SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

What are the Benefits of Myer’s Cocktail?

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Myer’s cocktail is an IV Therapy that has benefits beyond rehydration.

Before we get into the benefits of Myer’s cocktail first we need to understand what’s in it and why it’s beneficial for your health.

Myer’s cocktail is a type of IV therapy we offer at SOHMA Integrated Medicine in Long Beach CA. Yes, the same kind of IV drip that is used in medicine and hospitals can be used as therapy. Myer’s cocktail is a perfectly crafted blend of nutrients and vitamins including Vitamin C, B Complex, Magnesium and Calcium suspended in a saline solution delivered through an IV drip directly to your bloodstream.

Detoxification and Hydration

Myer’s cocktail is used for many reasons, one of which is rehydration and detoxification. Since you are receiving the Myer’s cocktail through an IV drip, your body absorbs the fluids more efficiently than if you were to drink some water. 

With such a concentrated amount of fluids entering the body it helps you to detoxify from accumulated toxins that may be in your system from your day to day life. Whether its from poor habits or simply because you live in a large metropolitan city and have to deal with the pollution and chemicals that come with it, a Myer’s cocktail can help.

Often you see people rehydrating with Myer’s cocktail after difficult days exercising or working. Though it’s not exclusively used for these reasons.

Boosts Energy Levels

It would be great if a balanced and healthy lifestyle was possible for everyone however, we understand that not everyone is able to. Myer’s cocktail can help with your lack of energy with the vitamin B complex which can give you the boost you need. There is no need to reach out for an energy drink filled with chemicals, sugars and caffeine. Myer’s cocktail can give you that boost you need to get through your week naturally without filling your body with unnecessary junk like energy drinks that only give you an artificial boost of energy before your body crashes.

Boosts Immune System

Myer’s cocktail contains Vitamin C which is well known for helping your body’s immune system. Vitamin C helps prevent and fight common viral infections like the cold. Supplementing your meals or drinks with Vitamin C can help but consuming too many foods with Vitamin C can irritate the stomach. With Myer’s cocktail IV therapy you bypass the digestive system altogether which can destroy Vitamin C before you can absorb it. The IV drip lets your body absorb the Vitamin C faster, and at a higher concentration.

Lack of Vitamin C can lead to you feeling weak, tired and irritable. It can cause you to have dry skin which makes it difficult to heal wounds. In some cases Vitamin C deficiency can cause joint pain and swelling which can lead to arthritis.

Helps with Migraines

Migraine pains can be incredibly debilitating, often not even letting you sit in a well lit room. Once again Myer’s cocktail can help, the blend of nutrients can work together to reduce the pain and symptoms caused by migraines. The anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin C can help relieve some of the tension built up in your neck muscles and head. Vitamin B complex has been shown to reduce the duration and intensity of migraines. When balanced correctly it may even reduce the frequency of migraines.

Regularly using Myer’s cocktail the magnesium and calcium can work together to also prevent future migraines. Lower levels of magnesium can result in constricted blood vessels in the brain which can be one of the triggers for migraines. A balanced intake of calcium has been linked with reducing the frequency of migraines as well due to calcium playing an important role in regulating muscle functions like relaxation and contractions.

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

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us 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 Long Do Cupping Marks Last?

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Marks are signs that cupping therapy is working correctly.

What is cupping therapy and what are those round marks left behind afterwards?

Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine that in recent years has become a popular form of healing therapy used by many athletes and celebrities in the west. The cups are used to make negative pressure on the skin whether with fire or a pump. The skin, muscle, fascia and other soft tissue are then sucked into the cup causing vasodilation. This increases blood flow to the areas being treated. It’s been used to help recover from injury and pain by improving blood circulation.  Cupping can also help people suffering from mental health issues like insomnia and anxiety among other things. 

What are these round marks?

The marks left behind after a cupping session are often mistaken for bruises, this is not the case. These marks are not bruises however, they can be used to tell you a great deal about how far you’ve progressed in your treatment.

Meaning of Round Marks

The round marks left behind can let us know if your treatment is going well. Healthy blood circulation should result in a mild redness, it will signify that there is only a slight stagnation in the blood and there is overall good blood flow. When we begin to see marks resulting in this color, it’s likely that you are nearing the end of your treatment. If you still feel pain, perhaps you require another form of therapy like acupuncture or IV therapy.

If the resulting mark is pale or has no change, it can mean there is an imbalance in your circulation. This can also mean that a particular area is not functioning or performing properly.

