Health

Intravenous Healing Comes to India

With Rana Dagubatti on board as an ambassador, India’s first exclusive IV clinic, Happy Head,opened its doors to the public this year. Set up by four doctors who believe in wellness as a way of life, the clinic offers quick solutions to issues right from PMS and vitamin deficiency to jetlag and hangovers. Juveria Tabassum pays a visit to learn more…

What happens when four doctors get talking at a party in the middle of a pandemic? According to gynaecologist Dr Snehalatha, they discuss the concept of overall wellness, and how it can be dished out to people living life in the fast lane. The result? Well, three months on, and Hyderabad is home to Happy Head, India’s first exclusive wellness and IV clinic.

Rana On Board:An entrepreneur and a fitness enthusiast, Rana was quite excited to be the ambassador and was happy to share some of his inputs for the clinic.

“We decided to provide intravenous(IV) drugs instead of the usual oral supplements because IV has a faster absorption rate. Unlike oral drugs that go through the process of metabolism and traverse your digestive tract before reaching your bloodstream, IV drugs have an immediate 100% absorption rate. They are easy, convenient and effective,” believes Dr Sri Sai Nivya, a general physician, and one of the four co-founders of the clinic, along with Dr Sneha, Dr Venkaya, and Dr Mounica. The clinic offers drips for boosting immunity and vitamin levels, something that should interest the crowd given the current times.

Also on the roster is a glow drip that claims to rejuvenate your skin with antioxidants such as glutathione which helps release stress and deal with environmental factors that may be harming your skin. The clinic also offers a mineral substitute drip for vegans, and a recovery drip for extreme athletes to help recover from strenuous activity. For people fraught with PMS and menstrual cramps, there is an IV solution to be taken immediately after ovulation, or right before your period. Jetlag and hangover drips are offered to help provide quick recovery from these tedious states.

Dr Nivya shares that the clinic also provides vaccinations for diseases such as Hepatitis, which are highly contagious, along with shots for the flu. Diagnostic testing and on-board psychiatric help is also offered. Rana Daggubati, who is the brand ambassador for the clinic was spotted trying oxygen therapy at the clinic. Coming in flavours such as lemongrass, the “Oxy-bar” as it is called provides pure oxygen, which, according to Dr Nivya is important in times when we wear masks constantly and possibly re-inhale toxic carbon dioxide. She shares that pure oxygen is necessary for cell regeneration, and building overall immunity.

Batting Away PMS:The menstrual drip is to be given right after ovulation, or right before the start of your period. People experience PMS which takes a physical and emotional toll on our bodies every month. The IV offers relief from the pain, and helps you feel replenished. Ideally, it can be taken for three cycles.

The doctors traveled to Dubai to try the drips for themselves as part of the research that went behind setting up the IV clinic. They believe that the stigma around needles has kept India away from the phenomenon of an IV clinic, although the trend has seen a steady growth worldwide.

March 12, 2021

#Health, #IVClinic, #WellnessClinic

Wedding Wellness with Luke Coutinho: Starting the Journey

Luke Coutinho, India’s leading Integrative Lifestyle Expert, believes that true wedding prep goes far beyond fitting into an outfit or chasing picture-perfect looks. For him, it’s about building strength, balance, and inner calm that lasts well beyond the wedding day. Here, he shares his holistic wellness guide for brides and grooms stepping into this new chapter. From a holistic health perspective, how early should brides and grooms start preparing their bodies for the wedding? I’ve always believed that wedding prep should start with the inside. If we’re talking about sustainable energy, balanced hormones, strong immunity, or calm emotional states it’s not a 15-day crash course. It’s a rhythm you build. Ideally, I encourage couples to begin six to 12 months in advance. That gives us space to work on the deeper layers like gut repair, sleep cycles, metabolic health, and emotional resilience. Even three months can make a real difference if done right. But more than timelines, I believe in intention. Whether you start 12 months or six weeks before, ask yourself: Am I just trying to look good for a day, or do I want to feel well through all the days that follow? How can couples set wellness goals that go beyond just looking good in wedding photos?It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics wanting to fit into a certain outfit or chase a number on the scale. But real wellness is about how you feel your energy, your digestion, your mood, your ability to stay calm amidst the chaos. I always tell couples: Don’t make the goal about shrinking your body. Make it about strengthening your health, supporting your hormones, and building the emotional resilience to actually enjoy your wedding. When you feel good inside, it shows up outside on your skin, in your eyes, and

