Did you know that there are more than 2000 sweat glands and 4000 pores in your feet? It’s no wonder that detoxifying footbaths have been used in Ayurvedic and Eastern traditions for thousands of years! 

In fact, this system of healing was also used by the Romans in conjunction with public baths to draw impurities out of the body through the processes of osmosis and diffusion. 

While the use of ionization in a detox foot bath is relatively new, the technique itself is based on ancient and well-respected methods that are still practiced today. And, when combined with ionization, the detoxification effects can happen more quickly and be even more dramatic.

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

What is detoxification?

In essence, detoxification is the process of removing toxic elements like heavy metals, mold, yeast, fungus, pesticides, preservatives, and other chemicals from the body. This process is naturally performed in the human body by the liver, kidneys, and even the skin. 

But when the body is overburdened with too many toxins, the natural detoxification process is inhibited. According to the Centers for Disease Control, many illnesses are related to pollutants and toxins in the environment, which enter and build up in the body. 

Detoxification removes excess toxins and enhances the body’s own natural ability to detoxify itself. It’s an essential first step in any treatment plan designed to fight chronic disease and improve overall health.

What is a detoxification foot bath?

A detoxification foot bath is simply the process of soaking the feet in a tub of warm water. Certain ingredients are added to the water to assist the detoxification process. It’s one of the safest and most relaxing ways to remove toxins from the body.

There are many different types of detoxifying foot treatments, including:

• Charcoal foot bath
• Bentonite clay foot mask
• Epsom salt foot soak
• Apple cider vinegar foot soak
• Essential oils are often added to these mixtures to enhance healing and relaxation

At Rahav Wellness, we offer the ion detox footbath. We prefer this method because it is highly effective for enhancing the body’s natural ability to detoxify itself. Read on to learn how it works!

How an Ion Detox Foot Bath Works

The process of an ionic detox foot bath is actually quite simple. We start by filling a tub with warm water. Salt is added to the warm water to improve conductivity. Then we place an array into the tub to produce a gentle electrical current.

This direct current breaks the water into positively charged hydrogen ions and oxygen gas, or negatively charged hydroxide ions and hydrogen gas, depending on the settings we choose.

When the machine is turned on, the patient might notice a slight tingling sensation in the feet. That’s because our bodies are made of water and electrolytes, and they allow the current to travel through the body. This current causes the tingling sensation as it works like a catalyst to boost the body’s own natural detoxifying abilities.

By the end of a 30-minute session, the water changes color. The color change is caused by the oxidation of the metal plates in the array and the ions reacting with solutes in the water.

An ionic foot detox is more effective than other foot detox modalities because the electrical current actually travels throughout the body and stimulates lasting detoxification effects. Other modalities offer similar relaxation benefits, but the effects don’t last, and they can only remove toxins close to the surface of the skin.

The Benefits of an Ionic Detox Footbath

The primary benefit of an ionic detox footbath is that it enhances the body’s own natural detoxification abilities. This allows the body to remove heavy metals and other toxic elements from the body more efficiently.

Assisting the body’s natural detoxification process results in:

• A stronger immune system

• A reduction in chronic pain and inflammation

• Prevention of chronic disease

• Relief from the symptoms of chronic illness

• Potential weight loss

• Increased energy and focus

• Enhanced lymphatic drainage

• Better skin health

• Fewer headaches and migraines

• Improved circulation and heart health

• An overall feeling of relaxation and improved mood

• Stress relief

• A reduction of swelling in the feet and ankles

• Improved digestion and nutrient absorption

Often, when we are working with a patient to boost their immune system, their progress can become stalled due to the body’s inability to remove toxins efficiently. If toxins are allowed to build up, the patient’s immune system suffers, inflammation increases, and the body reabsorbs the toxins it can’t get rid of.

By supporting detoxification and boosting circulation, we can ensure that the patient’s lymphatic system does not become blocked. This allows the body to push out any residual toxins, resulting in improved overall health for the patient.

