SOHMA Integrative Medicine

We offer the best of Eastern & Western medicine without using drugs or surgery

How Does Herbal Therapy Complement Other Therapies?

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In recent years, herbal therapy has gained popularity due to the increasing interest in alternative medicine. Herbal supplements tend to be more affordable and accessible compared to pharmaceuticals. However, it is important to be careful where you source your herbal products, as they are not subject to the same rigorous testing as modern medications.

Herbal therapy uses plants and plant-based supplements to promote wellness and is often used to aid with various conditions. While herbal therapy can be beneficial on its own, its benefits can be enhanced when combined with other therapies.

Join me as we explore what herbal therapy is and what other therapies complement it to provide a holistic approach to health and wellness.

What is Herbal Therapy

Herbal therapy, also known as herbal medicine, is a holistic approach to health and wellness that uses plants’ natural and beneficial properties. Using herbs, flowers, roots, and bark, it is used to address specific conditions. Herbs have been used for centuries for their therapeutic effects and are some of human history’s oldest forms of medicine. Herbal supplements can be prepared as consumables, creams, or powders. Much like modern medicine, herbal supplements can be consumed orally or used topically, such as in creams and balms. The benefits of some herbs can be felt by simply smelling them. Herbs can work synergistically with the body to aid natural healing processes.

The herbs used in herbal therapy can be unique and exotic, like ginkgo biloba and st. John’s wort, or are herbs commonly found in a kitchen and used for cooking, garlic, and rosemary. Plants like aloe vera and lavender have beneficial properties. The goal of herbal therapy is to find the root cause of your ailment to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.

Acupuncture

Herbal therapy can be combined with acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving the insertion of needles as thin as hair into specific points on the body. Herbal therapy can be used to provide a stronger intervention targeting organs, systems, or conditions. When combining the two practices, you create an all-natural holistic approach to healing. Each is uniquely made for every individual health concern.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help by manipulating the body’s soft tissues to help ease pain and reduce stress. When getting a massage, herbal oils and balms can be included in massage therapy sessions. This creates a massage therapy that is enriched with aromatherapy. It can then greatly enhance the relaxation from the massage therapy session. As well as relieving muscle tension and promoting healing. Aromatherapy may help improve overall mental and physical wellness. 

Chiropractic Care

Herbal therapy can help support chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and nervous system health. When combined with herbal therapy, it can help address underlying inflammation. This can make adjustments and manipulation of the joints easier for the chiropractor. This, in turn, can make patients feel more at ease and less pain going into a session. Much like with massages, a chiropractor can use balms or ointments made from herbal supplements on the skin’s surface to help alleviate tension and relax the muscles. It can also be used as aromatherapy which may help accelerate healing and relaxation.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

Top 5 Red Flags To Look Out For When Finding a Herbal Therapist

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Herbal remedies and supplements are some of the oldest forms of medicine in human history. In recent years the popularity of using herbs for treatments has increased due to how affordable and easier to get they are compared to their pharmaceutical counterparts. Unfortunately, because the testing on herbal supplements isn’t tested and regulated as strictly, you need to practice precaution when buying them. 

For this reason, finding a high-quality herbal therapist is important, and today we’ll go over the top 5 red flags you need to keep in mind when finding an herbal therapist.

Unrealistic Claims

When looking for an herbal therapist, one of the biggest red flags is unrealistic claims. Because of the lax regulations on herbal therapies and supplements, there is often very little one can do to verify their claims. The claims may often be extravagant or a quick-fix solution too good to be true. Unfortunately, most times, when something is too good to be true, it usually is. While herbal therapy can be used in treatments, there are limitations, like in most forms of treatment. While herbal therapy can be an effective treatment in some cases, it’s not a cure-all.

Herbal therapy can be complex; it is best practice to keep expectations grounded to avoid being taken advantage of.

