Since mead first made its way into the mouths of the ancient Greeks, mankind has been plagued by hangovers. And despite the advancement of medical technology, we've yet to find a cure.
Most of us just suffer through -- taking snake oil supplements, downing a hair of the dog, or hovering over the porcelain throne. But at Reviv Med Spa in Miami Beach, they offer a unique solution to the morning-after blues: an IV. Yep, it's an in-vein vitamin, antioxidant, and saline treatment said to help relieve that all-too-common ailment.
But does it work? We were invited to give it a go.
See also:
- South Beach Med Spa Offers Post Party IV Cure: "Best Thing You Can Possibly Get For a Hangover"
I rolled in on a Monday afternoon (the joint opens at noon), and though I hadn't sauced it up the night before, I was definitely dehydrated and still nursing a mild hurt from a long, boozy weekend of boating in the Keys.
Others, however, were in far worse shape than I. Given the state of some serious cases of the DTs I saw stumbling in, I almost felt guilty occupying a seat. Apparently Sunday night raging is a thing in South Beach. Most of the folks were there for UltraVive, the solution designed for postparty ills and the one I was about to sample.
For an upscale med spa, the folks at Reviv are surprisingly down to earth, While the atmosphere is SoBe sterile (it is a medical facility, after all), the hospitality is far from the norm. Co-owner Dr. Raanan Pokroy and adorably perky paramedic and manager Barbara Fassett showed me the ropes, from the medicinal fridge to the plush couches to the epic massage chairs.
Despite my assumption that their customer base would consist primarily of amateur boozers who can't handle the South Beach lifestyle, their most popular treatment is actually the energy-inducing MegaBoost vitamin package. They also offer the HydraMax fluid package (designed for athletes) and a series of shots (B12, etc.) and other treatments. If you're needle-phobic, they have pill therapies. But c'mon, who can't handle a little prick?
I filled out my basic medical questionnaire and was led to a little room where the needle-sticking began.
Barbara took my blood pressure, extolled my low pulse (thank you, running), and went for the vein. Like any blood draw, it's a little pinch and nothing more. Then you take your pick of private treatment rooms or a communal couch area complete with a TV set.
