and rust from the electrodes, not body toxins released through the feet. Furthermore, the conditions believed to be treated by detox foot baths are not toxic in nature. The skin has no mechanism for eliminating toxins, and the liver detoxifies itself naturally.
Warning
According to Aundrea Adams, the foot bath process is painless and has no side effects. However, Lower states the electrolysis process can create dangerous byproducts, such as hydrogen and chlorine gases that are unsafe in enclosed spaces. The residual lye promotes skin to flake away from feet, smoothing out skin -- another claimed benefit of foot bath detoxification.
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