A 417 INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE(intravenous) drip delivers vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes directly into your bloodstream. They help to boost energy, reduce pain and inflammation, and address dehydration. IV treatments are offered at many locations, including hydration bars, doctor’s offices and specialty clinics. They are typically not covered by health insurance.

A healthcare professional will choose a vein in your arm or hand, and then sanitize the area before inserting a small needle into the site. This will be attached to a tubing called a cannula, and the tube will be connected to an IV bag of medication. They may use an ultrasound scan to guide the needle if it is difficult to find a vein.

The Healing Drip: A Closer Look at the Benefits of IV Therapy

The healthcare professional will periodically check the cannula to make sure it is working properly, and that there are no signs of inflammation in the area. If you are going to need multiple IV sessions, they may recommend having a permanent port surgically implanted under your skin. This will allow the healthcare professional to use a different needle each time and avoid the need for repeated skin punctures.

Some people are allergic to certain components of the IV medication, so a healthcare professional will ask questions before beginning treatment. The most common allergies are to saline solution, which is used to flush the IV line, and heparin, an anticoagulant that keeps the blood from clotting too quickly in the vein. A healthcare professional will monitor you for any signs of a reaction and may remove the cannula and change the medication.