SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

5 Benefits of Medical Massages

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A professional Medical can have many positive impacts on the body and your health

Before getting into the benefits of medical massages, first we need to differentiate between a regular massage and a medical massage. A normal massage will usually focus on relieving tension in the soft tissue, and is generally used to relax and reduce stress in the body. Generally speaking a traditional massage will be pleasant but won’t really address the same things that a medical massage will.

A medical massage, also known as a deep tissue massage can cause discomfort and a little bit of pain in some people, however it has been described as a “good pain” where the patient feels relief alongside the discomfort. Today we’re going to go over 5 benefits of medical massages.

Pain Management

Medical massages is a non-pharmaceutical alternative to pain management. Medical massage techniques tend to be slower and use more strength in order to target the deeper layers of hurt or injured muscle and connective tissue. Though commonly used to treat injuries, medical massages can also be used to loosen up muscle tension that can build up when suffering from chronic pain. Medical massages can also be used to treat pain caused by:

  • Lower Back Pain
  • Torticollis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Plantar Fasciitis

For chronic pain, medical massages have been shown to be as effective as some medications while being more cost effective.

Increased Mobility

When receiving regular medical massages, it can help break up scar tissue by promoting lymphatic circulation. The lymphatic system being your body’s way of getting rid of unnecessary byproducts of the body. This may improve range of motion and flexibility in the injured area.

Medical massages can be used to treat a variety of symptoms caused by arthritis including reduced mobility, pain in joints, stiffness and swelling. For people suffering from arthritis, massages with moderate pressure can reduce pain and tension making movement less painful.

Improves Heart Health

Blood pressure can be affected by tension, stress among other reasons. As previously stated, medical massages can be used to reduce both stress and tension. It has been shown to have a beneficial impact on systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure. They also increase the production of serotonin, which is the hormone that makes us feel happy and promotes a positive mood. A negative or stressful mood can produce hormones that can temporarily increase blood pressure.

Injury Rehabilitation

When injured, the soft tissue can become twisted or tense. A medical massage can help in stretching, loosening and straightening deep soft tissues causing pain. The increased blood circulation to the area can help decrease inflammation in the muscle or joint injured. Though often used to treat injuries related to sports, regular medical massages can help prevent muscle injuries and reduce muscle fatigue. Stretching connective tissue with medical massage helps improve circulation and promotes tissue repair.

Mental Health

Medical massages can reduce physical pain, tension and stress. By reducing the pain caused by these physical conditions it allows the patient to be more relaxed. Reducing heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen use may reduce mental stress and anxiety which are commonly associated with depression. It is believed that massages reduce levels of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. Massage therapy in general has been known to lower stress,  reduce anxiety and make people less irritable.

Sleeping helps the body recover physically and mentally. Poor sleep can lead to poor health which can make it harder to sleep. It has been shown that medical massages can improve sleep patterns in patients of all ages. Lack of sleep has been shown to be linked with anxiety disorder.  When able to rest properly patients notice an improvement in their mood. 

Medical massages may not be for everyone, though it being a low-risk treatment option means it’s available to most people dealing with stress and pain.

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 Joint Injections Last?

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Injection treatment is a great therapy that continues to work for months.

Aging, injury and just natural wear and tear will begin to degrade your muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and cartilage. This damage can be accelerated due to compound injuries, diet and diseases like cancer and diabetes. Luckily there is help in the form of joint injections. At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA we offer HCT/P (Human Cellular Tissue Products)  as well as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections.

Today we’re going to cover what HCT/P and PRP injections are, what they can help treat and how long they last.

Joint Injections

As previously stated, joint injections at SOHMA come in the form of PRP and HCT/P injections. Though not all injuries and conditions can be treated with joint injections and sometimes surgery may be required.

PRP therapy processes the patient’s blood and separates the platelet-infused plasma from the red blood cells. After the platelet-rich plasma is separated, it is drawn from the vial and injected into the areas in need of healing support like muscle tissue, joints, or other soft tissues. PRP has also been used to help patients recover from surgery quicker, reducing recovery times by days or weeks.

HCT/P is a modern approach to healthcare that attempts the patient’s body to repair itself by regenerating and reconstructing its own tissues in order to regain some of its natural functions. HCT/P injections encourage the healing of damaged tissue. After the HCT/P is injected into the affected area, it will help in reducing further inflammation and stimulate your own tissue and cells to regenerate. Once a cell is damaged, it generates a signal that attracts the HCT/P. Over the following days the HCT/Ps may rejuvenate and replace damaged cells forming new tissue and helping relieve pain and regain mobility.