Health

Eating Right, Feeling Bright: How to Stay Healthy and Happy This Festive Season

As the festive season arrives, it’s easy to get swept up in the celebration and sometimes, overdo it. Between rich sweets, back-to-back parties, and emotional highs (and lows), maintaining your health both physical and emotional can become challenging. SINDURI VUPPALA speaks to two experts Dietician Vidhi Chawla, Founder of FISICO Diet & Aesthetic Clinic, and Rajvir Kohar, a seasoned Mental Health Clinician to bring you a guide on how to eat mindfully and feel emotionally balanced this season. “It’s okay not to feel festive. Honour your emotions.” – Mental Health Clinician Rajvir Kohar While cultural celebrations and holidays offer opportunities for connections and joy, they also come with increased expectations and responsibilities. Research indicates that mental health symptoms such as stress, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and emotional eating often rise during the festive season. Many individuals experience heightened stress around the holidays, primarily due to factors such as financial strain, time pressures, and family dynamics. Financial challenges can be particularly overwhelming, as people feel the burden of purchasing gifts, hosting gatherings, and keeping up with social expectations. For individuals already managing financial constraints, these demands can deepen feelings of inadequacy or guilt. Additionally, the festive season can bring emotional pain for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Others may experience a profound sense of loneliness, especially if they lack close family or social networks, making the celebratory atmosphere feel isolating rather than inclusive. Common mental health symptoms during this period include disturbed sleep, changes in appetite (either overeating or under-eating), increased irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal. While these feelings are common, they often go unnoticed amidst societal expectations to “stay cheerful.” Despite these challenges, it is possible to approach the festive season with mindfulness and care. By adopting practical strategies, you can protect your mental health and still engage

Health

Managing Psychological Stress in Marriage in India

Marriage, while often seen as a sacred bond in India, is also a complex partnership that involves emotional investment, societal expectations, and continuous adaptation. In the Indian context, marriage isn’t just a union between two individuals it’s often a confluence of families, traditions, and social norms. While love and companionship are central, psychological stress can quietly build over time due to unmet expectations, communication gaps, external pressures, and the lack of personal space. Managing this stress effectively is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling marital life. Understanding the Sources of Stress Recognizing the Signs of Stress Psychological stress in marriage often doesn’t manifest dramatically. Instead, it appears in small, persistent ways: If left unaddressed, this stress can escalate into anxiety disorders, depression, or even marital breakdown. Strategies to Manage Marital Stress 1. Open, Non-Judgmental Communication The cornerstone of any successful marriage is healthy communication. Couples must learn to express themselves openly, without fear of being judged. Schedule “talk time” to share your thoughts, concerns, or even simple day-to-day feelings. Use “I feel” statements rather than blame-focused language to prevent defensiveness. 2. Set Realistic Expectations Bollywood and societal portrayals of “perfect marriages” create unrealistic standards. Accept that no marriage is without flaws. Understand each other’s limitations and strengths, and be willing to compromise without losing your core identity. 3. Establish Boundaries with Extended Family While respecting elders and family traditions is important, couples must create healthy boundaries. This includes making joint decisions independently, especially on matters like finances, parenting, or living arrangements. A united front reduces external interference and strengthens the couple’s bond. 4. Seek Professional Help Therapy is still stigmatized in parts of India, but counseling individuals or couples can be transformative. A trained therapist helps you identify patterns, improve communication, and resolve conflicts constructively. Many Indian metro cities and

Health

Why Soaking Rice Reduces Glucose: Science, Steps, and Stats

Rice is a staple food for millions across the globe, but it’s also often blamed for raising blood sugar levels—especially white rice due to its high glycemic index (GI). However, a simple, age-old practice can help: soaking rice before cooking. This traditional method doesn’t just make rice softer and faster to cook—it also offers a science-backed way to reduce its glucose content and make it healthier. Hashtag Magazines gives you a lowdown… The Science Behind Soaking Rice When you soak rice, several things happen: Supporting Research and Statistics A study published in Food Chemistry (2015) found: Another study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted: A 2022 clinical trial in India showed: How to Soak Rice to Lower Glucose Step-by-Step Method: Glycemic Index Reduction – Before & After Soaking Type of Rice GI (Unsoaked) GI (After Soaking) White rice 72 60–65 Brown rice 68 55–60 Basmati rice 58 45–50 Red rice 55 40–48 Additional Tips to Reduce Sugar Spike from Rice Why This Matters for Diabetics and Health-Conscious Eaters Blood sugar spikes can lead to fatigue, weight gain, insulin resistance, and long-term complications like diabetes or heart disease. Making simple changes like soaking rice helps: Conclusion Soaking rice is a simple, no-cost step with massive health benefits. Whether you’re managing diabetes, watching your weight, or just aiming for better gut health, soaking rice before cooking can significantly lower its glucose impact. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Indian kitchens, now backed by science.