Intravenous (IV) therapy is a rejuvenation technique where vitamins and minerals are administered to your body through an IV drip. It is one of the most straightforward types of treatments. A nurse places the IV drip into your vein, typically located along your arm. Because the drips are mobile, you can sit in a comfortable location and relax while the drip is administered. Your body naturally absorbs all the nutrients and vitamins from the solution. You are free to do whatever you want during the treatment, with most patients choosing to read, watch television or use their phones.
The type ingredients used and overall length of your therapy vary depending on why you want the treatment. On average, each session only takes around 45 minutes to an hour. In most cases, the effects are felt immediately and last for a few days. Listed below are some of the pros and cons and types of IV therapy services.
Hydration Therapy
There are three primary types of IV therapies available. The first is hydration therapy, also known as fluid treatment. This is the most common type of IV therapy. Hydration therapy supplies your bodies with fluid to keep you hydrated and provide extra doses of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of solutions available containing different ingredients.
Saline is commonly used as the base ingredient in IV therapy. Saline is a mixture of water and sodium chloride and helps combat dehydration. Another common ingredient is dextrose, which is a healthy sugar. Not only does this treat low levels of blood sugar, but your body converts dextrose into energy to help combat fatigue.
Hydration therapy can also be used to treat vitamin deficiencies. Your body uses Vitamin B for metabolism and nerve function, while Vitamin C strengthens your immune system. Your mixture may also include calcium, which strengthens your bones and teeth. Magnesium also helps with metabolic functions and it can reduce inflammation and treat migraines.
Pain Medication
IV therapy can also be used to administer pain medication. It is normally used to administer antibiotics to prevent infections. It is also a great treatment for less severe pain, such as cramps or headaches caused by dehydration. Many athletes use IV therapy to help with pain after a performance. IV therapy is much more effective than taking traditional medicine because the fluid is pumped directly into your body, providing much quicker relief. You also have more knowledge and control over the medication, making a good option if you have an allergy that prevents you from using most over the counter medications. This type of therapy is sometimes referred to as the Myers cocktail, named after the inventor, Doctor John Myers.
Blood Transfusion
The last type of IV therapy is blood transfusion. This is a specialized type of therapy, normally only available in a hospital or similar medical facility. Blood transfusions are frequently used after an emergency, but there are also medical conditions that limit your red blood cell production. For these chronic conditions, you may need scheduled transfusions to keep your body healthy. Unlike the other two therapies, blood transfusions must be approved by a doctor.
Common Treatments for IV Therapy
IV therapy is commonly used by patients with a weakened immune system. A common side effect of a vitamin or mineral deficiency is getting sick due to your compromised immune system. In some cases, you can offset this deficiency by changing your diet, but there are many conditions which delays or offsets how your body absorbs these ingredients. IV therapy provides quicker and more reliable relief than supplements. It is also easier to manage a few IV therapy sessions versus taking supplements every day.
IV therapy is also a popular treatment for pregnancy symptoms. During pregnancy, your body is consistently stressed. Morning sickness commonly leads to dehydration, which leads to a host of other issues. IV therapy not only helps treat dehydration, but it helps you get all the vitamins and minerals both you and your child need. This is especially important if the pregnancy has caused major dietary changes.
Pros and Cons of IV Therapy
For many, the primary benefit of IV therapy is convenience. It is a quick treatment that does not require major dietary changes or taking a pill every day. There are also fewer negative side effects associated with IV therapy. IV therapy is fully customizable as well, making it perfect for patients with allergies to common medication.
IV therapy is also fairly inexpensive, especially when compared to the cost of medicine and supplements. While it may initially seem more expensive, because you only need one or few treatments a month, it ends up costing less overall. The exact cost varies by location and treatment, but on average IV therapy is between $130 and $300 each session.
However, one of the disadvantages of IV therapy is it normally is not covered by insurance. While IV therapy is effective at alleviating symptoms, it does not cure existing conditions. Before you begin treatment, speak with your doctor to get realistic expectations of what IV therapy will do for you.
IV Therapy Locations
There are several locations you can get IV treatment. Medical spas are the most common location to receive IV treatment. These locations combine general spa treatments with restorative medical care, using the relaxing setting to help eliminate stress and relieve your symptoms. IV therapy is also available from IV lounges, also known as IV bars. While many of these are in a physical office, others operate out of mobile clinics. There are also some concierge services that go to your home to administer IV treatment.