|  | Alternative Medicine | Reflexology

Information on Detox Patches

Detoxification foot patches are derived from the practice of reflexology. Reflexology divides the sole of the foot into regions that represent organs of the body. Each region has a direct connection to its corresponding vital organ. Herbal enhanced patches are thought to draw toxins out of the vital organs through these foot regions. The use of foot patches first began in Asian cultures in combination with reflexology treatments. However, modern western scientists dispute the effectiveness of the patches.

  1. Ingredients

    • Foot patches typically contain some type of wood or bamboo vinegar with a mixture of herbs and the mineral tourmaline. The herbs included depend upon the manufacturer. Some examples of ingredients from Takara, a major brand, include eucalyptus, Saururus chinensis, mushrooms and corn starch. Takara claims the ingredients have properties that absorb toxins.

    Instructions

    • The patches are meant to be worn at night while you sleep. The patch itself is secured to the arch of the foot with a band of fabric. The soiled patch is removed the next morning and discarded. The therapy is continued for a few days or up to two weeks. These statements have not been corroborated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so it is up to the user and their alternative medicine practitioner to determine the length of treatment.

    Effects

    • The patch is a dark brown color when it is removed. The color is attributed to the toxins that were absorbed from the energy meridians that travel to and from the foot. The foot pads are purported to aid overall health as well as the relief of headaches, fatigue, rashes, skin disorders, dizziness, depression as well as a number of other disorders. Testimonials from customers on Takara's website report higher energy levels and an overall sense of well-being.

    Professional Evaluation

    • Scientific evidence does not support the claims of foot patches as no study has been conducted to evaluate their effects. Chris Woolston evaluated foot patches in a a 2008 article published in the Los Angeles Times titled "Kinoki Foot Pads' Detox Claims Don't Stand Up to Science." After testing the foot pads on his own feet, Woolston applied saline solution. He found the saline solution caused the same color change in the pads as when he used them on his feet. Alice Park in her article "Detox Shmeetox" for Time Magazine claims that even distilled water will turn the pads into a muddy mess. These two at-home experiments cast a suspicious light on the effectiveness of the foot patches.Ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide if a detox foot patch is right for them.

Reflexology - Related Articles