Printer Friendly Version

We have all felt the invigorating effect of electrons (e-), or negatively charged ions, when we take a walk in the mist of a mountain forest, or along the beach with pounding surf, beside a crashing waterfall, or soaking in the pool of a hot spring. These electron filled environments are abundant with free electrons or negative ions that create a sensation of exhilaration. These negative ions invigorate a higher state of alertness, decrease drowsiness, and stimulate mental energy. Since ancient times people have bathed in healing waters of mineral springs to treat pain and inflammation including arthritis, skin disorders, and other ailments.

Opposite of healthy negative ions (-) are positive ions which are atoms that have lost an electron resulting in a positive charge (+). In fact, positive ions are not so positive. You are bombarded by them when you sit in front of a television or computer or live in the electrostatic environment of concrete, power lines, microwave towers, and industrial pollution found in the city. Most of us are exposed daily to the environmental toxins that produce massive amounts of these life robbing molecules.

In excess these positive ions can cause mental and physical fatigue and free radical oxidation which results in degeneration or premature aging. Wrinkling skin, graying and falling hair, memory loss, pain, fatigue, muscle loss and weakness, and other age related symptoms have been directly related to the ravages of free radical oxidation.

So what is actually happening? On a scientific level, the machine electrically splits water molecules into H+ and OH- ions. These negative ions release free electrons during the hydrotherapy session which are absorbed through the skin and increase ATP, neutralize free radicals, and balance pH.

ATP is the "currency" the body uses to make energy. It is a molecule that is formed by electrons as they pass through the mitochondria into the electron transport chain. (left) In a way, it is the electron that allows you to do anything. When you move, you just used an electron; you talk, or laugh, or burp, you just used a whole bunch more. In this effect, an increase in ATP provides more energy for the cells to purge chemical toxins and absorb oxygen. When the toxic load is lessened the system is less burdened and better able to protect itself from further toxins, microbes, and pollutants.

During the treatment negative ions also neutralize the "life-sucking" positively charged free radicals. Just as a magnet works, the negative ions in the water travel through the body and are attracted to the positive charges of free radicals and other toxins neutralizing their harmful effects. In this way pH is also balanced as negative ions alkalize (OH-) while positive ions have an acidic effect (H+). When you balance the pH in the body it can then begin the process of detoxification through the liver, kidneys, and skin and rebuild healthy tissues.

An experiment was done on a leaf which had been removed from a living plant and left on a table for a week. After the week the leaf was wilted, and the energy was re-measured showing a decreased voltage. The test was repeated with a newly picked leaf and treated with the ionic footbath. Before treatment: the value was -0.073 volts, and after -0.101 volts. The bath actually increased the voltage or increased the energy of the leaf! Treatment was continued every couple days for three entire weeks and believe it or not the leaf did not wither even after 3 weeks!!! The leaf was not kept in water but sitting on the table dry- Amazing!

Like the plant cell, the human cell also has an electrical potential like a battery. When a battery has no energy left it is said to be dead…just as in living things. Having an ionic foot bath is like recharging a half-full battery!

One of the most noticeable effects is the change in water color during a treatment. Most water contains some small amounts of minerals in which the machine will react with electrically and change color. The final color is a result of the reaction between the minerals in the water and substances released from the person. Often toxins pulled from the body will form a sticky fatty ring in the water that must be removed with detergent.

The degree of the color can be an indication of the overall vitality and health of the person. The healthier person absorbs more energy, therefore, less energy is available to react with the water, making it less dark. The less healthy a person is the less energy one absorbs during the treatment and the more energy the water will keep for itself, thus creating a darker color. The water actually desires as much energy as the person! As the person becomes more healthy, the water becomes less dark, indicating a lesser need for the healing negative ions.

Patients will remark that they eliminate darker, more concentrated urine after a foot bath treatment. An unpublished study showed a hundredfold increase of the excretion of aluminum and other metals in the urine. Even the water itself shows an increase in lead, antimony, nickel, and tin from the excretion of the skin in some studies.

Thirty minutes of ionic bath every other day for 14 treatments will often show a noticeable change in symptoms. The negative ions have been clinically effective to energize and invigorate, relieve fatigue and stress, and alleviate depressed moods and nervousness. Best results have been seen with reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain by promoting detoxification through the liver, kidneys, and skin and encouraging a faster recovery time.

live blood cell analysis before and after ionic footbath

Physicians have reported that patients feel an increase in energy and notice improvement of symptoms such as chronic pain and fatigue, headaches, insomnia, joint pain, edema, allergies, and digestive complaints. Some physicians report positive effects in hyperactivity and developmental delay in children. Most dramatic are the decreased side effects of those undergoing chemotherapy. It has shown to be an excellent treatment for the elderly who often have challenges with other detox therapies.

Overall, patients notice decreased inflammation, balanced sleeping patterns, and a sense of calm and mental clarity. These effects can often be felt even after one session although cumulative effects of multiple sessions are the most dramatic providing a greater long-term benefit.