Is Patch-It safe?

Patch-It® has been widely distributed around the world with millions of patches sold over the last 10 years.

Patch-It® does not deliver anything into the body, so is not expected to interact with any medication, nor does it have any known side effects. This means that it is safe for repeated use for continuous periods of time.

What is the best way to use Patch-It?

Use Patch-It® according to your individual needs and body condition. For example, an elderly person with more health concerns, or who is on long-term medication, should use Patch-It more regularly.

Drink an extra glass of water when using Patch-It® and try to adopt healthy habits such as:

- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day

- Drink at least eight glasses of water every day

- Exercise regularly to get your blood moving

- Refrain from smoking or drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages

- Most importantly, stay positive! 

What is Far Infrared?

Patch-It® contains a natural ingredient called Mandarin Wood Vinegar. This ingredient emits far infrared energy (FIR).

Far infrared is part of the electromagnetic spectrum from 5.6 to 1000 micron wavelength. This band of light is not visible to human eyes but can be seen by special cameras that translate infrared into visible colours. The sun produces most of its energy in the infrared segment of the spectrum so, although you cannot see this energy, you can certainly feel its effects.

Our bodies radiate infrared energy through the skin at 3 to 50 microns. Our palms emit infrared energy too, from 8 to 14 microns. Infrared energy penetrates tissues to a depth of over one centimetre.

Why Mandarin Wood?

Wood vinegar can be extracted from all sorts of wood sources. The most common are Bamboo, Oak and Cedar. Aside from the method of extraction which has a substantial impact on quality, the level of organic acids varies between the various types of wood sources.

Patch-It is unique in that it uses Mandarin wood as the source of vinegar. This is because the vinegar extract was originally developed as a healthy tonic drink and Mandarin wood has an organic acid level of about 16% (compared typically to 6% in Bamboo and 10% in Oak or Cedar).

How does Patch-It work?

Patch-It® has a dual action. These actions are “stimulation and absorption”.

In traditional Chinese medicine, vinegar has “warming” and “drawing” properties. This characterisation of the ingredient in traditional use can in turn be used to understand the dual action of the patch. It also explains the idea where cleansing is one of the intended secondary benefits. Patch-It does not ease aches and pains by means of heat (such as in a sauna). This is not like a chilli plaster or the usual “deep heat” idea.

Instead, it uses far infrared to stimulate the reflex points on the soles of the feet. By so doing, the product can support natural whole body circulation. The other way of observing Patch-It®’s effect is by reference to tests using a thermal imaging camera. In this instance, a specialised instrument called a thermograph is used and this device allows for observation of temperature changes due to the presence of the patch on the soles of the feet.

What Patch-It® does is to encourage “self-healing” by promoting improved circulation. Patch-It® does not heal or cure anything by putting an active ingredient into the body. When you cut yourself and the doctor puts stitches in, the stitch does not heal the wound – your body closes up the wound and the stitches simply allow time for your body to get the job done. Muscular aches and pains that result from poor circulation will ease up.

How does Patch-It help your body cleanse?

Improved circulation should mean better overall cleansing through all normal body channels such as sweat and urine. The “drawing” property of vinegar and the tendency for the patch powder to adsorb fluid assists in this. It should be noted that given the small patch size, only a fraction of what comes out of the body would be reflected in the patch after use.

Why is the patch sometimes wet and sometimes not?

The powder material attracts water. This effectively acts like a “sink” against the skin when using the patch. If there is excess fluid accumulation at the point of the body where the patch is applied or if used at the bottom of the feet where there is a concentration of meridian points, then the patch will most likely be wet.

If the patch is applied to a joint or location where there is no excess fluid retention, then the powder will remain relatively dry even after several hours use. This does not mean the patch has no effect because the stimulation effect is still present when the powder in the bag remains dry. Patch-It® is effective whether wet or dry after use. The patch turns brown when it is wet due to changes in the powder upon contact with water.

If the patch is dry, can I re-use it?

No. Once a patch has been used, it will be slightly moist and for hygiene purposes, this is not recommended.

Is it safe to use?

Patch-It® does not deliver anything transdermally into your body. It merely supports your body’s own function and, in that respect, is safe for regular use.

The powder is mildly acidic but not more so than the natural acidity of the skin. Patch-It® has been independently tested to ensure that it does not contain heavy metals like lead and mercury.

I used the patch and my joints hurt even more, why is that?

This is most likely a “healing crisis”. Users who experience this will most likely have chronic or “old” complaints. The stimulation of reflex points and associated healthy circulation will act to support the body in its natural recovery process. It is most likely that such users will find that the discomfort is tolerable and will disappear after a few days use of the patch.

Another way to view this is to relate to the experience of those who have tried acupressure on the feet. It hurts a lot during the massage but recovery afterwards is promoted. Continue using the patches for few more days and the discomfort should lessen and may eventually subside entirely.

If there is any uncertainty whatsoever though, stop use and consult your physician.

What do nano tourmaline and green tea do?

Tourmaline is valued as a healing crystal in alternative medicine and this material has found application in many health products such as functional fabrics for clothing. Patch-It is the first product of its kind to incorporate nano-tourmaline into the patch.

A nano particle is basically very small and this size reduction, in turn, results in a large increase in exposed surface area of the crystal. Therefore, although the tourmaline content in Patch-It® is relatively small, its effect has been enhanced through use of this advanced format.

Green tea is high in polyphenols (a type of bioflavanoid) and has been added as an antioxidant as added protection for the skin when the patch is wet.