Everything You Need to Know About IV Drip Therapy
Celebrities and influencers alike have all been loving and popularizing a health trend that has been around for years — IV therapy. Gwenyth Paltrow, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Chrissy Teigen have spoken out about the curing of hangovers, boosting of energy and overall immunity from IV therapy. But, does it really work? Is this safe? Let’s talk about it.
What is IV therapy?
It is a service where paying customers receive a cocktail of vitamins and nutrients to be delivered intravenously. It could cost anywhere between $350 to $800, depending on the ingredients. IV therapy is a quick and efficient way to deliver fluid and nutrients, pumping them directly into the bloodstream.
What are the benefits of IV therapy?
Many celebrities and influencers posted about the benefits and experiences they have received as a result of getting this procedure. According to Centre Spring MD, there are different vitamins and nutrients that can be available in different combinations, often referred to as “cocktails.” There are many benefits to IV therapy; here are a few:
Increased energy
Reduced fatigue
Improved skin and hair
Better sleep
Overall improvement of wellbeing
Weight loss
Hangover recovery
Hydration
Where does IV therapy take place?
IV therapy can take place anywhere. It can be in your home, at a drip bar or anywhere else feasible. IV bars are all across the country in major cities like New York City, Los Angeles and London. If you're interested, take a look at The IV Bar Guide from Goop to see the best IV bars across the country. In addition to these, there are pop-up lounges that can be typically found at concert or festival venues. There was even a Drip IV Therapy pop-up at Coachella this year.
What are the harmful effects of IV therapy?
There is some criticism and backlash that comes with IV therapy. One criticism is that the trend is being used as a money-making venture and that the IV fluids are just nonsense. In addition, IV infiltrations are a risk that can lead to infections, nerve damage and phlebitis. It is crucial to ask questions when getting this procedure and do background research on the place you are going to. IV therapy is also very expensive; each therapy session is worth hundreds of dollars.
Is it really worth it?
Health.com recommends a sports drink with fluid and electrolytes or daily vitamins and states it is just as beneficial as IV therapy. If you cannot drink a sports beverage, or for some reason cannot absorb nutrients, then IV therapy is definitely an option, but talk to your doctor first. There are many benefits, but there are just as many harmful effects to IV drip therapy as well. It just depends on your preference and choice.
We are so curious to see what the next wellness trend will be! Let us know what your thoughts are about IV drip therapy. Feel free to DM us @theedgemag on Instagram!