Lack of Personal Attention

Herbal therapy is usually designed and customized based on the patient’s needs and conditions. Therapists who promote a generic, one-size-fits-all solution through herbal therapy are often trying to get sales. They won’t listen to you carefully and just try to get you to buy the product. A reputable herbal therapist will take the time to speak with you. Understand your condition, answer questions, and recommend a personalized plan.

Disregards Your Safety

Much like the previous entry, this can fall under a lack of personal attention. However, it’s important enough to get its section. Any good herbal therapist will ask you if you are taking medications. Even over-the-counter medications can have adverse reactions with some herbs. This can lead to unexpected results.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Respiratory disease

While the overall risk associated with ginkgo biloba is negligible for most adults, it can have an adverse reaction when combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen or aspirin. There are many different reactions between herbs and pharmaceuticals. An herbal therapist should be aware of them and be capable of letting you know about them when asked. A herbal therapist should be able to conduct thorough assessments and consider contraindications.

Poor Communication

Having clear and open communication between the herbal therapist and the patient is incredibly important. Not only does it inform the patient of any treatment they may need, but it can help calm a patient to know that they’re being cared for. If your herbal therapist has evasive responses to your questions or is unable to answer them outright, that is a massive red flag. It shows their inadequacy in the subject and can risk putting you in harm’s way.

Unprofessional Location

While the regulations on herbal therapy and supplements may be lax, it doesn’t mean there are no standards for herbal therapy. A clean and well-established environment is necessary for providing effective and safe herbal therapy. A poor establishment can serve as an indicator for other concerts that could be related to an herbal therapist’s practice. 

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

What Does It Mean To Find The Best Chiropractic Care?

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Over the years, chiropractic care has become a widely accepted practice. So much so that many insurance companies often cover chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare focusing on managing pain and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, primarily concentrating on the spine.

When searching for chiropractic care, you should always look for the best provider to meet your unique needs and provide effective and secure treatment. Remember that chiropractic care should be a partnership between you and the chiropractor. Finding the right one for you can make a huge difference.

Remember that the “best chiropractic care” can differ from person to person; however, we’ll attempt to help you find the right one. Today we’ll explore a few key factors to consider when finding the best chiropractic care.

Chiropractor Qualifications

Chiropractors need to complete the required education and training. Making sure a chiropractor has the required licenses and certifications ensures expertise and competence. It indicates a chiropractor’s knowledge and assures patients of the chiropractor’s skills. A chiropractor with additional training can give further insight into a patient’s condition.

Getting an adjustment by an unqualified chiropractor can be incredibly dangerous. It can increase the likelihood of injury, worsening symptoms, or other complications. We highly recommend never to have any spinal manipulation done by someone unfit. 

Feedback and Reputation

Positive first-hand experience from friends and family can be beneficial. Referrals from trusted sources such as friends and family can help separate good chiropractors from the best. Occasionally asking your primary healthcare provider or other healthcare professionals can point you in the right direction. People working in the medical field often pay more attention to minor details, increasing the weight and importance of their opinions. Awards can help decide on great chiropractors as well. For example, SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach won back-to-back Best of Long Beach awards for 2022 and 2023.

Another great way to find the best chiropractor is to search online reviews and testimonials. Reviews are a great way to gauge the overall experiences of their patients. Typically if a patient isn’t satisfied with the chiropractor, they’ll make it known online. Keep in mind that some dishonest chiropractors may have false reviews. Since no one is perfect, it’s necessary to always read through the review instead of solely relying on the overall rating.

Communication

Feel free to be direct with a chiropractor if you can speak with chiropractors and ask them about their practice and treatments. Evaluate how well the chiropractor communicates with you. The best chiropractor will be able to listen attentively to your concerns. They should be able to explain the treatment and suggest or even recommend other treatment options if chiropractic is not enough or the wrong treatment for your personal issue. A great chiropractor will also involve a patient in the decision-making.

If you notice a chiropractor is trying to push you for long-term treatment while not justifying why properly, it should be seen as a red flag. This signifies that they only try to get your money and don’t care about your well-being.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

How To Choose A Chiropractor

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Chiropractic care can treat many conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Treatment involves manually adjusting the spine and joints to help alleviate pain. A chiropractor slowly moves your joint into their natural position with short, sharp thrusting movements. If you’ve been dealing with persistent pain in your neck and back and nothing you’ve tried, it’s time to visit a chiropractor.