Who can benefit from an ion detox foot bath?

Just about anyone can benefit from an ion detox foot bath to boost their overall health. In our experience, patients who suffer from chronic pain, illness, migraines, and fatigue experience the most dramatic improvement.

Ionic footbaths are also beneficial for those suffering from skin conditions, fungal or yeast infection, and digestive issues. This treatment also works well as an accompaniment to other therapies, such as IV therapy and colon hydrotherapy.

Are there any risks?

Side effects are very rare. However, some patients may experience mild nausea or dizziness after their treatment. You should always let your doctor know if you have any health conditions or take any medications, just to be safe. Patients with diabetes or open sores on the feet should not have a detox footbath.

Do ionic foot baths really work?

Unfortunately, there are a few small and poorly conducted studies that have led to some skepticism about the effectiveness of ionic footbaths. However, we’ve seen the positive effects of ion foot baths on our patients firsthand. And, we’re not the only ones seeing positive results!

Studies conducted by AMD show significant increases in the amounts of heavy metals in the detox foot bath water after 30-minutes. Another study by AMD also found a significant decrease in Glyphosate levels in the urine of patients who received ionic detox foot baths.

Scientific research also shows that patients who receive an ion foot detox have higher amounts of toxins in their urine and stool within three days of treatment, further demonstrating that the treatment does indeed enhance detoxification. 

And finally, the Pacific College of Health and Science also quotes a study that demonstrates a significant reduction in aluminum and arsenic levels in the patient’s blood after ionic cleansing. 

Wrapping Things Up

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

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

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

written by Danelle Aliseo, NP
Danelle Aliseo, AGNP, AHN is a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from New York University’s nationally acclaimed Adult Primary and Holistic Care Nurse Practitioner Program. She is currently enrolled in continuing education coursework through the Institute of Functional Medicine. Danelle specializes in addressing root cause of various conditions including but not limited to autoimmunity, hormonal imbalance, inflammatory gastrointestinal issues, etc. Read more.

edited by Rachael Kuecher

 

Tis the season for the holiday parties that connect us with our loved ones, who bring us immense joy, fun, laughter, and unfortunately germs.

As the weather becomes colder the likelihood of catching common viral illnesses, such as the flu increases.

Many health practitioners recommend a flu vaccine, prescription medications, or over the counter drug store medications that only mask and/or suppress symptoms. However, Functional Medicine uses natural approaches to strengthen the immune system. This helps in the prevention and elimination of viruses that cause the common cold and flu.

A quick and easy way to boost your immune system is through our targeted IV treatments. 

Below we have listed our IVs and their benefits.

1. Our Immune Boost IV 

This utilizes a blend of vitamins and minerals targeted to strengthen the immune system; including Vitamin B12, Vitamin B complex,  Vitamin C and ZInc. Great for prevention and treatment of cold and/or flu.

• Hydrogen Peroxide IV 

Already come down with something? Try our hydrogen peroxide IV. Sounds odd, right? Actually hydrogen peroxide, in medical-grade form, can be infused through the vein. It then breaks down into various oxygen sub-species and severely inhibits the growth of anaerobic organisms (bacteria and viruses).

• Vitamin B and/or Vitamin D injection

Looking for an even quicker boost? Try our B12, B Boost Or Vitamin D injection. All essential to supporting a healthy immune system.

 

 

written by Danelle Aliseo, NP

edited by Rachael Kuecher

 

One of our most popular IV treatments is our adrenal bag.

The bag is filled with essential vitamins and minerals to support the adrenal glands.

Your adrenals are glands that help you respond to stress by releasing cortisol.

When your adrenals work the way they should normally function, you become more resilient during stressful situations.

But if you’re overwhelmed by chronic stress, your adrenals can get burnt out from constantly producing cortisol. The result is adrenal fatigue.

This mainly holds true when we are low in the essential vitamins and minerals we need to support this process.