How Long for Joint Injections to Work?

Like many things in life, this isn’t a simple question to answer, as it depends on the injury and the patient’s reaction to the treatment.

Depending on the patient’s condition, PRP injections can begin to show noticeable results between 2 weeks for mild injuries or chronic pain and around 4 to 6 weeks for more serious injuries.

Much like PRP therapy, HCT/P injections also vary depending on the condition of the patient. Because the body is making new cells and tissue, some patients will notice results sooner than others.  Typical signs of improvement begin within 6 to 8 weeks after treatment begins, though it all depends what condition is being treated, if the patient is following treatment properly and how well the body responds to the HTC/P injections.

How Long Do Joint Injections Last?

Well, it depends. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t very simple. Every person’s body is unique and will respond differently to treatment. Though typically PRP injections continue to work for 6 to 9 months. Throughout that time the PRP will continue to help the body in healing soft tissue. If after the first PRP injection the results are satisfactory, and you feel relief from pain further treatment may not be necessary. Though it is not uncommon for patients to need multiple injections for best results.

When it comes to HCT/P, due to new tissue being created some patients will take longer to feel a significant reduction in pain, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that treatment isn’t working. When successful, HCT/P treatment has shown to reduce or eliminate pain long-term. Though it is possible for some patients to need more than one treatment of HCT/P. When a patient does not see any improvement to their condition after many months, repeating the treatment may be recommended. 

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 Types of IV Therapy

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Vitamin Therapy IV Drip Infusion In Man Blood

Before getting into the types of iv therapy, let’s first talk about what is IV therapy. You probably know that IV drips are traditionally used in hospitals in order to administer fluids and medicines directly to the patient’s bloodstream. IV therapy is essentially the same thing with the exception that instead of medicine you are being administered fluids, nutrients, or ozone. 

At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach we offer two forms of IV therapy, the Myer’s cocktail, and Ozone therapy. Join us as we go through why IV therapy is growing in popularity and the benefits of these IV therapies.

Rapid Absorption

When consuming supplements orally it is unlikely that you are absorbing all the nutrients you think you may be consuming. The reason being is when consumed orally your body digests and metabolizes the supplements which significantly reduces the amounts of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that enter the bloodstream. 

With IV therapy, you bypass the digestive system. When nutrients are administered directly to the bloodstream via IV, your body can make use of the fluids and nutrients immediately. Many patients notice a boost of energy, relaxed with less tension as well as improvement in their mood.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone is typically thought of as a gas in the upper atmosphere that protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. But it can be used therapeutically as well. Ozone has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and can act as a disinfectant. Ozone therapy aids the body in preventing tissue damage and improves local blood circulation. 

The immune system can become stimulated to aid healing after a short 30-minute session. Improved blood circulation through Ozone therapy may clean your arteries from potential viral and bacterial infections by oxidizing the toxins. Inflammation can cause oxidative stress which can cause pain and irritation. Ozone therapy can bring balance caused by oxidative stress and greatly improve pain caused by inflammation.

Even when taking necessary precautions, toxins build up in the body of everyone. Usually caused when absorbing pollution from smoke, heavy metals, or other chemicals in our daily lives. When built up in the body these toxins can have many adverse effects including the body’s ability to heal itself. Improving your diet and exercising can slow down the accumulation of toxins, though when living in a big city, a build-up can be unavoidable. Ozone therapy detoxification can help with:

  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Joint Pain
  • Allergies
  • Skin Conditions
  • Digestive Issues
  • Insomnia

The Myer’s Cocktail

The Myer’s cocktail is a perfectly crafted blend of Vitamin C, B Complex, Magnesium, and Calcium delivered via IV drip. Usually as one gets older their body loses the ability to absorb nutrients the way it did when it was younger. Your body begins to need different nutrients and vitamins which are often necessary to manage proper immune system health and energy levels. 

IV therapy dispenses a high dose of vitamins directly to the bloodstream without causing any significant discomfort. The blend of vitamins and nutrients can be used by the patient’s body to:

  • Boost Immune System
  • Ease Anxiety
  • Promote Relaxation
  • Hydrate
  • Aid with Migraine Pains
  • Detoxify the Body

The Myer’s cocktail has been frequently used to aid in the treatment of respiratory problems, migraine, fatigue, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. If you need more information feel free to ask the helpful staff at SOHMA any questions you may have.