But how do you choose a chiropractor?

When selecting any healthcare professional, it should be done with care. After all, it is your health and wellness, and you want to make sure you get the best chiropractor. Join me as we review a few suggestions when choosing a chiropractor.

Communication is Important

Being able to communicate well is crucial in any healthcare setting. Most people want to feel comfortable with a chiropractor, and communication can help. If possible, try to schedule an appointment to interview the chiropractor. Asking questions shouldn’t put them off. In fact, they should be excited to inform about all the benefits of chiropractic care. Not only will you learn how chiropractic care can help your condition and manage your pain, but based on their mannerisms, you can see if they’re friendly and considerate. If you had an overall positive experience simply asking them questions, it’s a good sign that they may be a good choice.

Perhaps Chiropractic Care Isn’t What You Need

Although we’re trying to find a chiropractor, it’s possible that it’s not what you need for your particular case. A good chiropractor can tell you if you genuinely need an adjustment or would be better off with cupping, deep tissue massage, acupuncture, or a combination of different modalities and therapies. Although spinal adjustments are essential to chemotherapy, you can benefit from another therapy during your treatment. A good chiropractor can explain why and how combining multiple therapies will help your recovery. But be careful if they can’t explain why you need more therapies satisfactory enough. It can actually be a warning sign.

Recommendations

The experience of others can be invaluable to finding an amazing chiropractor. Your first choice should be other professionals in the health industry. If you can’t seem to manage the pain, ask them if they have a recommendation for a chiropractor. Some doctors may even suggest trying chiropractic care themselves. Friends and family are also excellent resources for finding great chiropractors. While their treatment may differ from yours, they can inform you about how friendly and knowledgeable the staff is and how well-kept the center is. The most abundant source of information about chiropractors is online. Visiting their website and social media pages and reading reviews can give you the point of view of many people dealing with many conditions. At SOHMA, we’re proud to have won back-to-back Best of Long Beach Reader’s Choice awards for 2022 and 2023.

No Rush. It Takes Time

You must do your due diligence when looking for a new healthcare professional. It’s ok to look into many different chiropractors. You don’t need to feel obligated to be treated by the first chiropractor you visit. It’s normal for people to see many other chiropractors before choosing the best suited for their condition.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

How to Find a Reputable Herbal Therapy Center Near Me

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Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine. For thousands of years, herbal remedies have been used to help heal and alleviate people from pain and other conditions. Modern medicine typically comes in pills and injections, but we should remember that herbs were human’s earliest forms of medicine.

While modern pharmaceuticals may have surpassed the use of herbal remedies, they’re steadily becoming more popular as people search for alternative and natural forms of healing.

Unlike pharmaceuticals, there isn’t a strict system to ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal medicine. Therefore finding a reputable herbal therapy center is significant. Today we’ll review some questions when looking for a reputable herbal therapy center.

What is an Herbal Therapy Center?

An herbal therapy center is where herbal supplements are sold and various herbal therapies are performed. Herbal supplements come in a wide variety of forms, such as:

  • Pills
  • Powders
  • Tinctures
  • Teas
  • Lotions
  • Gels
  • Additives for baths

While herbs are generally safe, you should keep your primary care provider informed if you do herbal therapy. Many modern pharmaceuticals are either derived from herbs or are inspired by the healing effects of herbs. They can sometimes have negative reactions when combined, and it’s in your health’s best interest to be transparent if you take medication.

Reputation

A good business reputation is essential for potential customers since it indicates trustworthiness and honesty. Word of mouth is the best advertisement, meaning you’ll likely find a reputable herbal therapy center through other patrons. Companies with solid reputations often attract talented employees and aren’t a rotating door of staff coming and going at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach, CA. We hire only highly qualified and service-conscientious medical professionals committed to your health and wellness. That’s why we’ve earned the Best of Long Beach Reader’s Choice award in 2022 and 2023.

