SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi Regularly

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Tai Chi has been practiced for thousands of years and originated in ancient China. Every year, more and more people join classes or practice this martial art dubbed “meditation in motion” at home. In fact, it’s not uncommon to pass by a park and see a group of people practicing this martial art together in unison.

With the new year quickly approaching, many people go to the gym expecting immediate results and quitting when things get too difficult. Let’s try to break this cycle. Join a Tai Chi class instead of going to a gym just to straighten your body. Not only will you gain physical health benefits, but you’ll also gain mental and spiritual health.

Those looking for a New Year’s resolution that they can keep Tai Chi have a significant amount of benefits for those who can be consistent, and today, we’ll be covering some of those benefits.

Stress Reducer 

Often overlooked, stress can have an incredibly negative impact on your daily life. Stress is called “the silent killer” because there aren’t any obvious signs of the damage that stress is causing. Sure, you can notice a change in a person’s mood or behavior, though stress can lead to several serious conditions, including:

  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Physical Discomfort

Simply put, living with unmanaged stress can affect your mind and body in ways you may not understand. When not taken care of, stress can lead to many other changes, such as social withdrawal. This can lead to substance abuse and ultimately change your life for the worse. Practicing Tai Chi regularly can help maintain a lower stress level that can be better managed and improve your health holistically.

Improved Mental Health

Tai Chi is regularly referred to as “meditation in motion.” This is because Tai Chi uses slow and gentle movements, making the practitioner aware of their body and mind processes. When practicing Tai Chi, there is an emphasis on controlled deep breathing. Coordinating with the poses and movements helps to calm the mind. Which in turn reduces stress and increases oxygen flow through the body. This promotes relaxation.

The combination of gentle movements and the focus on deep breathing puts your mind and body in a meditative state, and with it comes the benefits of meditation. Meditation has been shown to help manage stress levels, which can reduce tension in the body. This can have the added benefit of reducing pain caused by muscle tension. Regular meditation has also been shown to help improve your focus, improve your memory, and gain clear-headedness.

Improve your Heart’s Health

It’s never too late or too early to start caring for your heart’s health. After all, you only get one. Tai Chi as an exercise is incredibly beneficial for your cardiovascular system. This is because Tai Chi, similarly to jogging, uses repetitive contractions of large muscle groups to get the heart beating more. Although with much less stress on your muscles, bones, and joints. By doing this consistently, you can strengthen your heart’s blood vessels. By doing Tai Chi regularly, you can improve oxygen flow throughout your body, which can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while increasing your stamina. 

Tai Chi has also been recommended for people recovering from heart surgery. Because the movements aren’t seen as strenuous, practicing Tai Chi can help strengthen a patient’s heart without overworking it.

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 To Ask A Herbalist Before Starting Treatment

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Herbs have been used to treat various conditions for over thousands of years. Herbs were our first forms of medicine, and in recent years, the popularity of herbal medicine and supplements has grown again. This may be because of the ease of access to herbal supplements and their affordability. However, unlike the pharmaceutical industry, herbal medicine isn’t regulated as strictly. This can lead to people getting taken advantage of products with poor quality control. At SOHMA Integrated Medicine in Long Beach, CA, we only carry herbal supplements of the highest quality and reliability. 

Herbalists can help you make informed decisions about what herbal remedies or supplements can help you with your ailments. Communication is incredibly important between yourself and your herbalist. In this article, we’ll review five questions you can ask a herbalist before starting treatment.

Have You Treated Conditions Like Mine?

Your herbalist has likely treated many conditions similar to yours, although not yours exactly. Herbal treatments consider many factors, and it’s not unlikely for two people to have different treatment protocols from the same herbalist for the same condition. 

Herbal medicine’s goal is to restore your body from the inside so that it can heal itself naturally. A treatment can change based on many different aspects. For example, a young, healthy woman will likely require a different treatment program when compared to an older male with a heart condition. A good herbalist should still be able to provide the best protocol to relieve your symptoms and manage your condition.

How Do You Determine Which Herbs Will Benefit an Individual?

Much like the treatments themselves, how a herbalist determines which herbs to use differs based on the patient. As previously stated, herbal treatment protocol can vary from patient to patient. That being said, the main factors to determine what herbs to use include:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Physical Fitness
  • Medical History
  • Prescribed Medicine
  • Current Symptoms
  • Lifestyle

Be sure to communicate any information about your medical history to your herbalist. This way, they can make a more informed decision about your health.

Are There Negative Interactions with My Other Medications?

It’s not a certainty that your medications will have adverse interactions with herbal supplements. However, this can happen. While some interactions only mildly increase the chances of minor side effects, others may be more serious.