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.

Can PRP Help with Neuropathy?

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Platelet Rich Plasma Injections being prepared from a person’s blood sample.

With over 25% of the American population suffering from some form of neuropathy, it’s safe to say that neuropathy is relatively common. But just because it is common does not mean you need to suffer through it. At SOHMA Integrative Health Center in Long Beach CA, we offer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to help you with your pains and struggles with neuropathy. Neuropathy is an umbrella term used to describe a range of health issues involving nerve damage. Although rarely fatal, neuropathy can lead to life-altering problems.

Today we’re going to talk about how neuropathy can affect you and how PRP therapy can help treat the symptoms of and may restore damaged nerves.

What Causes Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition that affects over 3 million Americans every year. There are many causes for peripheral neuropathy however, the most common cause is diabetes. Other causes may include:

  • Injury
  • Trauma
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Infections

Accidents can happen at any time and to anyone. Auto accidents, sport,s or even injuries caused by a slip and fall can have the potential to cause nerve damage. Don’t ignore the symptoms, as the longer you let the injury remain untreated, the longer it may take to recover. In some cases recovery is impossible. 

Being exposed to toxins like lead, mercury, arsenic, and some insecticides can also lead to peripheral neuropathy. Heavy drinkers and smokers also have an elevated risk of developing neuropathy.

Many different viruses like chicken pox, shingles, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) just to name a few can also cause nerve damage. 

Symptoms of Neuropathy

The symptoms of neuropathy are varied, much like what causes neuropathy. The most common symptom of them will be numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. The feelings of pins and needles as well as an uncomfortable burning sensation can sometimes accompany the numbness. Symptoms are most frequently experienced in the evenings but can begin to develop during the day. Though this can also be caused by sitting awkwardly for too long or having poor posture when you sleep. If the symptoms persist then we recommend talking to your primary care provider about getting a diagnosis for neuropathy. 

A less common symptom is pain, though when present it presents itself as unusually intense. Pain can be felt in the neck, face, arms, and legs. 

Neuropathy can affect the muscles as well. Many patients will lose strength in their arms or legs. Making their muscles feel weighed down or slow to respond. Older adults may lose balance and fall causing potentially dangerous injuries. 

Platelet Rich Plasma and Neuropathy

What is PRP?

PRP is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from the patient’s blood. Once separated, the PRP is then injected into the affected joints or tissue in order to help the body treat and recover from a number of conditions. When a blood vessel is damaged it will send a signal to attract platelets. Platelets cause growth healing functions and play a key role in the body’s natural healing process.

Our bodies have power, and natural healing ability and PRP therapy only aids our body’s healing process. PRP therapy comes from the patient (autologous), so there is no risk of disease transmission or rejection of the body’s immune system.

When injected into an area of the body being affected by neuropathy, the PRP triggers the body to begin repairing damaged tissue. These platelets promote regeneration and can minimize the amount of time needed to repair tendons, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and nerve damage.

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.

Addressing Severe Stagnation in Cupping Therapy

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Cupping therapy is a great therapy to address stagnation.

Before talking about severe stagnation, let’s understand what cupping therapy is. Athletes and celebrities have used cupping therapy to help recover from injury and pain by improving blood circulation. 

The cup creates negative pressure with either fire or a pump. This negative pressure pulls the skin, fascia, muscle, and other tissues into the cup, flushing out toxins and promoting blood flow to the treated area and usually leaving a round mark after a session.

Today, we will talk about how we can determine stagnation and how Cupping therapy can help release stagnation under the skin to bring pain relief.

Round Marks and What they Mean

Round marks left behind after a cupping therapy session are often misinterpreted as bruises. Don’t worry, though as these marks are not bruises and can tell you a great deal about your progression in treatment. Depending on the color, you could be nearing the end of your treatment.

Healthy blood circulation will only show a mild redness. This signifies a slight stagnation of toxins in the blood and there is good blood flow. When this results, it’s very likely that you are either nearing the end of your treatment. Alternatively, it can mean that you may need other forms of therapy to address your issues, such as Massage Therapy or IV therapy.

If there is no reaction at all, it could mean there is an imbalance of circulation. It may mean that the area lacks function and is likely not performing correctly.

Moderate stagnation is shown when the mark is considerably redder, it means there is an accumulation of toxins within this area. Blood flow is good but some work still needs to be done.

