What Quackery Is This!!
You've probably heard it from someone,
"Ionic footbaths are quackery!"
Frequently those in the forefront of any field are attacked, and when people don't take the time to understand something, it is time and again looked upon with suspicion. The alternative health or holistic field is much too often considered part of the suspicious unknown, so it's seldom welcomed with open arms, and condemnation is quick to come by staunch believers of institutionalized medicine. Unfortunately, people remember the scams and over zealous marketers of the past, and rightfully that lends to the untrusting attitude that many consumers have today.
But, if we were to apply the same standards to the medical field, and looked back at some of the warped theories and atrocities that were performed in the name of the advancement of medicine, well, I can only say it was acceptable because it was a learning period. We perservered, because it was all we knew, and in the hopes that medicine would one day truly benefit mankind, and it has.
The practice of good medicine is good for everyone, yet as much as medicine has progressed, it will in all probablity in the future be looked upon with criticism, just as we now look back at its barbarous methods of its past.
There will, for more time than I can envision, be a place for medicine in trauma cases, but the evolution of medicine will without doubt lead to the end that is suspected by many learned scientists and doctors of todays world, that inevitably, diseases effecting the body will be healed by allowing and or assisting the body in what it does naturally.
Many believe that the interim link between medicine and self healing is healing through alternative health practices, a combination of body, mind and spirit with the newest technology. We are in the infancy of that era, and besides the natural fear of change, there is but one factor that is slowing the progress of what will ultimately be. That is the propaganda and programming by the pharmacuetical industry of the medical profession, and the lay people of this great country. Now, with the Pharmacuetical Industry manipulating the Medical Association, they have a power that is unequalled, with exception to the oil and banking industry.
Unfortunately, the far reaching power of these three industries is going unchecked. In particular, and most disturbing, is the pharmacuetical industry and the medical establishment, which have a direct effect on the health and lives of so many innocent people. When is enough money, enough?
Bruce H. Lipton, PHD of Stanford states it quite succinctly, "The pharaceutical industry is 80 years behind!"* The body is the best healer, and healing through natural means is the best method. The truth of it is, that greed of money is the motivator, and the pharmaceutical industry has an ungodly amount of money to lobby for the laws it wants, to keep promoting drugs instead of any natural or alternative means of healing. They and medical association even want to make the purchase of vitamins and other natural products available only by prescription. Why, other than for more control and more revenue. It's sadfully ironic that the pharmacuetical industry convinces so many to be suspicious of alternative health products, when the fact is that most pharamaceuticals have little benefit, and the complicated chemical reactions caused by them within the body offer a slew of serious negative side effects, sometimes equal to the malady it's supposedly treating. *(For an enlightening video about drugs and the human body we highly recommend a DVD by Dr. Lipton, titled "Biology of Belief "Lite" The quote above is from this DVD)
Rightfully there is great respect for the dedicated doctor, and justly an unequaled contempt for the uneducated, uncaring, biased or closed minded doctor that is consistantly lead around by the nose, and by the riches of the pharmaceutical industry. Alternative health methods are worth pursuing, and just as the medical field went through growing changes, the alternative health fields should be allowed to grow and explore all the possibilities of improving our health, until that final transition, when we learn the art of allowing our body to heal itself of any disease. Just as the alternative health community has a moral obligation to its clients, it is morally wrong that any industry is allowed to suppress alternative advancements, just to protect their bottom line. It is the right of all people, and the obligation of society, that every avenue in prolonging life and improving our health, is thoroughly pursued through every means available to us, cautiously overviewing, but without any obstructions.
In your search for knowledge about ionic foot baths, you may in your web surfing come across a website dedicated to claiming the ionic foot bath is nothing more than quackery. Unfortunately, some over zealous foot bath dealers of the past have given them the amunition they need, by making elaborate and suspect claims. Sadly, I have personally heard the wild claims myself from untrained and ill informed salesmen, claiming the release of radioactive toxins to even the release of brain toxins. Unfortunately, even though they were sincere in their product their idiotic statements only serve to create an underlying suspicion of the alternative health community. So, at times these sites claiming quackery can present a good case, until you get past their twisted rhetoric.
