How to Add an Ionic Foot Bath Service to Your Practice
By Dr. Terrance M. Cooper, D.C., retired chiropractor and HEALTHandMED's Consulting Physician since 2009, who gave more than 1,800 ionic foot bath sessions in his own chiropractic practice, with Mark Axelson, founder of HEALTHandMED. Updated October 27, 2026.
Dr. Cooper is HEALTHandMED's Consulting Physician and provides the business consultations included with IonizeMe Business Packages.
The short answer
You need one professional machine, foot tubs, disposable liners, arrays, salt, a written intake form and a comfortable spot where a client can relax for 30 minutes. Most practices add the service alongside one they already offer.
Dr. Cooper's advice comes down to three things:
- Try it yourself first.
- Make every visit a great experience.
- Know your costs before you set your price.
1. Start with yourself and your team
Dr. Cooper has enjoyed more than 300 ionic foot bath sessions himself and, at 85, still has one at least once a week. He recommends regular sessions for yourself before you offer them to clients. Give every member of your team a session too. People speak with confidence about something they have experienced, and clients can tell.
Train your team on five plain facts, so every client hears the same clear answers:
- A session lasts 30 minutes, with the client's feet in a tub of warm, lightly salted water.
- The machine passes a low direct current through a metal array placed in the water.
- The IonizeMe display shows the volts and amps throughout the session.
- Every client gets a fresh liner and fresh water, and the array is cleaned after each use.
- It is a relaxing wellness service, not a medical treatment.
2. Choose your equipment
Dr. Cooper uses the IonizeMe for three reasons: it is made in America, the live display shows its output throughout every session, and it carries a full 5-year warranty. In his words, "If it breaks, they will fix it."
| What you need | Why | IonizeMe Business Package (Maxx Dual) includes |
|---|---|---|
| Professional machine | Output you can see, built for several sessions a day | IonizeMe Maxx Dual: two channels, each with its own display and timer |
| Foot tubs | One per client in session | 2 |
| Disposable liners | A fresh liner for every client | 400 |
| Arrays | Replaced every 30 to 50 sessions | 10 |
| Array cleaning solution and soaking jars | Cleaning after each use extends array life | 2 lb solution, 2 jars |
| Salt | A small pinch helps conductivity | 1 lb fine-grain Himalayan salt |
| Client material | Explains the session before they book | 20 handbooks, poster |
| Support | Help with set-up and running the service | Business consultation with Dr. Cooper, launch guide, Additional Income Guide |
A single-client IonizeMe Maxx is a good place to start. A dual-channel machine lets two clients relax side by side. To compare the three versions side by side, see the IonizeMe Business Package comparison chart.
3. Set up a calm, private space
Dr. Cooper built three private cubicles, each 3½ by 5 feet, because many clients prefer a little privacy during their session. Here is what made his space work:
- Comfort. A comfortable chair for each client, with the foot tub on a towel or mat.
- Sound. Soft, easy music in each cubicle. He played ocean sounds.
- A welcoming room. Live plants and framed pictures.
- Something to read. Reading material about the service in each cubicle.
- Practical touches. A paper towel holder on the wall, and a sink or toilet nearby for emptying tubs.
- Safe power. The machine on a stable surface away from water, plugged into a grounded outlet. Use a GFI-protected outlet in any wet area.
If your clients are happy to sit together, a shared room with comfortable chairs works well too.
4. Keep it spotless between clients
- Empty the tub and discard the liner.
- Rinse the array, then soak it in the cleaning solution as directed.
- Wipe the tub, chair and machine surfaces.
- Fit a fresh liner and fresh water for the next client.
- Record the array's session count, so you replace it before it wears out.
5. Client intake
Ask every new client to complete a short written form before their first session. Keep the signed form on file.
Ionic foot baths are not recommended for:
- organ transplant recipients
- people who experience epileptic seizures
- women who are pregnant or nursing
- children under 6 without adult supervision
- anyone taking medication for anxiety or schizophrenia
If a client has a cardiac pacemaker, keep the machine and all electronics at least six inches away from their chest.
