Kinoki Detox Foot Pads were recently a topic on the Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe podcast. These foot pads claim to draw toxins out of your body through your feet. As you might have (or should have) guessed, it is utter nonsense. In fact, a quick trip to the product’s own clinical study page tells you everything you need. It simply says “coming soon.”
A few days after a good laugh at this ridiculous product, a good friend mentions interest in purchasing this 21st century snake oil. You see, he had just gotten a massage and was informed that his shoulders contain a lot of toxins. I have a sneaking suspicion that the massage giver wasn’t taking toxin measurements or readings with scientific instruments. At any rate, a simple asking of “what toxins are being released” should stump the massage “therapist.”
I’m not saying massages aren’t great. They relax your muscles and they feel great! The just don’t release mystery toxins.
So some masseuse mentions toxins and suddenly the bogus foot pad industry gets a boost. I can’t have that. It was now my job to get these products off his shopping list.
Perhaps I should have gone the simpler route by showing that the foot pads were no good. But I started my explaining the massage trickery, which was confusing because massages are delightful.
Eventually, I got my point across with swearing, since I wasn’t close enough to smack him.
All in all, I did a very bad job of arguing my point. But, thankfully, these foot pads will not be purchased.
I think I was less grumpy when I knew less.