How to Make Ionic Detox Bath

Ionic detox foot baths are typically expensive machines, and the "detox" label is something of a misnomer. Though virtually all treatments labeled "alternative" often get criticized blindly simply because the strategy doesn't match the status quo methodology, Ionic detox baths seem to deserve the onslaught of disbelief and debunking attempts. Foot baths are nothing new, and neither is electrolysis. Scientific experts schooled in chemistry say it is electrolysis that causes the water discoloration these machines produce. Proponents of these machines say "toxins" are being absorbed by the ionization of the water, causing the color changes. In reality it may be more relaxing and calming to use these machines than therapeutic, but if you're a believer you can make one on your own for a fraction of the cost of a fancy, top-of-the-line model.

Things You'll Need

• Alligator Clips
• Wire cutters
• Household appliance or all-purpose electrical cord
• Electrical tape
• 2 6-12 volt lantern batteries.
• 2 metal spoons or forks with long handles
• Table Salt or Epsom salts
• Water
• Container/basin for soaking the feet

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Instructions

• 1

  Fasten your alligator clips to two lengths of cord 2 to 3 feet long. The cord should be the type that easily splits down the middle. Strip away a good half-inch or more on each end of the cord with your wire cutters. Only pull apart about 3 inches of one side into two strands for the clips to attach to. Firmly secure the clips to the bare metal strands within the cord and wrap the clip ends with electrical tape.

• 2

  Take the other frayed end of the cord that is not pulled apart and wrap it around the tip of your spoon or fork handle. One solid wire end goes to each spoon or fork handle. Wrap the handles tightly in electrical tape. This will keep water from corroding the contact wires.

• 3

  Prepare the foot basin with a water and salt mixture. You may also use Epsom salts and other minerals. Fill the container just enough so that when your feet go in it the water will rise to a level just above the ankles.

• 4

  Connect the alligator clips to your battery contacts. There should be one battery powering each utensil. Place each spoon or fork upright on the edge of the bath, and keep the basin far enough away from the batteries so there is enough tension in the wire to prevent the taped handles from falling completely into the container.

• 5

  Soak your feet in the mixture for at least half an hour. You will see the water start to turn a yellowish rust color first, and it may turn green, dark brown or blackish over the time you keep them soaking. Though the jury is out on whether this is really toxic material sucked out of your body through your feet, it is a relaxing treatment many seem to at least feel some unique benefits from. Some users even recommend not worrying about the color of the water itself as much as the color of your urine after using one of these store-bought or homemade machines. The theory is that the charge reacts with your cells, and that could explain all those happy ionic detox patients that critics point to as suffering from the placebo effect.