# Japanese Detox Foot Pads **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 31, 2007, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840 "2007-12-31T21:50:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2008, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/21 "2008-01-02T11:56:52Z")
[QUOTE=Fritz] Someone dear to me believes that this is **not** a scam because the pads become less and less discolored each night. Even though I am certain that this **is** a scam, I can’t explain how it works. Any ideas? [/QUOTE] I notice that an active ingredient is weak acid. I suspect it just slowly bleaches the skin in a particular area. Once the skin in a given area has all the dissolvable dirt and pigment bleached out, there is less effect. But I’m no chemist and someone who actually knows what they are talking about will no doubt be along shortly. If I’m right, a piece of tissue with some household vinegar on it taped to your foot would be just as (in)effective. ---
**Author:** ![Jurph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/50afbb/32.png) [@Jurph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jurph)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2008, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/22 "2008-01-02T14:53:08Z")
[QUOTE=Fritz] Someone dear to me believes that this is **not** a scam because the pads become less and less discolored each night. Even though I am certain that this **is** a scam, I can’t explain how it works. Any ideas? [/QUOTE] I’m sure it’s taking dirt off of their feet, and perhaps even from deep within the skin, but it’s not pulling any “toxins” from their body. If the lightness of the pads indicates that their _whole body_ is being cleansed, then they should be able to get the same effect more slowly by only wearing one pad to bed, say, on their left foot. Once the left foot pad is coming up clean, they can switch to the right foot only. If the pads are pulling toxins from the whole body, the right foot’s pad should come away clean the next morning. If they’re just cleaning the skin, the right foot’s pad will come away filthy the next day. Ask your dear friend why the pads wouldn’t work just as well on the hands, or the back of the neck, or the chest. What is so special about the feet that toxins can come out there, but not anywhere else? Why would the human body evolve to get rid of toxins through the surface that (until very recently) would have been the most likely to be covered with a thick layer of callous and dirt? ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2008, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/23 "2008-01-02T15:00:56Z")
[QUOTE=Jurph] Ask your dear friend why the pads wouldn’t work just as well on the hands, or the back of the neck, or the chest. What is so special about the feet that toxins can come out there, but not anywhere else? Why would the human body evolve to get rid of toxins through the surface that (until very recently) would have been the most likely to be covered with a thick layer of callous and dirt? [/QUOTE] Wait! This is explained in the infomercial – they show a cool graphic of how plants release toxins though their roots. Well … people do the same thing! [petergriffin] Heh … heh?![/petergriffin] ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2008, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/24 "2008-01-02T15:14:47Z")
[QUOTE=Jurph] Ask your dear friend why the pads wouldn’t work just as well on the hands, or the back of the neck, or the chest. What is so special about the feet that toxins can come out there, but not anywhere else? Why would the human body evolve to get rid of toxins through the surface that (until very recently) would have been the most likely to be covered with a thick layer of callous and dirt? [/QUOTE] Apparntly, you don’t know squat about Ancient Japanese Reflexology. Sheesh! ---
**Author:** ![Jurph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/50afbb/32.png) [@Jurph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jurph)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2008, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/25 "2008-01-02T15:38:14Z")
[QUOTE=Contrapuntal] Apparntly, you don’t know squat about Ancient Japanese Reflexology. Sheesh! [/QUOTE] According to [this detailed and clearly authoritative chart](http://www.findareflexologist.com/xmas/Reflexology_Foot_Chart1.gif), the feet are almost entirely symmetrical in their functions, with the exception of the liver, heart, and spleen which are arranged asymmetrically. Of course, [this detailed and clearly authoritative chart](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology) shows a different layout. But [this detailed and clearly authoritative chart](http://www2.vhi.ie/Imagebank/MedEco/00043230.jpg) shows a layout similar to the first chart, with much more minor differences. It is contradicted, but clearly superseded, by [this detailed and authoritative chart](http://www.footandbodymassagers.com/images/Foot-Massage-Reflexology.jpg). I’ve conducted a thorough survey of different methods and reached conclusions about Ancient Japanese Reflexology that can only be revealed in my book. Now, if you send me $29.95, plus shipping and handling… Anyway, most of the charts agree that the vast majority of surface area of the feet has symmetrical toxin-removal area. So working on just one foot _might_ work, unless your dear friend has a lot of toxins in one of the off-center organs. I’d start with the side that has the liver on it if I were you, since that’s where so-called “modern medicine” (meta- :rolleyes: ) believes that toxins are stored. If he or she counters with an argument that the left foot only removes toxins from the left side of the body, then you have a great control case – stick to the left-side-only detox pads and see if your friend gets (e.g.) sinus colds only on the right side, headaches only on the right side, back pain only on the right side, and so forth. ---
