# Q-Ray bracelets **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 11, 2003, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-ray-bracelets/174501 "2003-05-11T15:06:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-ray-bracelets/174501/1 "2003-05-11T15:06:10Z")
There have been several boradcasts of the “Q-Ray Ionized Bracelet” on the teevee this morning. I haven’t paid attention because I’m busy reading these boards, and because they’re a total scam. But I’m curious about something. What _are_ they? What, do they show the bracelets a drawing of some ions? Do they let them sit in a room with an ionizer for a while? Or are they simply pieces of stainless steel cable that have little balls on the end? A guy at work wears one (gold-coloured). “It’s supposed to help me lose weight. It’s not working.” (We tell him it’s supposed to be worn around the stomach. 😛 ) I can’t _believe_ they’re charging $150 for these things! (“But if you call now, we’ll make the first payment!” Great. Now they’re only $100. :rolleyes: ) So back to the question: Are they really charging $100 to gullible people for nothing more than a piece of cable with balls on the end? [sub]For a bonus IMHO, should I deride my cow-orker for spending money on the thing? Or should I leave him alone about it? [/sub] ---
**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:** [May 11, 2003, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-ray-bracelets/174501/2 "2003-05-11T15:12:41Z")
> [@](#): > > Q RAY Ionized Bracelet - FAQs > How does the Q Ray natural Finsih Bracelet work? > Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy, which originated over three thousand years ago. It is based on the belief that health and the body’s overall well being are determined by a balanced flow of “Chi”, the vital life energy present in all living organisms. According to the acupuncture theory, “Chi” circulates in the body along twelve major energy pathways called meridians, each linked to specific organs and body electrical systems. > > According to Yin-Yang therapy, there is a specific relationship between acupuncture points, meridians and the electrical currents of the body. The electricity is generated by an interaction of positively and negatively charged ions. As long as this flow of energy remains unimpeded and in balance, it is believed that we remain physically and mentally balanced and therefore in peak health. > > Can anyone use the Q RAY Ionized Bracelet ™? > Those who cannot wear the bracelet: people with a severe or chronic illness or those using some type of personal medical device (i.e. heart pacemaker). Yes, the gullible masses are actually buying this vastly overpriced crap. I particularly liked the medical disclaimer at the bottom. Nice touch there. I would razz your cow-orker mercilessly until he feels like the chump that he is. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-ray-bracelets/174501/3 "2003-05-11T15:19:28Z")
Another co-worker went back to India and is due back here next week. (Or is it the following week?) I asked him to bring me back a cricket bat. I told him I wanted it or comedic intimidation of the bracelet-wearing cow-orker. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Blown\_Injected](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@Blown\_Injected](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blown_Injected)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-ray-bracelets/174501/4 "2003-05-11T16:23:07Z")
I can walk now, my roof stopped leaking, and there is no more snow in my TV picture tube. I bet I don’t even have to water my plants from now on. -LOL ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-ray-bracelets/174501/5 "2003-05-11T17:56:37Z")
Don’t think of them as “gullible masses”. Think of them as “future customers” and sell your own bracelets. “My Cecil 3000[sup]TM[/sup] Bracelet is the Straight Dope! Now I have a 24-inch prehensile wang, AND my brother gained 2 bust sizes! Oh, wait - that’s not right! I want a refund!” ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-ray-bracelets/174501/6 "2003-05-11T18:41:08Z")
> [@](#): > > Now I have a 24-inch prehensile wang I suppose that’s better than a 17-inch Gateway! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-ray-bracelets/174501/7 "2003-05-11T18:51:05Z")
It may also help you [win](http://asia.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=sportsNews&storyID=2717535) the Kentucky Derby! ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-ray-bracelets/174501/8 "2003-05-28T09:56:07Z")
Shit! I almost bought one of those sumbitches for my rheumatoid right hand middle finger! (Yup, so far only that finger’s got it, it 's swollen, and unless I take Celebrex it hurts like a mofo). Boy, am I glad I decided to check it out here! You guys are better than Consumer Reports! 100% on the bullshit meter convinced me to save my money. The Celebrex is a 50 dollar co-pay on my insurance, so I decided to explore some alternatives, and like **JohnnyLA** saw that same infomercial. So now I’m looking at maybe Epsom salts/warm water or a mixture of warm water/apple cider vinegar as soaks. Any more ideas? Thanks Q