In today’s society, we are starting to stray away from only using Western medical treatments to incorporating more holistic health practices. Holistic medicine is an attitudinal approach to health care that address the multidimensional aspects of wellness, encouraging individuals to recognize the whole person (physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual) in the quest for optimal health. Whether it’s to reduce stress, alleviate chronic pain, or heal your gut, research is showing that more and more Americans are either complementing their conventional care with holistic practices, with some even abandoning conventional care altogether.
One of these trending holistic practices actually involves an intravenous cannula. Celebrities like the Kardashians, Adele, Jane Fonda, and many more swear by this holistic service, making it one of the most sought-after wellness services of 2022. You may be wondering, what could this treatment possibly be? Well, I’ll tell you: it’s the IV drip. IV drips have garnered a cult-like following, with devotees praising the drip’s ability to re-energize, boost immune systems, and even cure hangovers. IV therapy has become so popular that you can find it practically everywhere you go, including your own home.
What are IV drips and what are the benefits?
To receive IV drip therapy, a small catheter will be inserted into a vein in your arm via a small needle/cannula which is connected to a bag of solution that is packed with various vitamins and minerals. IV drip therapy is meant to give your body nutrients that it may be lacking. You may be wondering, why not just take regular vitamins? While oral vitamins are good, IV drips are even better because it feeds the vitamins straight into your bloodstream. Experts say that you only absorb around 20% of oral vitamins, so by using the IV drip and bypassing your digestive system you are able to reap more of the health benefits.
While there have been no clinical trials to determine the efficacy of vitamin drips, many doctors who practice Western medicine have even been using them. Dr. Roked, a general practitioner who offers IV drips to her patients, says that her patients experience notable differences in both their immune system and energy levels after receiving the treatment. Dr. Roked also points out that while there has not been official research conducted on IV vitamin drips specifically, there has been research done that supports the efficacy of treatments like iron infusions and B12 shots, which falls under the same category as these drips.
Where can you get IV drips and who can administer them?
With the tremendous boom in popularity, IV drip therapy can be found in many different places. From holistic medical health and wellness center to the comfort of your own home, you can experience the benefits of IV drips from pretty much anywhere. If you simply Google “IV drips near me,” a plethora of medical spas, clinics, and wellness centers will pop up.
Recently, the laws regarding who can administer IV drips were updated to make the practice as safe as possible. The American Med Spa Association released a statement in 2021 about these updates. The Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) is a legal doctrine that usually prohibits laymen and non-physicians from practicing medicine, owning medical clinics, and employing physicians. Some states have very strict laws regarding this doctrine, while others are much more relaxed. For example, in New York, any entity rendering IV drip therapy and services must be owned 100% by a physician or group of physicians. Conversely, in Florida, both physicians and non-physicians can own a medical entity, but if it is owned by a non-physician Florida requires the employment of a physician as medical director. Check with your state’s laws before deciding where to get your IV drip to ensure legality and safety.
Which IV drips are best?
Most places offering IV drip services offer a menu of different options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular choices:
Vitamin B12 drip
The vitamin B12 drip is one of the most popular drips offered, with celebrities like Madonna and Ariana Grande swearing by them. B12 is an essential nutrient that a lot of people are deficient in, especially if they are vegetarian. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in meat, fish, and dairy products, but even people who eat meat can still lack enough of this vitamin. B12 is thought to boost energy levels, help with brain function, and assist with the formation of healthy red blood cells. In terms of beauty benefits, vitamin B12 has been known to help prevent dryness and dullness of skin, stimulate hair growth, strengthen nails, and maintain overall youthfulness.
Myer’s Cocktail drip
This famous concoction of vitamins was created by physician John Myers in the 1950s. The Myer’s cocktail drip can vary, but almost always includes vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium. Usually appearing yellow in color, this IV drip is commonly referred to as the “banana bag.” The Myers cocktail is said to be a good overall health booster and has been reported to help with issues such as chronic fatigue, migraines, and fibromyalgia.
NAD+ drip
NAD+, short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a drip loved by A-list celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, and it’s for a good reason. NAD+ is a natural chemical found in all the cells in our body and is linked to energy and alertness. After receiving this IV drip, users reported feeling a sustained high and clarity of mind. It is also said to improve cardiovascular health, increase metabolism, reduce inflammation, speed injury recovery, sharpens eyesight, along with many more benefits.
Master Antioxidant drip
The master antioxidant drip is another very popular choice for IV drip therapy. This drip is made of glutathione, which is the body’s “master antioxidant.” These drips are so popular because the glutathione molecule is not well absorbed in supplement form (aka taken orally). Glutathione is said to protect the body against free radical damage. In addition, the master antioxidant drip aids in the removal of heavy metals and toxins via the liver to help support its detoxification process, boosts immunity, and helps with mood due to its role in serotonin and dopamine production. Even though this is naturally found in our cells, the amount decreases as we age, but the IV drip helps counteract that.
In conclusion
IV drip therapy is becoming a staple in many Americans’ health and wellness routines. IV drip therapy is here to stay, so you might as well try it out to see what all the hype is about. You never know, you could become like the Kardashians and fall in love with the drip!