But regardless of the claims of quackery, there is one important element that must be remembered, countless people have, and still are benefitting from the treatments using their foot bath systems, and they've expressed their sentiments through their testimonials with numerous companies.
We firmly believe that an educated consumer will become our customer and eventually our best advertiser. So, we've included a letter below from one of those "Claims of Quackery" sites, and rather than posting our rebuttal, were including the rebuttals of a few insightful and knowledgable practitioners, and users of the ionic foot bath. We encourage you to visit this site, or any other claims of quackery sites, but if you do, to get an honest opinion of this subject you must read the rebuttals. We've included the letter in its entirety and it can be found at the following web address. Remember, often there are unseen benefits to the writers of these sites.
Ionic detoxification foot bath scam explained by a manufacturer
I recently saw my wife and several friends get duped about supposed benefits of an Ionic Detoxification Unit. Don't get suckered into buying or paying for a session in an ionic detoxifcation foot bath! Guess what, the water turns "toxic" colors whether your feet are in there or not, because it is just the corrosion of the electrodes that causes the water to change color. The manufacturer below says that "sales pitches" are used to make people think that different colors mean different toxins were ionically removed from the body through the soles of the feet; in reality it is just the results of passing an electic current between electrodes in a conductive solution of water. Their own studies (backed by other independent fraud investigation analyses) find only what you would expect to find in water where electrolysis took place, ie, no "toxins" released from the body were found.
Think about it, how likely are your feet to start "leaking toxins", if that happened then you'd find that happening in whirlpool spas etc. It doesn't happen.
Those of you who are selling these or selling sessions in them should at a minumum stop charging for the sessions since they are worthless and you do not want to ripoff your clients do you? Hopefully you can get a refund from whomever sold it to you since they misrepresented it. Those of you who sold them should encourage your customers to return them and then return the units to the manufacturers. Don't sell them based on anecdotal evidence alone, and don't be part of the scam! If you're selling them based on anecdotal evidence then try running the unit with no one in it to verify what the manufacturer says below, and stop using that sales pitch.
Here's what a manufacturer says about them:
There are several 'Detox' systems based around Foot Spas on the market today. Some manufacturers and retailers of such products make claims of purification and Detoxification that attract a lot of people. At beauty and health equipment exhibitions there are numerous stands that offer this kind of therapy and many visitors volunteer to give it a try.
But how effective is it really and how does it actually work? Is the fact that the water changes colour really proof that the Spa is detoxifying the body? Dr. Mary Staggs Ph.D. D.N. F.B.I.H., of the Mary Staggs clinic in Estepona, Southern Spain, is interviewed by R. B. Research.
Dr Staggs, we understand you were the first person to bring the concept of Ionic Foot Spa Detox systems into Europe?
Yes, back in 2001, I heard about Ionic Foot Spa's from both Dr Corey in Florida and Dr Morney in Denver Colorado. They had been working on the technique for some time before I was introduced to it. I found it fitted directly in with my research so I became involved in order to develop it further and decided to bring the concept to Europe.
What does the system consist off?
It's a Footbath into which we introduce an array. This is coupled to a power unit, which generates a low voltage electrical current - with both positive and negative polarities - which, due to the conductivity of saline water, work together to produce the desired effect.
Why did you become interested in 'Ionic Foot Spa Detox' systems?
Since it seemed this was a type of natural Detox process, I thought it would fit nicely alongside other therapies that I was using in the field of nutrition. The basic principle of the treatment was electrolysis and electro dialysis. But what caught my attention most early on was how the water, that the feet were submersed in, changed colour.
Some manufacturers claim that these colours correspond to specific body fluids, like cholesterol, uric acid, bile, blood, and even certain types of fats. What do you think of these claims?
Such claims are no more than a 'sales pitch'. From the early stages of development it was suggested that certain colours corresponded to certain types of organ drainage from the kidneys, liver, intestines and so on. But when we started our investigations, within the parameters of biochemistry, we found only Iron Sulphate in the water. We could not show the presence of Albumin or any other type of liquid, any kind of increment of sodium or potassium, urea, bilirubin transaminates, sugar and so on.
