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