Simply taking oral supplements is not always the answer especially when people are severely depleted and/or have issues with absorption due to an impaired gut, bacterial overgrowth, or infection.

This bag can help boost energy, support us during stress, up-regulate detox, boost immunity and more.

Below is a list of IV treatments we offer to both current patients and prospective patients who are interested in IV therapy.

1. De-stress and Relax IV
2. Detoxification IV
3. Hydration IV
4. Metabolic Boost IV
5. Nourish IV

#functionalmedicine #ivtherapy

 

 

 

 

Written by  Danelle Aliseo NP

Edited by Rachael Kuecher

 

With the holidays upon us, we are reminded what makes this time of year so special; whether that’s our family, friends, or the wide selection of cheese balls at the store.

For me, it’s a combination of the above. However, I have found that like many others, I too, have lost sight of what the holidays are truly representative of.

For those of you that don’t me, my name is Rachael and I am the receptionist at Rahav Wellness. I recently moved to New York City from the rural plains of Ohio and my journey here has been everything you’d expect in a comedy sketch. 

Like every person who has had the courage to move to this city, I’ve experienced the expected ups and downs. However, I hit a particular low this past month.

I won’t trouble you with the gory details but I had an infestation of sorts due to a scummy landlord that left me apartment less the weekend my sister was visiting.

So you can only imagine the state of panic I was in. How am I supposed to show her my glamorous new life (all lows aside) if we don’t have anywhere to sleep? Rent an Air BnB or a hotel? Well, it’s not in my budget. Stay at friends? They either don’t have the room or they don’t feel comfortable taking me in because I have been labeled with the scarlet letters BB. 

All I can say is I’m at work, ten hours before my sister is supposed to land, distressed, and with no plan. My state of despair was not well hidden because my boss, Dr. Rahav,  approaches me and asks, “What’s wrong?”

With little hesitation, I frustratingly ramble through my predicament, when I finish she responds, “Just stay at my place.” I stand there. Not really sure what to say.

Why wouldn’t I jump at this offer?

Maybe it’s because during my short existence I have never heard of an employee staying with their boss. There could be many reasons for this.

Some high possibilities would be that all the ones I had before would have never been kind enough to offer or it’s not a practiced custom in America. Either way, I was desperate so I replied with a cool, “Sure.”

However, as the day went on my rampant thoughts began to prevail and I was now in a new state of hysteria.

What if  I was imposing? She has an entire family and adding my sister and me to the mix would only lead to a rendition of the Brady Bunch. And what if this was in fact, super weird? I could already feel the heat of judgment radiating from the gods of social structures.

So I did the most professional thing I could think of. I went into her office, during a break, holding back my tears, and spewed incoherent sentences, but again Dr. Rahav only responded, “Honey, you’re the one that’s worried. I’m not worried.” 

With her reassuring words, I texted my sister and told her the plan.

That night after work Dr. Rahav took me to her place where her children and partner welcomed me warmly. They fed me dinner and a beautiful apple crumb cake. The entire time I was eating I kept thinking, “There’s got to be a catch, right?” But the only thing I was requested to do is watch the “Kaminsky Method”. Which, if you have not seen, is a very funny show.

Before heading out Dr. Rahav’s eight-year-old daughter, who was quite the host, made up the couch and mattress in the living room for me and my sister to sleep on. I insisted on helping, but she was very stern in letting her do it. After that, I left for the airport.

When my sister, Caitlyn, and I were finally reunited I gave her an entire spiel on how our days would go so we would not impose. We would eat all meals out and we would only come back to the apartment when we were ready to shower and go to bed. This was my master plan. 

I went to bed that night ready to implement this schedule, but the next morning when I woke up Dr. Rahav already had tea waiting for me. Though this was not apart of the itinerary I eagerly welcomed the warm brew and conversation. Not long after my sister woke up and I  introduced her to everyone. 

That morning wasn’t what I had in mind, but it turned out way better.