**Author:** ![BrandonR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@BrandonR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrandonR)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2008, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/26 "2008-01-03T06:39:39Z")
99% of all product sold that have the word “toxins” or “detox” in their title and/or description are bullshit. They seem to be very popular buzzwords these days, no? ---
**Author:** ![Astroboy14](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/df705f/32.png) [@Astroboy14](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroboy14)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2008, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/27 "2008-01-07T16:22:24Z")
[QUOTE=AudreyK] A warning that will probably come too late for most of us-- that page has autoplaying media with sound. [/QUOTE] My sincere apologies, all! When I posted that link, I did it from a computer with no speakers; I didn’t know about the audio file. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![randwill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2008, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/28 "2008-01-07T19:40:08Z")
There is no regulation on this stuff in the U.S. The FDA and FTC used to do this but not anymore. Commerce is king and as long as the product isn’t killing people, it’s okay. If the product IS killing people (alcohol and tobacco) lobbyist throw enough money at lawmakers so they can get away with it. Head-On and Enzyte (male enhancement) and all the other useless crap that doesn’t do anything are perfectly legal in the U.S. The ads only have to be careful to not say what the products are supposed to do or have disclaimers that say that they don’t really work in fine print. A lot of shit doesn’t work or is very bad for you. You are on your on to figure out what’s what. Hopefully before you waste your money or are injured or killed. The government won’t help you and, it could be argued, isn’t responsible for you anyway. ---
**Author:** ![jiggs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecc23a/32.png) [@jiggs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jiggs)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2008, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/29 "2008-01-12T19:10:28Z")
[QUOTE=Jurph] According to [this detailed and clearly authoritative chart](http://www.findareflexologist.com/xmas/Reflexology_Foot_Chart1.gif), the feet are almost entirely symmetrical in their functions, with the exception of the liver, heart, and spleen which are arranged asymmetrically. Of course, [this detailed and clearly authoritative chart](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology) shows a different layout. But [this detailed and clearly authoritative chart](http://www2.vhi.ie/Imagebank/MedEco/00043230.jpg) shows a layout similar to the first chart, with much more minor differences. It is contradicted, but clearly superseded, by [this detailed and authoritative chart](http://www.footandbodymassagers.com/images/Foot-Massage-Reflexology.jpg). [/QUOTE] Oh that is precious Jurph. Thanks for the best laugh of my week! ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2008, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/30 "2008-01-12T19:38:29Z")
[QUOTE=Fritz] Someone dear to me believes that this is **not** a scam because the pads become less and less discolored each night. Even though I am certain that this **is** a scam, I can’t explain how it works. Any ideas? [/QUOTE] I assume the adhesive simply lifts the dirt off the persons foot. As your foot gets cleaner each night, the pad soens’t get as dirty Also, there’s probably something in the instructions stating that if the pad isn’t very dark, you didn’t have a lot of toxins to begin with. I suppose a litmus test would be to use it on only one foot until the pad is clean. Then do it on the other foot, the pad should still be clean, right, since there arn’t any toxins left. ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2008, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/31 "2008-01-12T19:48:37Z")
[QUOTE=ralph124c] ..to get that 40 pounds of grease and impacted fecal matter removed from my intestines! I really need some cleansing-think the foot pads will do it? [/QUOTE] Do you really want 40 pounds of grease and impacted fecal matter coming out through the soles of your feet? I think not! ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2008, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/32 "2008-01-12T20:58:30Z")