Research

The internet is an incredible tool for knowledge. You can use it to find herbal therapy centers near you and read reviews on them. Naturally, the higher rated they are, the better they should be. Although this is typically the case, be sure the location has more than just a handful of reviews. While a 5-star review out of dozens of studies is ideal, you may be better off with a 4-star average from many reviewers than a 5-star from only a tiny handful. You should go beyond just looking up reviews online, visit their webpage, and learn about their staff and their mission. 

Research goes beyond simply finding information about herbal therapy centers. If you plan on using herbal remedies, you must educate yourself on the different therapies, remedies, and ingredients. Because herbal supplements aren’t subject to FDA regulations, you must do your due diligence to ensure the supplements are satisfactory.

Visit Them

You have to walk in and ask questions to find the best herbal therapy center near you. A reputable center’s herbalist shouldn’t have an issue with your curiosity. If they care about your health, they should be glad you’re showing interest. If you dislike it, move on to the next one.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step to better health.

What Forms of Injury Does Physical Therapy Help With?

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Physical therapy is one of the most successful forms of recovery. With SOHMA winning the 2023 Best of Long Beach reader’s choice for a second year, we’re proud to help you on the road to recovery. Your injury will be evaluated, and we may recommend physical therapy. From there, the physiotherapist will further evaluate your physical condition and medical history to prepare a recovery program. 

However, not all injuries are made equal, and today we’ll go over what kinds of injuries physical therapy can help in recovery.

Sport Injuries

Some of the most common injuries that physical therapy can help with are a result of a sports injury. After suffering a soft tissue injury, you’ll want to protect it from further damage. Try to keep the injury elevated if possible. This can prevent fluids from gathering where you were injured.

  • Ankle Sprain
  • Rotator Cuff Strain
  • Shin Splints
  • Tennis Elbow (tendonitis)
  • Fractures
  • Muscle Tears
  • Ligament Tears

Although not life-threatening or life-altering, these injuries can be uncomfortable and painful. While some of these injuries may require surgery to be fully repaired, physical therapy is still valuable pre and post-surgery. Especially for injuries where muscles or ligaments tear or detach.

Work Injuries

Injuries at work are unfortunate but occur regardless of whether you work at a desk in an office, in a kitchen as a cook, or in construction. Many of the injuries you can suffer at work can result in the same types of injuries caused by sports. That being said, injuries from slipping, falling, overexertion, back pain, and accidents with workplace equipment can still happen and must be taken care of.

It’s very common for jobs where there isn’t a significant variety of movements for workers to deal with injuries from repetitive motion. This is similar to tennis elbow and can cause weakness and pain.

Surgery

Although surgery should be the last option for recovery, it is sometimes inevitable. For these cases, physical therapy is used after many surgeries. Physical therapy is crucial in ensuring the body heals without developing scar tissue for joint replacement, muscles, ligament, or tendon repair, and spinal surgeries. Physical therapy is also used before surgeries to help strengthen the body in preparation. A physical therapist can help you determine when you can safely resume certain activities and go back to work.

Concussions

A concussion occurs when the head receives a blow significantly hard enough to move the brain back and forth inside the skull rapidly. This can happen after a car accident, sports injury, or a slip and fall. Although concussions primarily affect the brain, they are known to cause issues with balance and coordination. Most concussions resolve themselves after a week or two, with no symptoms. If symptoms don’t go away on their own, physical therapy can help regain balance, stability, coordination, and focus.

Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

Pinched nerves can cause severe pain. Depending on the nerve being pinched, it can make daily activities extremely painful or nearly impossible, including sleep. When the space where nerve roots exit the spine becomes narrow, the nerve can become irritated. The sciatic nerve, for example, travels from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. When it is pinched, the pain can make it difficult to walk. Physiotherapists can provide stretches and exercises to alleviate pressure from the nerve. However, there are some cases where surgery may be needed to remove some material.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.