417 INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE is when a healthcare professional gives you an intravenous fluid or medications directly into your vein. This allows the fluids to immediately enter your bloodstream and start circulating throughout your body, so you feel immediate benefits from hydration and vitamins. Unlike orally taking supplements, an IV drip bypasses the digestive system, which means that you get much more of the vitamins than you could ever take by mouth.

The fluids used for IV therapy are saline solutions or lactated ringers, which are designed to mimic the physiologic fluid that exists in our bodies. In some cases, a healthcare professional may add medicine to the IV fluid to treat conditions such as migraines or nausea.

These facilities often refer to their services as a “hydration bar” or “drip bar.” While the IV drips offered in these centers aren’t medically necessary, they can make you feel better—again, for a fee.

The Power of Infusion: Exploring the Wonders of IV Therapy for Health and Wellness

When receiving IV therapy, a healthcare professional will place a small tube (cannula) into the vein in your arm or hand. The cannula is attached to a bag that holds the IV fluid and medication. The healthcare professional will regularly check the cannula to ensure it is properly positioned and that there is no pain or swelling in the area of the injection.

IV therapy is a safe treatment, but it isn’t right for everyone. It can be harmful to those who have certain health problems, such as liver disease or kidney disease. It’s also not usually covered by health insurance and can cost up to $1,000 or more per session.