Dr. Cooper's release form also asks:
- Are you on blood pressure medication, blood-thinning medication, or medication for an irregular heartbeat?
- Are you on any mental health medication?
- Are you currently having chemotherapy?
- If you have low blood sugar, when did you last eat?
If a client answers yes to any of these, ask them to check with their doctor before booking. Clients with low blood sugar should eat something before their session.
The form ends with a signed statement that the client understands the ionic foot bath is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Ask your lawyer or your professional liability insurer to check your form before you use it.
6. Describe the service accurately
Describe what the client experiences: a warm, relaxing 30-minute foot soak in an ionic foot bath. Dr. Cooper always tells people that an ionic foot bath is not a cure for any disease or medical condition, and he makes no promises about health. Your licensing board and your insurer may have rules on how wellness services are described, so check with them before you print menus or post online.
7. The first and second visits
Dr. Cooper's rule: the doctor or a well-trained team member takes charge of every new client's first session.
| Time | First visit |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 min | Welcome the client, go through the intake form and explain what the session involves. |
| 5 min | Fill the tub with warm tap water (Dr. Cooper avoids softened or distilled water) and add a small pinch of salt. Place the array between the client's feet, connect it to the machine and start the 30-minute timer. |
| 5 to 35 min | The client relaxes with their feet still. Check in with them during the session. |
| 35 to 40 min | The client dries their feet, and you offer a glass of water. Start the cleaning routine. |
Many clients like to take a photo of their session to show family and friends. Always ask permission before you use a client's photo, and frame any picture you put on the wall.
At the second visit, ask how they enjoyed their first session and review their intake form together. With a dual-channel machine, you can run two clients side by side, or stagger them by 15 minutes so one is always starting while the other finishes.
8. Price it fairly from day one
Dr. Cooper suggests about $45 a session. Practitioners he has spoken with charge $45 to $65, and practices in well-to-do areas may charge more.
- Offer a prepaid plan. Ten sessions for $380, instead of $450, saves the client $70. You can call it a family plan.
- Set your price once. "Do not set your prices low and then raise them when you start getting busy," Dr. Cooper says. "In my opinion, that would be an insult to my patients."
As his bookings grew in his own clinic, he added more machines and gave his staff bonuses for their help.
9. Know your costs
Dr. Cooper calls this the most important part of planning. Work out what each session costs you before you set your price.
| Cost per session | How to work it out | About |
|---|---|---|
| Arrays and liners | Array price divided by the 30 to 50 sessions it lasts, plus one liner | $0.65 to $0.92 |
| Array cleaning solution | Solution price divided by the number of cleans | $0.09 |
| Electricity | Dr. Cooper's allowance | $0.30 |
| Machine wear | Dr. Cooper's allowance | $0.25 |
| Card fee | About 2.75% of a $45 session | $1.24 |
| Total | about $2.53 to $2.80 |
Arrays and liners at healthandmed.com prices, October 2026.
Dr. Cooper's worked example: 100 sessions a month at $45 a session. That is about 5 sessions a working day.
| In your own home | Added to an existing practice | In a rented room, with an employee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $4,500 | $4,500 | $4,500 |
| Rent ($750), utilities and internet | $0 | $0 | $840 |
| Staff wages (50 hours at $12.50) | $0 | $625 | $625 |
| Supplies and running costs (about $2.80 a session) | $280 | $280 | $280 |
| Left before your own time and tax | $4,220 | $3,595 | $2,755 |
This is an illustration, not a forecast. Your results depend on your price, your location and how many clients you see. Dr. Cooper's advice is to start from your home or your existing practice. You may need about 100 sessions a month before renting a room and paying an employee makes sense.
10. Find your first clients
Start with the people you know. Existing clients, friends and family make up your core business. Invite them to try a session, perhaps at an introductory price, and ask them to tell others.
