Manufacturers of detox foot patches claim, among other things, that using them can detoxify your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system has several important functions in your body: immunity, removal of fluids, metabolic waste, toxins and proteins from your tissues and absorption of dietary fat. It is part of the cardiovascular system, and together the two systems distribute nutrients and remove toxins such as harmful microorganisms, chemicals and microscopic particles from your entire body, excreting them through the kidneys.
Lymph Drainage
The action of drawing fluid out of your skin, muscles and connective tissue into lymph vessels is referred to as lymph drainage. In a healthy body, lymph is carried through lymph vessels to lymph nodes where it is purified. Then lymph travels through larger vessels back to the cardiovascular system to circulate through blood vessels as plasma. Lymph circulation is dependent upon muscular contraction, breathing and exercise as well as intrinsic contractions in the lymph vessels themselves.
Lymph Drainage Massage
Lymph drainage massage is a light, slow, rhythmical massage. The focus is on the skin and tissues immediately under the skin where most of your lymph vessels are located. Lymph drainage massage is used to stimulate lymph circulation in areas of the body where the circulation is blocked by scar tissue due to injury, infection, surgery or radiation treatment.
Theories/Speculation
According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, manufacturers of detox foot pads claimed to have scientific proof that the foot pads remove toxic materials such as toxins, metabolic waste, heavy metals and harmful chemicals from the body when applied to the soles of consumers' feet at night. They also claim that the foot pads treat headaches, depression, parasites, fatigue, insomnia, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, cellulite and a weakened immune system.
Expert Insight
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has charged the marketer of Kinoki Foot Pads with deceptive advertising. In a press release dated 11/04/2010, the FTC reports that a federal judge has banned the manufacturers of Kinoki Detox Food Pads from selling this product.
An analysis of detox foot patches at a California laboratory, reported on National Public Radio, demonstrate there is no significant difference between an unused pad and one that had been used according to directions on the package. Further, an unused foot patch turned dark when exposed to steam, indicating that the ingredients in the foot pad are affected by moisture such as sweat. There is no evidence that the foot patches remove toxins from the body, and in fact your body has several systems including the lymphatic system for identifying and removing toxins and none of them work by excreting toxins through the skin.
Considerations
Rather than spending money on false or unproven therapies, you can enhance your own lymphatic system by physical exercise, as simple as taking regular walks. Deep breathing assists lymph circulation in the chest where the largest lymph vessel is located and in the abdomen where each organ has its own lymph vessels and nodes. The lymphatic system is fluid-based so drinking adequate water, eight 8-oz. glasses a day, will keep your lymphatic system hydrated.
References
- "Lymphedema Management: The Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners"; Joachim Zuther; 2009
- "Foundations of Manual Lymph Drainage"; Michael Foldi, Roman Strossenreuther; 2004
- NPR: Japanese Foot Pad Is Latest Health Fad
- "You"; Detox Foot Pads --- Con!; Hannelie Booyens; Feb. 2009
- Federal Trade Commission: At FTC's Request, Judge Imposes Ban on Marketers of "Detox" Foot Pads
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