My sister and I had breakfast with Dr. Rahav and her family. We spoke about childhood memories and life growing up in the midwest. They shared their stories and how in Israel everyone’s home is welcomed to guests alike. We were laughing, eating, and talking as if we had always been each other’s lives. 

After a day of adventuring my sister and I came back to the apartment where Dr. Rahav was cooking dinner. She invited me to the kitchen and showed me how to cook collard greens.

For those of you who don’t know me, my cooking skills haven’t advanced past picking up pizza in a college buffet line. So having this opportunity to learn in such a warm setting was special.

After we all shared dinner together we sat around and laughed over baby photos and my Halloween costumes throughout the years. My sister, Dr. Rahav’s daughters, and I watched lip sync battle and then eventually got caught in the dark whole of endless youtube videos. 

 

I went to bed that night laughing at myself. My master plan that I never laid into effect was no plan at all. All these moments, that Caitlyn and I were sharing with Dr. Rahav and her family were so much better. 

When Monday rolled around and I had to take my sister back to the airport I said to her, “I’m sorry if this wasn’t what you had in mind for this weekend.” She laughed at me. Though my sister is younger, she possesses a mind much wiser and calmer than my own. She looked at me and said, “Rachael I came here to spend time with you. And that’s what I got to do.”

And when it was time for her to head into the airport she looked at me and said, “And there aren’t many bosses like Dr. Rahav. Don’t you mess yourself out of this job.” 

I laughed. She was right. There aren’t any bosses like her.

I realized in that moment I had a lot to be thankful for, despite the unfavorable critters moving into my apartment.

Moving here has been overwhelming at times. But to know that at the end of the day there are people who would open their doors to someone they have only known for a few short months left me at peace.

Because isn’t this what the holidays are truly about? Not the gifts or forced conversations, but the act of welcoming and giving to those that you may not consider your own?

Maybe if we all extended that much warmth and grace and opened our doors to those no matter the social etiquette of it all, the world would be a more compassionate place where taking care of each other wouldn’t feel like an exception.

 

written by Rachael Kuecher

If you already meditate, it’s helpful to cultivate a “beginner’s mind.” That means letting go of your concepts about meditation, about your mind, and about yourself – and approaching each meditation (truly, every moment!) with an open mind and attitude.

If you’re new to meditation, put your concepts about it on hold until you have experienced it for a while.

“What is meditation?”

There are countless definitions. To me, meditation is simply turning our awareness within, toward our own inner being, instead of turning it toward the outside world.

You may believe that going within means thinking.

It doesn’t.

Instead of thinking and then following your thoughts to their logical conclusions, we halt that progression. We become aware of the thoughts we are having, and then intentionally let them come and go like waves on the ocean.

However, it is not always as simple as this. Sometimes our thoughts don’t want to go or quiet down – they want to stick around or even proliferate.

Throughout my years of teaching meditation, a lot of people have told me: “I can’t meditate. My mind is too busy.”

Everybody has a busy mind, at times, but it is not a barrier to meditating.

It is a great misconception and myth that if your mind isn’t quiet during meditation, then you must be doing it wrong.

That isn’t true.

 Your mind may become still – for a little while, or even for an entire meditation session.

But if that does not happen, recognize that you are thinking, and then, resettle your focus onto your breath. You may have to do this repeatedly until you become more experienced.

If you notice that your thoughts are still lingering, don’t beat yourself up or your mind for having them. Just be aware, accept what is or isn’t arising, and breathe.

The purpose of meditation is to uplift our lives. The power of daily meditation practice – even for a few minutes – has the capacity to positively impact your daily life.

 So I encourage you to try it. Right now if you can!

Take a few minutes – close your eyes – and concentrate on your breathing. And if thoughts or feelings kick up, simply resettle your attention onto your breath.

I also encourage you to take Breath Breaks throughout your day. In the same fashion, focus on your breathing, for just a few rounds of inhaling and exhaling.

This simple practice can alter and improve not only the moment but your entire day.

written by Sheldon Lewis 

edited by Rachael Kuecher