So why does the water change colour?
There are many factors that come into play. But basically we are talking about electrolysis.
Please explain.
In order to produce electrolysis, we need an ionised solution to close the electric circuit between two electrodes. These electrodes, when connected to a source of continuous currents are submerged in a carrier solution - one charge is positive (anode) and the other negative (cathode).
This action produces ionisation. The positive ions within the solution will move towards the cathode and negative ones towards the anode. The word electrolysis means to rupture, separate, by means of electricity, through galvanic current. The water that is used has its own impurities that, due to the electrolysis, are drawn towards or separated from other components. The consequent ionisation in the water results in the formation of solids that are deposited on the floor of the container and that float on the surface of the water. Bubbles also appear and at the same time the water changes colour. We must also remember that the arrays are metallic and release waste, which in turn results in an electrolytic reaction causing corrosion. Another influencing matter is what we introduce into the water, eg. our feet. These have their own properties such as acidity or alkalinity. The skin can also contain remnants of soap, creams, nail varnish, pollutants and dyes from shoes, including shoe polish, bacteria, fungi and fibres. There might also be a release of substances from the sebaceous glands and dead cells. All these factors combined will influence the colour change.
We must consider the internal condition of the body, which will influence and manifest itself in the water. Here we need to take into account sub dermis conditions, the capillary microcirculation and other internal influences that can be emitted through the largest human organ, the skin. Last of all, temperature will also affect the chemical reactions in the water.
If we take into account all these factors we can begin to understand why the water changes colour.
Is the change in colour of water the same for every treatment and for every individual?
No. Different treatments, individuals and water sources are likely to yield different colours but in all our investigations we detected no biological substances, furthermore the colours do not correspond to any pathological state or any organ deficit or any specific bodily excretion. The reasons for the change in water are as I've already mentioned, but also we could add improper rinsing of detergents used in the cleaning of the array and the bowl, which might produce bubbles.
So there are many reasons why the water might change colour, which means the whole process is impossible to calibrate which in turn means that clinical interpretation is misleading.
The above letter is very misleading and as usual some people will twist the facts to fit for their own benefit. The reality is that this interview was not published in whole and as a result it does not state all the facts. The following is the balance of the interview which was not published on the quackery site.
So are you saying that this therapy does not have a positive effect on our health?
No, I'm definitely not saying that at all. It is obvious that it does have a powerful effect on the human organism but that the water changes colour is not what we should be focussing on. This aspect is only of interest to those who do not actually understand the concept of chemistry and physics or the real function of the machine. They also do not understand medicine and so are using the change in water colour to impress the general public and to spin a line to make a sale. I've seen people gasp when they see the water changing colour around their feet but that's largely because they are not being told the real reason why this is happening.
So can you clear up for us what the machine is actually doing?
First of all, we need to understand that the human body is made up of 60%-70% water. There are different types of salts within the body's fluids that are capable of conducting electricity. In fact, our whole body acts like an industrial plant that produces chemical reactions and generates electrical currents, which produce energy.
Water is, of course, very fluid and has the ability to alter molecules in the presence of certain solutes and energies, which can also be referred to as 'memory'. It is precisely this principle that is used in homeopathy in the preparation of homeopathic remedies in different potencies. They dissolve to such an extent that there no longer appears to be molecules of solute present. It is this memory phenomenon that explains the clinical action.
When we introduce our feet into the Ionic Footbath water, our body fluids are actually connecting with the water. When we cause an electrical current between the two electrodes of the array, the water becomes the main conductor. This current in some way propagates with our own water. We must also remember that on the soles of our feet we can find a large number of reflex points that correspond to specific organs or certain parts of our body (this is the principle of reflexology). Also, we find in this area the beginning of the meridian flow lines that have been outlined for us in Chinese medicine, used by acupuncturists and previously by allopathic medicine. Therefore, any kind of stimuli - be it mechanical, luminous, electromagnetic or simply electric - in one way or another causes a reaction in each bodily system, organ or corresponding body area reflected on the sole of the feet.
