Detox patches for your feet come in many different types. Some contain traditional Japanese medicinal herbs and products, while others contain some vinegar and green tea. There is some basis in traditional Japanese medicine for the foot pads with traditional Japanese medicinal ingredients in them. Foot pads with only vinegar and green tea, however, are not as effective.
Bamboo Vinegar
Perhaps the most traditional foot pad contains nine-year-old bamboo vinegar, which, according to traditional Japanese medicine, can stimulate the kidneys if placed in the correct place on the feet. These pads, like all detox foot pads, will not eliminate toxins directly through your feet, but, by stimulating your kidneys, could enhance the kidneys' function, and so help your body to detoxify more efficiently.
Milk Thistle
One pad made by Kenrico contains milk thistle, which, according to Dr. James Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy, is known to regenerate liver cells. By placing this pad on the correct area of the feet, it is possible, if you follow the tenets of reflexology, to help the liver aid your body in its functions, and so help your body to detoxify.
Vinegar and Green Tea Extracts
Pads tested by Dr. Devra Davis on MSNBC contained only plain vinegar and green tea extracts. These pads would do little for your body. John Stossel on 20/20 and Dr. Devra Davis on MSNBC, among other reports, have shown that the pads, though they change color, do not detoxify your body. The color change is a natural reaction of the ingredients on the pads when exposed to any moisture.
Far Infrared Heat
Certain pads use far infrared heat to help the medicinal ingredients penetrate the skin. Far infrared rays could be emitted from the pads and would then heat through two to three inches of the skin, stimulating blood and lymph circulation and helping to remove toxins from the body.
Considerations
One company, Kenrico, does have independent laboratory studies stating that heavy metals, uric acid and oxalic acid were found on used foot pads. It may be important to use foot pads with active traditional medicinal ingredients and far infrared heat. Detox foot pads have become very popular very quickly, and many companies now make them. By understanding the medicinal beliefs behind the pads, you can make an informed decision about whether and which type is right for you.
Tags: your body, foot pads, traditional Japanese, medicinal ingredients, pads with, body detoxify