Considering IV Therapy? This is what you need to know. 

Written by Dr. Nicole Woods, ND (IV Certified)

Perhaps you have heard of therapeutic Intravenous (IV) Therapy before – whether it be online, through a friend, or at our clinic. We are thrilled to now have two naturopathic doctors on site providing IV therapy Monday through Saturday. If you are curious about IV therapy, this article is for you.

The Benefits
IV therapy is a treatment option that enables vitamins and nutrients to be delivered directly into the blood stream. This is beneficial for those who struggle with oral supplement adherence, intestinal absorption or who require high doses of supplements (ex. vitamin C) that often upset the gut.

The IV Bags
We have a variety of IV bags, which are categorized into two sizes – a “mini” bag, which takes approximately 45 minutes to administer, or a regular bag, which takes 60-90 minutes to administer.The type of bag recommended depends on your medical history and health concerns. Our IV bags are compounded on site, which allows for minor modifications of the formula (if warranted). Bag purposes range from energy support to immune support, to antioxidant support and beyond. If you are interested in learning more about the various IV bags we offer, check out our IV Menu here.

The Process
Before your first IV, each patient is assessed by a naturopathic doctor to ensure they are a safe candidate and receive the appropriate IV bag. During this appointment, you will discuss your health concerns, complete physical exams, order bloodwork (or review recent bloodwork) and sign the IV consent form. Once this appointment is complete and all necessary bloodwork is on file, you are ready to book your first IV. When you arrive for your first IV, the naturopathic doctor with check your vitals and have a short discussion to confirm that there are no concerns with completing the IV. When it is time for the IV insertion, the naturopathic doctor will utilize a small needle to puncture the skin and wall of the vessel, before inserting a catheter into the vein. The needle is then removed from the vein, and all that is left remaining is the flexible catheter. The IV bag will then drip into the blood stream via the catheter.

How to Get Started

If you are ready to explore how IV therapy can benefit your health, we are ready to support you. If you are an existing patient of any of our naturopathic doctors, book an appointment to discuss IV therapy and begin the process. If you are a new patient looking for overall naturopathic support (including IV therapy), book a complimentary meet and greet appointment with our patient care coordinator to get matched with the naturopathic doctor that would be best aligned with your goals. If you are looking for IV therapy only (no additional support), you can book and IV initial appointment with Dr. Nicole Woods, ND.

We love IV therapy and hope you do too. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to send us an email or call our office.