Ion Cleanse (Foot Detox)

Did you know that there are over 2,000 sweat glands and more than 4,000 pores on your feet? It’s no wonder that detoxifying foot baths have been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda and Eastern traditions.

In fact, this healing system was also used by the Romans alongside baths to draw out foreign substances from the body through osmosis and diffusion processes.

While the use of ionization in foot detox baths may be relatively new, the technique itself is based on ancient and respected methods still practiced today. And when combined with ionization, the detoxification effects can be faster and more dramatic.

Let’s explore what exactly an ion cleanse foot bath is, how it works, and how it can benefit your overall health.

 

What is Detoxification?

At its core, detoxification is the process of removing toxic elements from the body, such as heavy metals, mold, yeast, fungi, pesticides, preservatives, and other chemicals. This process is naturally carried out by the human body through the liver, kidneys, and even the skin.

However, when the body becomes overloaded with too many toxins, the natural detoxification process is hindered. Many illnesses are related to the influx of and accumulation of environmental pollutants and toxins in the body.

Detoxification removes excess toxins and enhances the body’s own natural detoxification ability. It is an important initial step in any treatment plan designed to combat chronic illnesses and improve overall health.

 

What is a Detox Foot Bath?

A detox foot bath is simply the process of soaking the feet in a tub filled with warm water. Certain ingredients are added to the water to aid in the detoxification process. It is one of the safest and most relaxing ways to eliminate toxins from the body. We prefer this method because it is highly effective in enhancing the body’s natural detoxification ability.

 

How Does an Ion Cleanse Foot Bath Work?

The process of an ion cleanse foot bath is actually quite simple. We start by filling a tub with warm water. Salt is added to the warm water to increase conductivity. Then, we place an array in the tub to generate a mild electric current.

This direct current separates the water into positive-charged hydrogen ions and oxygen gas or negative-charged hydroxide ions and hydrogen gas, depending on the settings we choose.

Upon turning on the machine, the patient may feel a slight tingling sensation in their feet. This is because our bodies are composed of water and electrolytes, and they allow the current to circulate within the body. The tingling sensation occurs because this current acts as a catalyst to enhance the body’s own natural detoxification abilities.

At the end of a 60-minute session, the water undergoes a color change. The color change is a result of oxidation of the metal plates in the array and the reaction of ions that dissolve in the water.

An ion cleanse foot bath is more effective than other foot detox methods because the electric current actually circulates within the body, stimulating lasting detoxification effects. Other methods provide similar relaxation benefits, but their effects are short-lived and can only remove toxins near the surface of the skin.

 

Benefits of an Ion Cleanse Foot Bath

The primary benefit of an ion cleanse foot bath is enhancing the body’s own natural detoxification abilities. This allows the body to efficiently eliminate heavy metals and other toxic elements from the body.

Assisting the body’s natural detoxification process results in:

  • A stronger immune system
  • Reduction in chronic pain and inflammation
  • Prevention of chronic illnesses
  • Relief from symptoms of chronic diseases
  • Potential weight loss
  • Increased energy and focus
  • Improved lymphatic drainage
  • Better skin health
  • Fewer headaches and migraines
  • Enhanced circulation and heart health
  • Overall sense of relaxation and improved mood
  • Stress relief
  • Reduction in swelling in the feet and ankles
  • Improved digestion and nutrient absorption

 

Often, when working with a patient to strengthen their immune system, progress may stall due to the body’s inability to efficiently eliminate toxins. If toxins are allowed to accumulate, the patient’s immune system becomes compromised, inflammation increases, and the body reabsorbs the toxins it couldn’t eliminate.

By supporting detoxification and speeding up circulation, we can prevent blockages in the patient’s lymphatic system. This allows the body to eliminate the remaining toxins, leading to overall health improvement for the patient.

 

Who Can Benefit from an Ion Cleanse Foot Bath?

Almost anyone can benefit from an ion cleanse foot bath to enhance their overall health. Based on our experience, patients suffering from chronic pain, illness, migraines, and fatigue experience the most remarkable improvements.

Ion cleanse foot baths are also beneficial for those with skin conditions, fungal or yeast infections, and digestive issues. This treatment is often complemented with IV therapy treatments.

 

Are There Any Risks?

Side effects are very rare. However, some patients may experience mild nausea or dizziness after the treatment. Patients with open wounds on their feet should not undergo a foot detox bath.

 

Do Ionic Foot Baths Really Work?

Unfortunately, there are a few small and poorly conducted studies that have raised doubts about the effectiveness of ionic foot baths. However, we have personally witnessed the positive effects of ion cleanse foot baths on our patients. And we are not the only ones seeing positive results!

Research conducted by AMD shows significant increases in heavy metal levels in foot detox bath water after 30 minutes. Another study by AMD found a significant decrease in Glyphosate levels in the urine of patients who underwent ionic detox foot baths.

Scientific research also shows that patients who receive ion foot detox have higher amounts of toxins in their urine and feces within three days after the treatment, indicating that the treatment truly enhances detoxification.

Lastly, the Pacific College of Health and Science quotes a study that demonstrates a significant decrease in aluminum and arsenic levels in the blood of patients after ionic cleansing.

In addition to ionic foot baths, our practitioners recommend lymphatic drainage and IV therapy as part of a personalized treatment plan to support detoxification. All these therapies increase circulation and help the human body eliminate toxins.

Detoxification is the first step in a functional medicine treatment plan that focuses on optimizing the function of the entire body and organ systems. Our goal is to address the underlying causes of illness, whether they are genetic, environmental, or lifestyle-related.

We use a combination of natural strategies and lifestyle support to enhance the body’s self-healing ability. If you are interested in taking a proactive role in your overall health, you can learn more about our functional medicine services.