Ionic Cleansing???

[ernestocastillo]

After a long day of skiing, and in need of some massage therapy I settled into a 'holistic spa' in Breckenridge, CO. While I have reservations about endorsing such a business, my sore muscles took precedence. As I was checking out, I noticed a couple of patrons participating in an "ionic cleansing". The spa owner was explaining to them how the brown/green muck (and there was alot of it) surrounding their feet represented toxins that were drawn from the liver and other organs.

Now clearly this seems to be a bunch of bunk. However, it is not clear to me how this salt water solution combined with a mild current transforms into a nasty glob after 1 hour of having your feet submerged. I suspect well scrubbed feet would not produce as much "waste".

Can anyone out there point me to a good article/link debunking ionic cleansing?

 

[Hellbound]

I'm too lazy to do a search, but there are at least two discussions of this in the JREF forums (can't recall if it's in general skepticism or science fora, though).

However, IIRC, the general consensus (supported by tests doen by some members) was that it's a result of corrosion on the electrodes, due to the salt water and the electrical current (which speeds up the process). Basically, the gunk is rust and other oxides.

 

[roger]

Yup, and this is trivally tested by running the machine with no body parts in it. Exactly the same thing happens.

If you think the owner might just be deluded rather than a lying thief, you might suggest they try that experiment. It might stop them from taking money from innocent people.

 

[ernestocastillo]

Thanks for the quick response. So should I assume the effect would be identical without the inclusion of one's feet?

 

[richardm]

Thanks for the quick response. So should I assume the effect would be identical without the inclusion of one's feet?

I think that's the gist of it.

 

[pgwenthold]

Thanks for the quick response. So should I assume the effect would be identical without the inclusion of one's feet?

Even it didn't, there is a bigger problem: who says they are toxins? Just because it is brown and ugly doesn't mean it is made of toxins. Maybe it's extracting the good stuff as opposed to the bad?

How come you never hear anyy concerns from these places about accidentally sucking out the good karma?

 

[Xeriar]

How come you never hear any concerns from these places about accidentally sucking out the good karma?

Were I more morally corrupt than I already am this would be fun.

Maybe it would be anyway.

 

[Bruce]

Here you go: science project

Good read. I made my own "ionic cleansing" machine in the lab.