My idea of a wellness treatment was always a soft bathrobe, soothing music, fragrant oils and a relaxing rub down by a masseuse. It certainly didn't involved being hooked up to an IV. Until now.
Beauty-conscious residents in the UAE are forgoing the luxury of a spa for more trendy intravenous vitamin drips that, when taken regularly as you would oral supplements, claim to offer benefits to health and appearance.
I tried out one of the treatments offered by the The Elixir Clinic in Dubai to see what all the fuss was about. After a nurse took my vitals, we went to a treatment room where I was to be hooked up to an IV.
Elixir calls its 12 cocktails VitaDrips, and they are targeted to address issues ranging from adrenal fatigue to damaged skin and hair. I went for the VIP infusion, a mixture of more than 15 vitamins, minerals and amino acids designed to detox, boost my immunity and energy, hydrate my skin, reduce dark circles and aid muscle recovery.
The treatment was fuss-free. I waited 45 minutes while the liquid, which looked like a fruit punch, was slowly absorbed into my bloodstream. I was then given a biotin injection for hair strength and growth.
The clinic claims your mood and energy levels will be elevated immediately. I didn’t notice any change at first, though my energy levels didn’t drop that day. I did feel more hydrated. A single session may not provide the full benefits – the doctor recommended one drip a week for six weeks to begin with. Like any other supplement you need to take it regularly and trust you'll notice the results by the end.
aahmed@thenational.ae