This means that no matter what type of dialysis takes place, the level produced through the pores and glands of the feet is minimal and cannot be considered as genuine Detoxification. What actually happens is bio-stimulation which restores energy and balance, eases tension in certain areas, and re-establishes energies previously blocked. This then helps the body's organs to function correctly. In other words, by recharging the batteries, each organ can get back to its optimum efficiency.
How does one prove what is actually happening? Have the Mary Staggs clinic carried out any tests?
We have carried out experiments and investigations using biochemical tests, bacterial cultures and quantitative water tests, as well as explorations with a GDV camera, a thermo camera and other types of equipment to measure the changes in the energetic field of corresponding meridian and acupuncture points, kinesiology and Contact Reflex Analysis.
We also receive a lot of feedback from many therapists, doctors and patients who give us their testimonials and experiences. This has to be considered as another type of investigation although purely empirical, but still valued in the field of natural medicine.
So what future does this treatment have?
I am very excited by the feedback we receive daily on how people feel and how pleased they are to have had an opportunity to use our equipment. People contact us to ask if they can buy their own machine, after they have had several treatments in a clinic, because they feel so good. They feel that their bodies are now responding in various ways that was not happening before, which is great!
We also regularly hear from therapists and allopathic doctors, throughout Europe, calling to comment on their results, or just to clarify their findings.
So have certain companies operating in the field literally 'muddied the water' for Foot Spa Detox systems?
No, certainly not, the technology has only scratched the surface, although I feel it is a shame that people who commercialise the product oversell it by making false claims about its merits. Some of what they say simply cannot be proved.
But let's stick to the facts. The process can be beneficial to people's health but they should know, when they are having the treatment, exactly what it is doing to them and not having the treatment under false pretences or due to outrageous claims.
We have now completed extensive research under controlled conditions.
Thank you
Dr. Mary Staggs
End of interview
Dr. Mary Staggs is a recognized authority in the field of Natural Medicine.
There are many rebuttals to this letter, as it was published, we are only including a few.
reply by: drtony
I have an ionic foot bath in my clinic. I will agree that if you know how to set it up correctly (because there are safeties that will not allow the machine to work if not used correctly) the water will change color and look like clear tea with out anyone in the foot bath; however, if there is a person in the water, it will turn to mud. (I have photographs of both) It is mostly cellular debris. In your article you mentioned that there was no albumin in the water. Of coarse not! Albumin is a large protein and cannot be excreted through the pores of the skin. In fact if albumin is found in a urine analysis it is usually not a very good sign or the person is mega dosing on protein.
The foot baths will help make an acidic body more alkaline. The human body is suppose to have a pH of 7.4 which is alkaline. Tested over and over again through saliva pH. Now you can get a similar effect by walking on the beach in the surf for 30 minutes. So use that as an excuse to take a vacation to a beach somewhere. Or you can just go to a practitioners office and pay $20-$40 dollars and soak your feet for 30 minutes.
The bottom line is that the patients enjoy the foot baths & say they feel better after a foot bath. I do...
reply by: jkramos
MAYBE if you had all the information, you would know that Mary is (gasp) STILL SELLING the units? Maybe you should read her article in it's entirety from her own site and THEN comment?
http://www.marystaggsdetox.com.au/information.php?info_id=6
It might be a little less embarassing that way.
reply by: Stridar
I've noticed the site he keeps referencing is a medical propaganda site that is not trustworthy! This site also references Stephen Barrets Quackwatch a site supported by big medicine and the pharmaceutical industry! Stephen Barret is a known hired gun who has been defeated in many court rooms with his harrassment of alternative therapists! He is also being charged and hopefully does time on RICO charges in his false claims and Conspiracy to discredit known scientifically proven therapies!
This guy is a ringer not worth our time!
reply by: hnasc
Stephen Barret is the last person I would trust to be an impartial reporter of quackery. Anyone in bed with big pharma has a specific agenda and direction that effectively cancels out any claim to impartial reporting.
