001. Nancy Ann Patterson (ND Bastyr 2001) [verified at bastyr.edu] states in "Naturopathic Corner: Lymphatic System an Underrated Protector" (2012-12-24) [vsc 2013-01-03; my comments are in unquoted bold]:
"Nancy Patterson is a doctor of naturopathic medicine at Inner Reflections Health Care [...and she tells us] the lymphatic system supports every other system in the body including the digestive, detoxification, respiratory, nervous, circulatory and immune systems [...] you can ensure your lymph system stays healthy in several ways [...including] use ionic foot bathes to help remove toxins";
actually, there is no system in medical science known as the detoxification system.
002. meanwhile, in the land of the science literate:
ionic foot baths are considered quite the quackery. The Los Angeles Times reported in 2010 in "Ionic Foot Baths Have Achilles' Heel":
"ionic foot baths are a 'detoxifying' treatment that have become popular at health fairs, alternative health clinics and spas. Many companies also sell ionic foot baths online for home use [... ] scientists say that's bunk [...] a foot bath may be relaxing, but claims of detoxification 'make zero sense,' says Steve Gilbert, an affiliate associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. Gilbert is managing editor of Toxipedia, an online toxicology database. According to Gilbert, there's simply no way to draw large amounts of chemicals, toxic or otherwise, through skin. 'The skin is a darn good barrier that's designed to keep things in the body. [Claiming to pull] stuff across that barrier is nutty.'"
003. but that's naturopathy for you.