Fair stagnation typically results in the round marks being pink or a light shade of red. Usually this means there is an accumulation of toxins near or around this area causing some pain. Blood flow is still good but you may still require some work to be done.

A red mark with dark spots shows that there is a large accumulation of toxins in the body. You may be experiencing pain and other symptoms. Don’t be alarmed, this just means you need more treatment.

Dark marks which have a purple color to them can mean there is severe stagnation of toxins. These are the parts of the body which require the most attention.

How Long Do The Marks Last?

Any discoloration of the surface of the skin is temporary, but depending on the range of colors produced by cupping will determine how long the marks will last. Typically, the lighter the color the quicker the mark will fade. The lightest colored marks such as light red or pink tend to fade a few hours after a cupping therapy session. The red cupping marks which signify a fair amount of stagnation will fade after a couple of days. The red marks with dark spots tend to take much longer to clear out but usually 3 days to a week. The deep red marks which can take as long as 2 weeks to completely fade.

These marks are normal after a cupping therapy session, and have nothing to worry about. Although many people will call them bruises, these marks don’t hurt. They are more along the line of a hickey, except performed by a specialist to help treat your ailments and pains.

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

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us 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 are the Disadvantages of Tai Chi?

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Tai Chi is an easy and calming martial arts, but there could be disadvantages to it.

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Tai Chi, a gentle form of martial art, often described as “meditation in motion” is one of the best and safest forms of exercise. It provides a way for anybody of any age to exercise and remain healthy even through disabilities or health problems. 

Many practitioners of Tai Chi have shown a variety of health benefits both physical and mental. Tai Chi’s slow deliberate movements emphasize relaxation and breathing while keeping your body in constant motion. 

Physical benefits include increases in:

  • Flexibility
  • Mobility
  • Stamina
  • Agility

While mental health benefits include a reduction in:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

The benefits don’t stop there, it can help with high blood pressure, improve mood, and increase your reflexes which can reduce the risk of falling in older adults.

Although Tai Chi is an amazing way to remain healthy in mind and body it is not without some disadvantages. Join me as we go through some of the disadvantages of Tai Chi so you can better decide if they are enough to dissuade you from practicing this gentle martial art. 

Mastering Tai Chi

It’s difficult to learn Tai Chi on your own, there are online tutorials that can guide you in your journey but having a teacher and other students to practice with will result in faster learning. If there are any poses you may have a hard time with, having other students motivate you is great for learning Tai Chi. A teacher can also help you adjust poses and positions to best suit your limits and make practicing Tai Chi more enjoyable.

Tai Chi takes time to master, like many exercises and hobbies tai chi need practice to make perfect. You will not be perfect on your first try, and that’s fine many people have a hard time mastering Tai Chi. However it’s not necessary to master Tai Chi in order to receive its benefits.

Discipline, for as Little as 10 Minutes a Day, Can Develop Muscle Memory 

Practicing Tai Chi for as little as 10 minutes per day can develop the muscle memory needed to learn the Tai Chi poses. Which is enough to gain its health benefits. Though in order to learn properly you may need to make time for a few classes per month. While some may struggle with making it to some classes, others may struggle to practice at home because they have nobody around them. For all the benefits Tai Chi has, one still needs to put in the time even if it’s just the aforementioned 10 minutes per day. 

Don’t forget to take breaks, practicing Tai Chi can be addicting. You need to gradually build up the length of your practice sessions, and their frequency. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes for most days. For the beginner, consider practicing for as long as you can comfortably walk at a steady pace. If you can only do 5 minutes at a time, that’s ok, take breaks when necessary. Tai Chi is not a sprint, you can rest and do another 5 minutes, take your time.

Tai Chi Is Still an Exercise, It Just Happens to be Low Impact

Tai Chi is still an exercise, which can leave some first time practitioners unexpectedly tired. In the beginning Tai Chi can leave some people sore. But as your body becomes accustomed to the movement and poses, this won’t be an issue. Practicing with a teacher can minimize any unwanted strenuous movement as they can guide you through the poses and adjust according to your mobility.

If you feel like Tai Chi is something you want to practice, feel free to join us at Heartwell Park in Long Beach CA on Sundays from 9:30am to 10:30am, we practice near the duck pond.

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

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us 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 Often Should you do a Myer’s Cocktail IV Therapy?

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Myer’s Cocktails are a beneficial form of IV therapy to replenish vitamins quickly.

You may be familiar with the term IV drip, which is usually used in hospital settings. But an IV drip can also be used therapeutically.