Build referral partners. Get to know local businesses whose clients are like yours: chiropractors, massage therapists, reflexologists, health and beauty clinics, salons, spas and naturopaths. Practices with open appointment slots are often the most interested. Dr. Cooper suggests a thank-you of at least $15 for each referred client's first paid session. Check your licensing board's rules on referral fees first.
Invite your existing clients:
- Send an email or newsletter inviting clients to try a session.
- Offer each client's first session free, or enter clients in a monthly draw for a free session.
- Put up a sign: "Ask us about ionic foot baths."
Host an open house.
- Mid-week evenings work best, Tuesday to Thursday, 6 to 8 pm.
- Promote it in your office and on social media two to three weeks ahead.
- Ask your clients to bring family and friends.
- Serve healthy snacks and drinks.
- If you can't fit everyone in, give vouchers for a free session later.
Be easy to find online.
- Set up your Google Business Profile with your hours, location and website.
- Add a simple web page about the service and your prices.
- Ask clients who enjoyed their session to leave a Google review.
11. Keep clients coming back
Clients return for three reasons: a great experience, a good relationship with you and your team, and a clear understanding of what the session involves. Check in during every session and ask how they are enjoying it. Thank clients for referrals, for example with a free session. Dr. Cooper finds that clients who feel looked after send their friends.
Some clients will want a machine at home for their family. Recommend the same IonizeMe you use in your practice. HEALTHandMED gives you a $50 thank-you for each client you refer who buys their own machine. Call Dr. Cooper on 435-531-9418 with your referral's name.
12. Set up the business side
- Licences. Get a business licence from your city. As far as Dr. Cooper knows, no state requires a specific licence for foot bath machines, but check the rules in your state and county.
- Business structure. Many new businesses start as a sole proprietorship and later move to an LLC or S corporation. Ask a lawyer or accountant which suits you.
- Payments. A free card reader on your phone or tablet takes all major cards, with fees of around 2.7% to 2.75%.
- Bookings. Booking software such as Square Appointments, Vagaro or Schedulicity lets clients book online.
- Bookkeeping. Free software such as Wave links to your card payments and keeps your records up to date. Review your numbers every month.
- Insurance. Ask your professional liability insurer whether they need anything for the new service.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an ionic foot bath session? Thirty minutes is standard. IonizeMe machines have a 30-minute timer.
What should I charge for an ionic foot bath session? Dr. Cooper suggests about $45 a session. Practitioners he has spoken with charge $45 to $65, and many offer a 10-session prepaid plan.
How many clients can I see per hour? With one single-channel machine, about one and a half to two clients an hour once cleaning is included. A dual-channel machine doubles that.
How often do arrays need replacing? IonizeMe black arrays last about 30 to 50 sessions. Cleaning and soaking them after every session keeps them at the upper end.
Do I need a special electrical supply? No. IonizeMe machines plug into a standard 110 V grounded outlet. Use a GFI-protected outlet near water.
Does HEALTHandMED help practitioners get started? Yes. The IonizeMe Business Package includes a business consultation with Dr. Cooper, a launch guide and his Additional Income Guide for Wellness Professionals. Call HEALTHandMED toll free at 1-888-649-3650 or email info@healthandmed.com.
Sources
- Cooper TM. Additional Income Guide for Wellness Professionals. HEALTHandMED. 2020.
- IonizeMe Business Package and versions table: https://healthandmed.com/products/ionizeme-business-package-professional-dual-user-ionic-detox-foot-bath-system and https://healthandmed.com/pages/ionizeme-business-package-versions
- IonizeMe arrays and supplies: https://healthandmed.com/collections/arrays-for-ionic-detox
- HEALTHandMED Team and Expertise (Dr. Cooper and Mark Axelson): https://healthandmed.com/pages/team-expertise
More guides: Ionic Foot Bath Safety, What to Charge for an Ionic Foot Bath Session and Best Ionic Foot Bath for Home Use.