This case study uses the example of ionic foot baths to examine how placebo treatments can affect our health and wellness. Inspired by a student’s real visit to a spa, the story begins with a description of the experience of an ionic foot bath, and then debunks the chemical explanation given by the spa as to how the foot bath works. The case then introduces placebo treatments and the placebo effect, and discusses how placebos can affect our health. The case was developed for use in an undergraduate general biology or neuroscience class, but it could also be used in a first-year chemistry class and would also be suitable for a course in human biology, general biology, the scientific method, critical thinking, health sciences, or consumer health.