Young Chinese and Koreans undergo IV Therapy to boost energy and combat fatigue

Office workers in Korea and China have turned to intravenous (IV) therapy to fight fatigue and restore energy for work.

Known as intravenous nutrient therapy (IV therapy), these treatments often include a mixture of liquid vitamins and saline solutions, administered directly into the body.

There are antioxidant-rich infusions such as alpha-lipoic acid and Vitamin C, which are believed to reduce oxidative stress and slow down aging. Additionally, there is garlic infusion, derived from Vitamin B1, which leaves a garlic aftertaste and is said to reduce fatigue, especially for those suffering from insomnia. Placenta infusions contain many components from the placenta, including amino acids, and are aimed at helping middle-aged women restore skin elasticity…

IV therapy began attracting the attention of the South Korean public in 2016-2017, coinciding with the investigation into former South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s corruption scandal.

In 2016, the South Korean National Assembly revealed that from March 2013 to June 2016, Park’s administration had purchased IV treatments 31 times, including antioxidant, garlic, and placenta infusions, costing a total of 20 million won (15,000 USD).

Exhausted workers are seeking quick solutions to boost their energy, leading to a growing interest in IV therapies.

Rapid Effect and Energy Recover

“We prefer solutions that yield quick results. Many office workers under great pressure are relying on nutrient IVs to enhance health and regenerate energy,” said Kim Jong-wan, a 30-something South Korean, in an interview with Southern Weekly.

A survey conducted by South Korea’s Asian Daily found that more than half of South Korean youth feel mentally and physically exhausted due to the pressures of pursuing success. Shen Hui, a Chinese student at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, expressed feeling increased competition among peers. When writing her thesis, she chose a garlic infusion and noticed significant benefits.

“These infusions are painless. The doctor recommended the garlic infusion for people like me who stay up late, as it helps reduce fatigue,” she noted.

Shasha, a 24-year-old student from Yunnan, southwestern China, currently studying in Korea, said she plans to try the antioxidant infusion.

“My Korean roommate has been using this infusion for six months. Her skin is smoother, and she’s more energetic, but I think her exercise and diet also play a role,” she added.

Concerns and Potential of IV Therapy

While widely supported and trusted by many, this product also faces certain doubts.

Deng Guifang, a nutrition expert at Xiehe Hospital in Shenzhen, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, mentioned that intravenous nutrient therapies bypass the body’s filtering system, increasing the risk of phlebitis or pain at the injection site. She recommends focusing on nutrition through the digestive system and adhering to a balanced diet for better health.

Ki Moon-sang, director of the Enbi Medical Aesthetic Clinic in Korea, emphasized that IV nutrient infusions should be seen as preventive and supplementary rather than a treatment, advising against overreliance or false beliefs in these products.

Previously, this solution was used to treat cancer, joint health, and growth therapy, but it has now expanded into the field of aesthetic medicine, as noted in a June report from Medical Aesthetics News, a beauty industry portal in Korea.

Despite some differing opinions, IV therapy remains a rapidly growing product due to its immediate effects, helping users feel revitalized.

At Tox & Fill Aesthetic Clinic in Seoul, the cost of nutrient infusions ranges from 25,000 to 60,000 won (18 to 45 USD) per session, lasting about 40 minutes. The clinic recommends weekly infusions.

Source: SCMP