“IV therapy?” you may be wondering. 

Absolutely, at SOHMA integrative medicine in Long Beach CA, we offer IV therapy in the form of the Myer’s cocktail. Some of you may have heard of this treatment as well, but maybe you’re unsure of how frequently you should do it.

Today we are going to clear any doubt you may have about how often you should do Myer’s cocktail IV therapy sessions and what Myer’s Cocktail can help you with.

What is in the Myer’s Cocktail?

Before we get into how often you should do Myer’s cocktail, we should first understand what’s inside one of these IV drips.

Myer’s cocktail is a blend of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals suspended in a saline solution. The perfectly crafted blend includes vitamin C, B complex, calcium, and magnesium. All these nutrients are needed to be in balance for proper bodily functions.

Vitamin C is used by the body in many different ways. It works to boost your immune system, and grow and repair body tissue. The Vitamin B complex is made up of different forms of vitamin B. In turn, the body uses it to produce energy from food, lifts your mood, and improves cognitive effectiveness. Calcium helps grow and protect bones. It is also used to aid in muscle contractions. While magnesium is needed to maintain normal nerve and muscle functions.

What is Myer’s Cocktail Used For?

Myer’s cocktail has many different uses. These usages vary from person to person based on condition and lifestyle. Myer’s cocktail IVC therapy is known to help with:

  • Detoxification and hydration
  • Immune system support
  • Boosts energy levels
  • Improves cardiovascular health 
  • Promotes relaxation
  • Good for mental health

People with athletic lifestyles may want to use Myer’s cocktail IV therapy to stay hydrated and full of energy. While an office worker can use it to relax and detoxify their body from an accumulation of toxins that may have amassed in your body simply by commuting in a large metropolitan city.

What Does Myer’s Cocktail Treat?

Besides lifestyle choices, Myer’s cocktail can serve to better your health and well-being. Myer’s cocktail has been used to help treat a number of conditions including:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Migraines
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Acute Muscle Spasm
  • Upper Respiratory Conditions

Myer’s cocktail IV therapy has also been shown to help alleviate seasonal allergies, sinusitis and upper respiratory infections

How Often Should I do Myer’s Cocktail IV therapy?

Generally, the frequency of use of IV therapy will be discussed thoroughly with the patient. Typically patients opt for one session every other week. For others who just want to keep their body and mind in balance one or two Myer’s cocktail IV therapy sessions per month should be enough.

However, depending on the severity of the condition the patient may be recommended to do more. Based on how bad the patient is feeling they may be recommended to have 2 IV therapy sessions per week until their condition improves. Once the condition has improved, the amount of IV therapy sessions will be reduced or ended as determined by the patient.

For those with athletic lifestyles, one session every 2 weeks to maintain a good balance of nutrients should be enough. Though you may want to have IV therapy sessions to recover for a particularly grueling workout.

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

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us 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.

Types and Styles of Acupuncture

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Acupuncture comes is an ancient healing therapy that has a wide variety of types

What is acupuncture? How many types and styles of acupuncture are there? 

There are many different types and styles of acupuncture from different regions in Asia. 

Today we’re going to talk about two specific types, traditional Chinese acupuncture and cupping therapy. We’ll go over why they are significant, their benefits as well as why they are considered complementary.

What is Acupuncture? 

Firstly, what is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of integrative medicine originating from ancient China, and is now widely practiced in the US. The patient’s skin or muscles are pricked with needles used to alleviate pain and treat a variety of physical, mental, and emotional conditions. The needles are as thin as a human hair, sterile, and single use. This makes it rare for patients to feel any pain when being treated with acupuncture. The disposable nature of acupuncture needles makes infection nearly impossible.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture is the most widely practiced acupuncture style in the west and what we specialize at SOHMA integrative medicine in Long Beach CA. Traditional Chinese acupuncture has gained worldwide acceptance and is recognized as an effective treatment for many conditions including:

  • Muscle pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Dental pain
  • Injuries
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Sprains
  • Headaches and Migraines

And many other conditions involving recovery, mental health, and overall wellness.

What is Cupping?

Now, what is cupping?

Much like traditional Chinese acupuncture, cupping therapy originates from ancient Asia.  Although popular in its country of origin, cupping therapy has gained popularity in the west after many athletes and celebrities were seen with round marks on their backs during publicized events.

