Healthy Infusions

Popular among celebs, professional athletes, and wellness enthusiasts, booster shots and intravenous (IV) therapies, which infuse a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream, are giving spa-goers an extra dose of energy, immunity, and beauty benefits. As a result, IV clinics, pop-up locations, and spas are now offering a host of infusions that can be used to treat hangovers, jet lag, the common cold, dehydration, and more. While the treatment has been around for decades, it wasn’t until recently that consumers began embracing the therapy as another tool in the quest to improve health and wellbeing.

Tempting spa-goers with the promise of effective and instantaneous results, IV infusions offer an ideal way to replenish the body. According to Johnny Parvani, M.D., CEO of Reviv (multiple locations), IV therapy provides a more targeted approach than ingested fluids and oral supplements, which must pass through the gastrointestinal tract, so only some of the nutrients reach their intended destination. “The proper IV treatment can take just 30 to 60 minutes and have you back on your feet within hours, rather than days,” says Jack Dybis, D.O., general and trauma surgeon and the founder of IVme Wellness + Performance of Chicago.

While hangover cures were mainly responsible for putting IV therapy on the map, it is the variety of wellness cocktails and the benefits they claim to provide that is driving demand. Whether it be a vitamin B12 shot for energy or a glutathione injection for its anti-aging benefits, these healthy infusions are finding a following among consumers. Reviv, for instance, has four U.S. and 34 international locations so far. And IVme Wellness + Performance of Chicago plans to open a second space in downtown Chicago in early 2017 and has plans to expand nationally. Even hotels are getting in on the action with The Thompson Chicago partnering with IVme Wellness + Performance of Chicago to offer guests the opportunity to schedule onsite IV treatments. NutriDrip, a brand of IV infusions, features pop-ups around New York City and often partners with other wellness companies, such as CryoSphere Cryotherapy and Higher Dose, which offers infrared sauna sessions. According to NutriDrip founder Asa Kitfield, combining IV therapy with other services can help maximize the benefits.

It should come as no surprise that numerous doctors are offering IV therapy as part of their practices. For example, Mignonne Mary, M.D., founded the Remedy Room (New Orleans) and Lena Edwards, M.D., serves as medical director of IV2You (Boca Raton, FL). According to Parvani, the industry has barely scratched the surface in terms of reaching its true potential. It is, however, heading in the right direction. Moving into the mainstream, IV therapy promises a quick fix for a host of ailments. It also gives health-conscious spa-goers an opportunity for self-care and is an ideal offering in an integrative spa setting. Says Dybis, “IV therapies are the ultimate preventative medicine.”