As for the footbaths, all I can really say is that I've had them and found them beneficial. The bath did produce what I recognize as detox symptoms and I did feel better afterwards. I had no particular idea as to whether this would be true or not but for me, it was.
Also, the person who gave me the footbath said that the colors meant nothing, though it used to be thought that they did. She said about what the doctor said in one of these posts...the changes have to do with the water used, the person's skin and chemical balance, etc.
reply by: #85095
I have experienced the Ionic Detox, witnessed over 300 people receive the ionic detox (a vendor was set up next to us at a show) and I have seen the difference in the colors of the water that each person had in the foot bath at the end of the process. I spoke with one woman who was a massage therapist (undergoing detox at the same time I did) and very much into heathy foods and lifestyle. The outcome of her footbath was mild and only lightly colored to an orange side. Mine was amazingly gross...but we won't go there. I would like to hear how this jerk explains the different outcomes of each foot bath. I suppose the arrays are intelligent and put out different colors and particles based on ?????....I know from experience, this foot bath helps to aliviate pain and toxins in the system. It is very similar to undergoing a massage treatment which also removes toxins from the body...and then one needs to drink lots of water. I suffer from HOBO Spider bites and it absolutely helped! I could feel the benefits of the treatment for several days after the 30 minute treatment. Yes I am into alternative medicine as Doctors have no cure for the HOBO Spider bites other than massive doses of antibiotics. THEY DON'T WORK and the bites recur each year!
reply by: newdawnfades
True people are people. Quacks can be anywhere. However you don't have to be able to spell to have had a vast series of bad and unproductive visits to a physician. And we have laws governing the behavior of physicians and thus have expectations, whereas with 'alternative medicine' methods it is understood to be 'buyer beware' and is generally a last ditch effort by someone who has tried the traditional route. I would venture to say that many doctors are indifferent and quite a few are just not that intelligent by my definition which means intellectual curiosity. Just because you have an MD doesn't mean that (a) you went to a decent school, (b) graduated anywhere near the top percentile or (c) give a d*mn. Furthermore, some do not possess the ability to focus, remember the patient's history, re-read the chart in advance, keep abreast of recent medical developments or any science. You talk about 'facts' but most pharamaceuticals have little benefit and a slew of side-effects caused by the complicated chemical reactions it can cause in a human body. You are assuming MD means 'great attention span' or 'i really am listening'. I think it's every man or woman for themself. We live in a selfish day and age and doctors achieve a god-like status by the force of unchecked skill and unregulated economics. The only person that really cares whether you live another day on this earth is you and if you believe in a higher power, him too. I thank him every day that I've been blessed with analytical abilities and the thirst for knowledge to field my way through ALL of the BS for sale today.
I think part of the problem with the way the ionic foot bath is described is that it is couched in new age hokey terms.
Facts: we are masses of energy. we show up on heat sensors. that is energy. humans feel better in high ionic environments.
As far as testing, try it, get your blood tests before and after and see for yourself. That's what I do to satisfy my curiosity. I am doing research on this product as an alternative to chelation for the uranium, etc that is in my body.
And yes I have a Bachelor's degree and am working on my Master's. Both good schools.
We here at American Venture believe in our product, and we personally use our product, but we want you to be aware of the opposing opinions involving foot bath treatments before you decide to spend any of your hard earned money. We welcome your questions.
We live in a changing era, and change for most people is hard to accept. We are not advocating a free-for-all in abolishing the medical field. It's obvious that physicians have been vital to the prosperity of health that this country enjoys, and should continue to enjoy for many years. And yet at the same time we are bombarded from preservatives and toxins that industry spews out in the name of progress. These so called advancements help us to feed the masses, but at the cost of condeming ourselves to earlier contracted and new diseases as a result of our progress.
This is a time to think for yourself, using the unadulterated facts, when you can find them, to decide if alternative health products are beneficial to your health. If you can't find the facts you need to make an intelligent decision, then do what all of us should do more often, go with your gut instinct.
Sam Tardio
Nature's Force Ionic Cleanse
Subsidary of American Venture L.L.C.
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