Cupping is a form of acupuncture though without using needles. It uses a similar method of targeting specific areas to help alleviate the patient from pain or other conditions. Cupping therapy uses cups heated with fire or connected to a pump to create negative pressure on the skin. The skin, muscle, fascia, and other soft tissues are then pulled into the cup. It pulls tension up which can sedate the nervous system, and encourage blood flow. With the increased blood flow toxins can be flushed and blockages cleared. Cupping can be used to relieve pain and aid in the healing of the following conditions:

  • Muscle Pain
  • Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
  • Relaxes Stiff Muscles
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Migraines and Headaches

Cupping therapy has been thought to penetrate up to 4 inches deep for amazing deep tissue recovery. Making cupping therapy one of the best forms of deep tissue therapies out there.  It can be used in the hands, wrists, legs, and ankles allowing for specific healing in almost any body part.

How Acupuncture and Cupping Therapy Compliment Each Other

There is a famous Chinese saying that states “Acupuncture and cupping more than half of the ills cured”. Meaning that nearly half of all ailments could be treated with acupuncture and cupping in ancient China.

The reason cupping therapy and acupuncture work well together is because they help heal similar conditions in different ways. Our professionals at SOHMA will work closely with our patients to determine what kind of treatment they should take part in. or if a combination of treatments is recommended in order to best serve their health goals. 

By combining cupping and acupuncture you get the best of both worlds. The suction and negative pressure caused by cupping can be released using acupuncture. Cupping can be done first to relax abnormally tight muscles which can make it easier to insert acupuncture needles. Normally cupping and acupuncture is done one before the other, however, depending on the case they may be done at the same time. Together, they increase blood flow to the affected area, thus increasing the body’s natural healing.

 Ultimately the choice is yours, and you should choose what works best for your body and mind.

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

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us 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.

Which Injection is Best for Peripheral Neuropathy?

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Injections are a great option for peripheral neuropathy treatment.

What are human cellular tissue products (HCT/p) or Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)? Which one is the better treatment for peripheral neuropathy?

The answer is not as simple as one is better than the other. Join us as we go through the differences between HCT/p injections and PRP therapy and how each can be helpful in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition that affects over 3 million Americans every year so you’re not alone . Peripheral neuropathy is an umbrella term used to describe the condition of poor communication from the brain to the spinal cord caused by damaged nerves. This causes a variety of symptoms but most commonly is numbness in the arms and legs, weak muscles, and difficulty walking. In some cases people can have peripheral neuropathy and have very few symptoms at all while in others it can cause debilitating pain.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a number of environmental factors, infection, injury, or trauma. Smoking and drinking can increase the risk of developing neuropathy. While environmental pollution can expose you to toxins like lead, mercury, arsenic, and pesticides which can also lead to peripheral neuropathy. Injury caused by sports or auto accidents can cause trauma which can cause nerve damage. Even a seemingly small slip and fall can cause nerve damage depending on how you land. Infections from chicken pox, HIV, or shingles are a few viral infections that can cause nerve damage. It’s important to not ignore the symptoms of neuropathy. The longer it goes untreated, the longer it may take to recover. Sometimes a full recovery is impossible, though managing the symptoms is still possible.

PRP as Treatment

Much like the causes of peripheral neuropathy, there are a few different options depending on how severe the condition is. PRP is platelet-rich plasma derived from the patient’s own blood so as to ensure the body doesn’t reject the PRP and has no risk of transmitting the disease. Platelets can promote regeneration in the soft tissue to shorten the amount of time needed to repair nerve damage.

Our bodies have an extraordinary healing ability. The body’s natural healing ability and PRP therapy work together to repair the nerve damage. When the area affected by neuropathy is injected with PRP, it triggers the body to begin repairing damaged tissue. Which can lead to a reduced amount of time needed to repair muscle, cartilage, ligament, nerves, and other soft tissue.

HCT/p as Treatment

HCT/p injections are a new form of healthcare, it attempts to help the body repair itself by reconstructing, replacing or regenerating tissue to regain its natural functions. The HCT/p is injected into the affected area where it prevents further inflammation and stimulates your body’s cells to regenerate. 

When cells are damaged they’ll produce a chemical signal which will attract the HCT/p. They become attracted to the damaged cells and surround the affected area. Days after the treatment, new cells can begin to grow and divide forming new tissue to aid in healing the damaged or injured area. HCT/p injections may be covered by Medicare, healing you from the inside out without the need for invasive or expensive surgeries.

Both of these treatments can be used to treat peripheral neuropathy however, to ensure proper diagnosis talk to your primary care provider to see what treatment option you should be considering.

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

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us 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.