When there are spottings with a red mark it means there is beginning to be a large accumulation of toxins in the body and there will be more cupping sessions to deal with it.

If a dark, nearly purple mark is left behind then there is severe stagnation. These parts of the body require the most attention and tend to take the longest to heal.

What is Severe Stagnation

In Cupping Therapy severe stagnation can be determined by the aforementioned dark purple mark. This usually indicates that the injury or ailment is not new and it’s been left alone for long periods of time. The injury will therefore require more time to clear the stagnation.

But what does that mean? 

Where there is stagnation, there will likely be a pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the term stagnation is one of the most common causes of disease. Stagnation can be caused by chronic stress, pollution, smoke, or chemicals that your body can’t remove on its own. Usually, our bodies are able to remove stagnation, but when this is not possible there becomes a buildup of toxins which can cause severe stagnation. 

If you want to remove the pain, remove the stagnation. Cupping therapy is one method used to remove this stagnation by clearing the blockage to restore your body’s natural blood and energy flow. Once the stagnation begins to clear you’ll notice some pain relief.

Cupping therapy is fine for the majority of patients however, those who have sensitive skin, are pregnant, bleed easily, or are physically weak should ask our staff at SOHMA to see if Cupping therapy is right for them

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 Top 10 Herbal Medicines

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Herbal medicine has been around for centuries and are the building blocks to modern medicine.

Herbal medicines are the oldest remedies used by people. For a long time, modern pharmaceuticals pushed herbal medicines to the wayside, but recently there has been an increase in popularity for herbal medicines again. The reason being is they are more affordable and easier to obtain than typical pharmaceutical medicine. 

Herbal medicine is typically safe to consume but we at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA recommend you consult a professional herbalist in assisting you when looking for extensive treatment. As they will be knowledgeable in what herbs can negatively counteract with each other, or other medicines you may be taking. 

Join us, as we talk about 10 herbs with medicinal properties that can be helpful in reducing pain, recovery and healing.

Garlic

Garlic has been used in cooking for as long as it has been used as a herbal remedy. Garlic has been used as a supplement for conditions associated with heart and blood vessels. Commonly used in patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The topical use of garlic may be effective at healing wounds, reducing scarring, and skin rejuvenation.

Peppermint

Also known as water mint or spearmint is a common plant in North America. The leaves and oil of the peppermint plant have been used to help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among other digestive problems. It has been used to reduce symptoms of the common cold and headaches. The oil in peppermint can be applied to the skin to help with joint and muscle pain as well as itching. In aromatherapy peppermint oil has been used for treating the common cold, improving mental function and reducing stress.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a native flower with nine known species in North America. Natives used echinacea for thousands of years as medicine. It is used as a supplement for the common cold and other infections as it may promote and boost your immune system.

Dandelion

The humble dandelion thought by most to be an unwanted weed actually has several uses. All parts of the dandelion are edible. The root of the dandelion can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute for people who are sensitive to caffeine. In tea, the flowers and leaves act as a diuretic that can be used for digestive problems.

Valerian

Native to Europe and Asia, valerian is a flowering plant that has historically been used as medicine. Valerian has been used as a supplement to help with insomnia, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It has also been known to help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and symptoms of menopause.

Lavender

Lavender has a beautiful aroma that the ancient Romans used to clean and wash. Today Lavender’s fragrance is used in soaps and cosmetics. Its use in aromatherapy and as a supplement can help with anxiety, depression and digestive conditions.

Ginger

Known as one of the best superfoods, in Asia ginger has been used as a medicine for more than 1,500 years. As a supplement ginger has been known to help with nausea and vomiting linked with pregnancy. Ginger supplements may also be helpful with menstrual cramps. It also contains high nutritional density per portion. It also contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Green Tea

Green tea has been used in China and Japan for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The tea contains caffeine, so it can be used to retain alertness and can be used as a substitute for coffee. Green tea has been used to relieve digestive symptoms and headaches. It may also provide positive effects on weight loss and liver disorders.

Cinnamon

Used for thousands of years as a spice, cinnamon has been used in traditional herbal medicine in places like China, India and the middle east. Cinnamon supplements are used for upset stomach, diarrhea and gas, and can also be used to stimulate appetite. Cinnamon tea is also used to reduce symptoms caused by the common cold.

Aloe Vera

A cactus-like plant, aloe vera has been used topically for skin conditions. Aloe vera has been used to reduce itching, acne and soothe sunburns. Research suggests aloe gel may speed up the healing of burns as well.

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.