“Forever young” – infusions are the trend in medical spas. The focus is on slowing down ageing processes and increasing physical performance.

One had occasionally heard of it in the past. But more in connection with rock stars of the calibre of Keith Richards of the indestructible Rolling Stones: infusions administered not because it was acutely a matter of life and death, but simply and directly to improve the general condition of the person being treated. For example, because he or she had continued partying for nights after hours on stage, while also subjecting the body to all manner of other things – in the form of less than reputable substances.

For some time now, however, infusions have been the trend in medical spas. Particularly renowned diet clinics and other doctor-supervised wellness retreats are likely to have been among the trendsetters. They are increasingly using infusions to support the health not only of celebrities, top managers and politicians in this way.

The trend has reached broader sections of the population. And so, for some people who only recently felt faint at the mere thought of a needle, this primal fear is beginning to fade. The Anglophone world, in any case, knows how to help in such awkward situations: once again, it has simply coined a new term for the matter, making the whole thing sound as sweet as a shot of cream in coffee: Drip Spa is the magic word. It does not allow fears to arise in the first place and lets other reservations melt away.

What these little drip infusions are supposed to achieve better than orally administered medication is easy to understand. Because they are administered directly into the bloodstream, the vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and electrolytes carried in the saline solution arrive immediately where they are meant to go. Unlike oral administration, they do not take the route through the digestive tract, with all its uncertainties.

All the more important, of course, is that the practitioners know what they are doing. Even in spas, infusions may only be administered by medically trained professionals such as doctors, appropriately certified alternative practitioners, nurses and care staff. The purpose of the infusions is to replenish all cellular depots. They are intended to act as a holistic energy boost for body and mind – tailored to the individual being treated. Corresponding diagnostic procedures are therefore a prerequisite; the subjective perception and personal goals of the medical spa guest are always decisive as well.

A wide variety of infusion cocktails is available. Some mixtures focus more strongly on detoxifying and cleansing the body, while others activate fat burning and are intended to optimise the metabolism, bring more inner energy, or clarify and brighten the complexion – or even the mood. But that is not all. Science is constantly making progress, and this is also reflected in medical wellness. For example, in the findings concerning processes inside the cells.

Here, the coenzyme NAD+ plays an important role. It strengthens the mitochondria, can improve energy production in the cells and may therefore help to slow down ageing processes and increase physical performance. This NAD+ can be administered either in isolation or in combination with other wellness infusions.

Even during the NAD+ treatment, depending on personal constitution, one can feel more or less clearly how the organism is being addressed. The body works with it, feels as if it is being suffused in the most varied ways. Exactly how? At this point, one can only recommend trying it for oneself, because just as the needs of each individual are different, so too are the direct and indirect effects of such a treatment.

What is clear: its effect goes far beyond easing typical hangover symptoms – which one might perhaps previously have associated with a small “drip” infusion. It is the medium-term effects of modern drip spas that make them so interesting. And quite incidentally, even while one is literally “on the needle”, they are an entirely positive experience, embedded in the soothing, relaxed and homely atmosphere of a spa, rather than that of an ordinary doctor’s practice.

And one thing is certain: afterwards, everyone feels a little like a rock star – and perhaps even “forever young”.

MARGARETHE SOROR