Travel-induced stresses, preferred wellness destinations, and busting IV therapy myths—Krysh Bajaj, the co-founder of REVIV India and Dr. Ruby Tandon, Aesthetic Dermatologist & Medical Director at REVIV India reveal it all in this exclusive interview. By Bayar Jain
REVIV’s journey kickstarted in 2011 when four emergency room physicians came together to create spa-like settings for IV therapies. A year later, the wellness brand launched a clinic at Miami beach in USA and established the world’s first exclusive IV medical spa. Today, REVIV clinics and its IV therapies can be availed at 90+ locations across 30 countries, courtesy of a 250+ highly trained medical staff.
At REVIV, each of the specialised services are designed by a team of clinical experts to replenish one’s hydration levels, and deliver vitamins, nutrients, fluids, electrolytes and antioxidants. As a global leader in wellness IV therapies and vitamin injections, it has now readied itself to heal Indian audiences at their first flagship clinic in India at Worli, Mumbai. The partners for this Indian leg of wellness are AKV Wellness, co-founded by Krysh Bajaj; Dr. Ruby Tandon, aesthetic dermatologist and medical director at REVIV India; Anjali Tripathi, a certified healthcare professional and Shivam Popat, a UK property industry businessman.
What are the challenges you’ve had to overcome to break into the Indian market while establishing REVIV India?
Krysh Bajaj: Since the concept [of IV therapies, vitamin injections, and the like] is relatively new in India, client inquiries ranged from confirming whether a doctor’s consultation or blood work is required before deciding on a therapy to determining who would execute it. Accompanying these queries were the most typical misconceptions that required us to regularly educate and reassure our clients with preconceived beliefs about these therapies.
According to you, how has audience perception regarding booster shots altered since the pandemic?
Dr. Ruby Tandon: Our steps in the forward direction as a progressive society have given impetus to our aspirations and desires to achieve more than ever. But along the way, it has also evoked negative emotions, giving rise to feelings like anxiety, stress, and even depression. The result of this is reflected in our quality of life. And with the ongoing pandemic having escalated these emotions, it can be tough to get adequate sleep, eat the right foods or even stay motivated to do anything. People are often depleted in nutrients without even knowing it because they may be used to feeling rundown!
IV therapy is beneficial in many ways, regardless if we feel depleted or not, regular supplementation helps our bodies function more optimally. It is essential to maintain a strong immune system.
Any misconceptions about IV therapy that you’d like to bust?
Dr. Ruby Tandon: Client enquiries range from establishing whether a doctor’s consultation or blood work is required before opting for a therapy to ascertaining who will execute it. [Some believe that] IV therapy is for the unwell. [In fact] IV therapy is ideal for everyone. [It is] best used regularly to maintain and replenish hydration and vitamin levels. Regular supplementation helps our bodies function more optimally, regardless if you feel sick or not. People who want to boost their athletic performance or stamina, nutritional intake, energy levels, and immune system benefit significantly from IV therapies.
[Another misconception is that] the composition is uniform for all. Each IV is tailored to a particular concern, and is formulated by our team of leading physicians and pharmacists.
[Some believe that] Glutathione is a skin lightening agent. Glutathione is the most important antioxidant that aids in the body’s detoxification. It is produced naturally by the liver and is involved in numerous processes including tissue building and repair, cleansing vital organs, supporting the immune system and increasing energy levels along with reversing the damaging effects of free radicals and promoting optimal skin health.
Krysh Bajaj: [Clients ask whether IV therapies] are painful. While the process may look complex, our professionals do it seamlessly! We recognise everyone’s fear of needles differs. We use a topical numbing agent and take great effort to make any discomfort close to negligible.
[Others also enquire whether] these therapies are safe. Whilst all medical therapies carry some risk, REVIV clinics are led by highly qualified doctors adhering to stringent medical protocols and safety standards. All of our medical staff are licensed and trained paramedics or nurses with years of experience.
Any tips on combating travel-induced stress?
Dr. Ruby Tandon: Drink water and stay hydrated. Long-distance travel can sometimes cause dehydration, and one may even reduce water consumption to avoid multiple bathroom breaks. Please reconsider this option; adequate hydration may aid in the management of jet lag symptoms and travel fatigue.
Maintain a healthy diet and do not skip meals. Going without food for an extended period of time causes blood sugar levels to drop. Eat often to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats, in contrast to your consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods.
Be mindful about your sugar intake. Excess sugar consumption while travelling can cause weariness. Sugary snacks, sweetened coffee, and baked products might provide a temporary burst of energy, but then crash hard. Avoid manufactured foods which are high in sugar, and choose freshly prepared, healthier meal options instead.
Increase vitamin levels. Before you travel, getting a vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant boost from wellness IV therapies is an excellent idea. They aid in increasing your immunity, strength and energy levels, as well as combating the effects of travel and jet lag
Get adequate sleep. Plan your business or leisure trips in a way that you can get adequate sleep.
Your hacks to remaining healthy (physically, mentally, and emotionally), especially in the current pandemic situation?
Dr. Ruby Tandon: My wellness philosophy is simple—wellness entails more than just your health and how much you exercise. For me, it encompasses my emotional, spiritual, nutritional, intellectual, and social well-being. I believe that wellness is a daily commitment that requires self awareness, consistency and dedication. If your body has the ideal balance of vitamins and nutrients for regular bodily functions, you will feel better, get sick less often, have more mental clarity, and look your best all year round! Concerning my emotional and mental wellbeing, I developed a few practices over time: I make it a point to actively acknowledge what I am grateful for; I employ the ‘one day at a time’ approach to stay connected with people who radiate optimism and encourage me to stay motivated; being mindful to food and lifestyle changes; exercising my body and mind; and embracing change.
A place you’ve visited—India or abroad—that wowed you for its wellness offerings? How so?
Krysh Bajaj: Cheval Blanc Randhelli in the Maldives for its super-luxe hospitality. From the moment I arrived at their private airport lounge to when we boarded their private, custom-designed seaplane, I witnessed their direct concentration on the guests, and it was nothing short of exceptional. The resort consists of six individual islands, the most astonishing being the Spa Island, an entire island designed to be a wellness sanctuary with facilities to unplug the mind and body from the outside world.
Dr. Ruby Tandon: Mulia’s Bali wellness center has been one of my best wellness experiences so far. Their lifestyle wellness program is tailored to each individual and focuses on improving both physical and emotional well-being.
Your preferred wellness destination and why?
Krysh Bajaj: My choice of wellness is to go scuba diving at Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep. Because it’s so isolated from the rest of the world, it’s often difficult to believe you’re in the same country with no network, just 15 rooms and the most comfortable home-style food. Wellness to me is the routine of waking up at 6 am and diving from 7 am with breaks for breakfast, lunch and dinner in between; and the silence and tranquility of the sea.
Dr. Ruby Tandon: Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village is one-of-its-kind of a holistic space, which heals you internally and externally with traditional and authentic Ayurvedic therapies, treatments and medications.
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