Ion Cleansing
The New Trend in Detox
by Brenda Wilkins

No matter how much we strive to live a healthy lifestyle, we cannot escape a build-up of toxins in our bodies. They enter through the air we breathe, food we eat, and our water supply. Over time these toxins can cause sensitivities, loss of energy, compromised health, or even disease.

The Ion Cleansing Foot Bath is the newest trend in detoxification methods. It is gaining popularity because of its simplicity in our busy lives. It is a relaxing method-requiring that the feet be immersed in the water for just 30 minutes per session.

The foot bath contains warm water, a small amount of salt and an array, which contains metal plates (usually stainless steel). The array is plugged into an electrical outlet to generate ions in the water. This process is believed to rebalance our ions to the optimum required for our bodies to cleanse and heal naturally, as well as drawing out toxins through the pores in the soles of our feet. It is important to note that in no way do the manufacturers of these machines claim that they can cure illnesses. Instead, through this process of detoxification and rebalancing of the ions, sessions will enhance the body's own natural healing power and immune system, leading to increased energy, a feeling of well-being, and better health.

During the 30-minute session the water will change colour. This happens with or without feet in the water due to the chemical reaction between the water, salt, and the metal in the array. Approximately 20% to 40% of what appears in the water is said to be from the body and the balance (60% to 80%) from the particles in the water along with the gradual breaking down of the plates in the array. However, when the machine is run without feet in it, there is no viscosity produced, as there is when feet are immersed.

The colour of the water is an indication of which area of the body is detoxifying. The colours can range from a yellow/green (kidney, bladder, urinary tract, prostate area) to black (liver).

The results reported by people who have used this method of ion rebalancing and detoxification have included a reduction in sensitivities; increased energy; a decrease in headaches and in joint and menstrual pain; a reduction in fluid retention and arthritis symptoms; an improvement in skin conditions, including acne; as well as a lowering of blood pressure.

This treatment is not, however, recommended for everyone, and additional information, together with the advice of your doctor, should be sought before undergoing any alternative treatment if you have medical concerns. Detox Ion Cleanse sessions cost in the range of $40-$75.

Born in Scotland, raised in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Brenda Wilkins holds a Certificate in Education from the University of Zimbabwe, and she taught Art and English at the High School level before coming to Canada in 1982. A graduate of Global Infobrokers program in Entrepreneurship, she is also certified in Microdermabrasion and Cold Laser, and is an instructor for MediSpa Therapeutics (Vancouver). Having been involved in the cosmetic industry for many years, she currently owns and operates Eterna Cold Laser Centre in Saskatoon. To contact her and for more information call (306) 244-9442, email: eternalaser@gmail.com, and see the display ad on page 27 of the 13.5 March/April issue of the WHOLifE Journal.