[QUOTE=freckafree] Do you really want 40 pounds of grease and impacted fecal matter coming out through the soles of your feet? I think not! [/QUOTE] Would you rather send a couple of quarts of coffee enema chasing after it and have it come out that way? ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2008, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/33 "2008-01-12T21:53:23Z")
Did anyone else notice the fine print on these ads? They will send you “free” pads for life so you can continue your program of detoxification (though why one would need to do that once the pad turns clean I’m unclear on). Yes! “FREE!” All you pay is about $15 shipping and handling… ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2008, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/34 "2008-01-13T02:07:16Z")
[QUOTE=Smeghead] Did anyone else notice the fine print on these ads? They will send you “free” pads for life so you can continue your program of detoxification (though why one would need to do that once the pad turns clean I’m unclear on). Yes! “FREE!” All you pay is about $15 shipping and handling… [/QUOTE] I’d assume the “continuation” is (theoretically) the same principle as with weight loss, if you don’t continue to do it you’ll gain the toxins back just like if oyu don’t keep healthy habits you’ll endup a fat slob again. To be honest i’m torn on something here, on one hand I REALLY want to do a double-blind study on these things just to show this stuff is a load of crap (or be really really disturbingly surprised) ont eh other hand I really really don’t think it’s worth the time or money… Though I am tempted to order these things and see if it works, though I have an odd aversion to giving money to scams unless it has some serious laugh values behind it. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2008, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/35 "2008-01-13T02:09:54Z")
[QUOTE=randwill] There is no regulation on this stuff in the U.S. The FDA and FTC used to do this but not anymore. Commerce is king and as long as the product isn’t killing people, it’s okay. If the product IS killing people (alcohol and tobacco) lobbyist throw enough money at lawmakers so they can get away with it. [/QUOTE] I assume you’re being facetious as none of these statements is in any way true. ---
**Author:** ![randwill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2008, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/36 "2008-01-13T02:46:42Z")
[QUOTE=Q.E.D.] I assume you’re being facetious as none of these statements is in any way true. [/QUOTE] I guess we’re all just imagining the commercials for useless cures then? And I’d swear I saw both alcohol and cigarettes in the store as late as this afternoon. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2008, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/37 "2008-01-13T02:59:25Z")
[QUOTE=randwill] I guess we’re all just imagining the commercials for useless cures then? [/quote] Useless, yes, but almost entirely harmless. [QUOTE=randwill] And I’d swear I saw both alcohol and cigarettes in the store as late as this afternoon. [/QUOTE] Both of which are, in fact, heavily regulated. ---
**Author:** ![Jurph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/50afbb/32.png) [@Jurph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jurph)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2008, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/38 "2008-01-13T03:04:56Z")
[QUOTE=Joey P] I suppose a litmus test would be to use it on only one foot until the pad is clean. Then do it on the other foot, the pad should still be clean, right, since there arn’t any toxins left. [/QUOTE] I had proposed this… but most reflexology charts show that the liver is only linked to one of your feet. So if you get Foot A clean, but then Foot B comes out dirty, a reflexologist could claim that Foot A was only getting toxins from the A Side of your body. It’s bogus, but that’s a reasonable claim within the framework of their b.s. ---
**Author:** ![randwill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2008, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/39 "2008-01-13T03:35:16Z")
[QUOTE=Q.E.D.] Useless, yes, but almost entirely harmless. Both of which are, in fact, heavily regulated. [/QUOTE] My point was that the government used to prohibit the advertising of useless products like those I mentioned and the one that is the topic of this thread. Advertising that was clearly deceptive (not a legal term) or purposefully vague with the intention of separating the gullible from their money while providing no benefits claimed or implied were not allowed. When cases arose, such ads were pulled from the air and the perpetrators sometimes prosecuted and/or fined. This is no longer the case as the presence of many dubious ad campaigns for magical remedies confirms. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2008, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840/40 "2008-01-13T03:47:11Z")
[QUOTE=randwill] My point was that the government used to prohibit the advertising of useless products… [/QUOTE] [They still do](http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/05/sars.shtm). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-detox-foot-pads/431840.md?page=3)