It seems like everyone is talking about body detoxing lately. (Finally!) One of the systems that have recently gained popularity is the ionic foot baths. They are more comfortable than other detox treatments like diets, colon cleansing, or fasting. But how are ionic foot baths different from say a pedicure, reflexology, or a good old-fashioned foot soak?

Note: All information, content, and material of this post is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

First…Why Is Body Detoxing Important?

No matter how we try, it’s nearly impossible to avoid toxic substances in the environment – from food, water, air, and the chemical products that fill our homes and offices. Pollutants and heavy metals build up in the body, especially the liver, and the body’s detoxing elimination systems can get overloaded. Conscious detoxing is increasingly popular as a way of dealing with the poisons we come into contact within our modern lives.

Detoxing helps your body remove the built-up chemical load, reduce bloating and swelling, boost your immune system, burn calories, and calm the mind and body.

What is an Ionic Foot Bath?

Your feet are part of your body’s elimination system, they are rich in sweat glands and blood vessels. And you know how good it feels to soak your feet in hot water, right? And to have your feet massaged?

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine have used this knowledge to address acute and chronic health conditions through foot reflexology for eons. Gentle pressure is applied to the soles of the feet to release blocked energy and increase positive energy flow.

The ionic foot bath takes foot massage and reflexology a step further by focusing on the natural capacity of the feet to detoxify the body. As well as stimulating and relaxing the feet, the salt solutions in the water increase the negative ions available to be taken into the body through the feet.

How Does an Ionic Foot Bath Work?

The main difference between a regular foot bath and an ionic foot bath is the process of charging the water by increasing the negative ions present. It has been estimated that the body functions best with an ion balance of 80% negative and 20% positive. Most of us rarely achieve that kind of balance, but ionic foot baths aim to make that easier than ever.

Taking an ionic foot bath is easy. You simply sit comfortably for around thirty to forty minutes with your feet in a bath or warm, salty water. A special machine is placed in the foot bath to create a gentle electrical charge to create negative ions and stimulate the detoxing process. This is quite safe and won’t hurt you, though it might feel a little ticklish.

The salts that are added to the foot bath replicate the mineral concentrations in seawater, which is naturally detoxing. The combination of salts and the gentle electric current balances the positive and negative ions in the body and creates a more alkaline environment. This alkaline environment helps to reduce the damaging free radicals in your body. It is these free radicals that cause aging and disease.

As you soak your feet, as well as relaxing in the warm water, you will absorb the negative oxygen ions from the water through the process of osmosis. Toxins in your body will naturally be drawn out through the excretory glands of your feet.

Below are some pics that I took of my foot bath at home. Beware. they are pretty gross.

Health Benefits of Ionic Foot Bath

Ionic foot baths are a natural way to increase the body’s alkalinity, with some practitioners finding that the alkalinizing process continues for up to 48 hours after treatment. Studies have also shown that consistent use of ionic foot baths reduced the amount of aluminum and arsenic in the body.

As well as general detoxing, ionic foot baths can be helpful to relieve stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and improve sleep. Ionic foot baths are particularly beneficial for people who have gastrointestinal disorders, skin problems, or yeast infections.

Many people choose to have an ionic foot detox as part of changing to a healthier lifestyle. Ionic foot baths are easy to incorporate into your regular detoxing schedule and fit well with other aspects of a healthy lifestyle like massage, yoga, exercise, and acupuncture.

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Use an Ionic Foot Bath?

Ionic foot baths are suitable for most people. However, this form of detoxing is contraindicated for people who have Type 1 Diabetes, who has been fitted with a pacemaker, or who currently have open wounds or lesions on the feet.

Where Can I Get an Ionic Foot Bath?

Feet detoxing with ionic foot baths is available through your local holistic healthcare centers, spas, and salons. You can also buy ionic foot bath machines and salt products online to use at home. That’s what we do because the cost of going to our local chiropractor for a session was getting to be pretty costly!

A poor diet, stress and the modern chemical environment not only cause toxic overload; they can lead to ionic imbalance and body acidity. Ionic foot baths are a gentle, non-invasive, safe way to restore and detoxify your body, and get back into balance.

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References:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/foot-detox
• https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/04/24/ionic-foot-detox-fact-or-myth
• https://www.sophiahi.com/ionic-footbaths-work
• https://www.livestrong.com/article/63869-ionic-foot-baths-work
• https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/foot-detox-know-facts-top-benefits-recipes
• https://patch.com/massachusetts/medfield/bp–the-many-benefits-of-ionic-detox-foot-baths