There is a flurry of bamboo foot patches on the market. With claims to improve health and detox the whole body, the patches have gained some popularity. However, there is no medical evidence that these patches work.
Significance
Bamboo foot patches are typically composed of an adhesive gauze pad that sticks to the soles of the feet. The pads are impregnated with bamboo vinegar. According to the Global Healing Center, bamboo vinegar originates from Japan. It is a byproduct of the manufacture of bamboo charcoal. In Japan it is touted as a skin and hair conditioner.
Function
Bamboo foot patches are meant to be stuck to the soles of the feet and left in place over night. According to their manufacturers, they will extract toxins from the liver and lymphatic system, help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, improve digestion and revitalize the skin. When the pad is removed from the feet it has become blackened. Marketers have used this fact to imply that this is evidence that the pad has removed toxins from the body, when all that has happened is the bamboo vinegar has removed dead skin cells and dirt from the feet.
Medical Evidence
According to Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., despite claims that bamboo foot patches effectively remove toxins from the body, reduce weight, lower blood pressure and promote general wellbeing, there is no available medical evidence to support these claims. Despite the fact that some manufacturers refer to "some doctors," or "several studies," to support their claims, no doctors or studies are ever named.
Deception
In January 2009, one popular manufacturer of vinegar foot patches known as Kinoki was charged by the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, for "deceptive advertising." The FTC's charge included Kinoki's claim that their bamboo foot patches could lower hypertension, increase weight loss and remove toxins from the liver. The FTC states that these claims were false.
Warning
Bamboo detox foot patches are still manufactured and marketed by several companies such as, Kenrico, Detox, Takara, Yekong and Natural Serum. If you are considering using bamboo foot patches you should read and assess their claims very carefully. If you have any doubts or concerns you should consult your doctor and contact the FTC.
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