Milk thistle, which may be used to lower blood sugar in diabetes, may negatively interact with medications like warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clots. It’s been reported that milk thistle may affect how the body metabolizes warfarin and ultimately may even decrease the concentration of the warfarin in your body.

Do You Buy Herbs at a Store to be Used in Treatments? 

Many examples of herbs used in the kitchen for meals also have medicinal effects. Chamomile tea, for example, is often drunk by those with sore throats or difficulty sleeping. An herbalist may even recommend chamomile supplements for those struggling to get a good night’s rest. Other examples of common herbs used by herbalists include:

  • Garlic
  • Turmeric
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Ginger

These herbs can not only add flavor to a dish. They can help you manage a variety of symptoms as well.

Can I Do This On My Own at Home?

Although many herbs can be purchased at a grocery store to help with your ailments, we recommend against self-treatment. While you could search for what herbs are best suited to help you and your condition, navigating herbal supplements can be tricky. As we’ve mentioned, laxed regulations are surrounding herbal supplements. Many products can be mislabeled with the wrong ingredients or dosages. There is also no saying in what conditions the herbs were grown or processed. For this reason, we recommend you only purchase from reputable sources.

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.

Top 6 Essential Questions Before Starting Human HCTP Treatment

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When considering whether to undergo a treatment involving Human Cellular Tissue Products (HCTP), it is crucial to approach the decision thoughtfully and with all the necessary information. There are several important aspects to consider, and asking the right questions can help you make the best decision for your health. To guide you, here are six key questions to ask before undergoing an HCTP treatment. These questions will help you gain a better understanding of the treatment process, potential outcomes, as well as the potential risks and benefits involved. By gathering all the necessary information and asking these questions, you can make an informed decision about whether an HCTP treatment is suitable for you.

1. What Are the Specifics of the HCTP Being Used?

It’s crucial to ask for detailed information about the HCTP you’ll be receiving, including its source, processing methods, and specific components or cells. Understanding the product’s composition is crucial for transparency in the treatment process.

2. How Are the HCTPs Obtained and Processed?

Discuss the procedures for obtaining and processing HCTPs. Inquire about donor screening, collection techniques, and processing methods to ensure adherence to safety standards and ethical practices.

3. What Safety Measures Are Implemented During the Use of HCTPs?

If you are going to undergo HCTP treatment, it is important to know the safety measures in place to ensure your well-being. You can inquire about the steps taken to minimize the risk of adverse reactions during treatment. This includes any pre-treatment assessments and post-treatment monitoring. By understanding these protocols thoroughly, you can have confidence in the safety and effectiveness of your HCTP treatment.

4. How Does This Treatment Align With My Medical Needs and Goals?

Discuss your medical history and treatment objectives with the healthcare provider. Ensure that the proposed HCTP treatment aligns with your specific health needs and contributes positively to addressing your medical concerns.

5. What Is the Expected Treatment Timeline and Recovery Period?

Inquire about the treatment duration, including the number of sessions required and the anticipated timeline for recovery or noticeable results. Understanding the treatment’s duration and recovery process is essential for managing expectations.

6. What Financial Costs Are Involved in the HCTP Treatment?

Discuss the overall costs of the HCTP treatment, including procedure fees, follow-up visits, and additional expenses. Understanding the financial aspects of the treatment allows you to plan and budget accordingly.

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 Does Cupping Therapy Remove Toxins

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Coming from traditional Eastern medicine, Cupping therapy has garnered new life due to a modern resurgence. Much of its current popularity is because of how celebrities and athletes use cupping therapy for their recovery, and occasionally, they are seen with recognizable round marks going down their backs. It’s not uncommon to see Olympians being showcased with visible cupping marks. This also drew the public’s curiosity towards cupping therapy.

Cupping therapy is popular in aiding recovery and has many benefits beyond recovery from injury or a workout. Join me as we explore how cupping therapy can help to remove toxins from your body.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is one of the oldest forms of medicine practiced in traditional Asian cultures. Cupping therapy traditionally uses fire to heat a glass globe or bamboo cup to create negative pressure. Recently, plastic or silicone cups with a pump have been used to control the vacuum created. When the cup is placed onto the skin, the negative pressure pulls the soft tissue into the cup. 

This pulls skin, fascia, and muscle tissue into the cup, which may promote increased circulation in the treated area. Increased circulation allows for several potential benefits, including: 

  • Pain Management
  • Reduced Inflammation
  • Reduced Muscle Tension
  • Increased Blood Flow
  • Increased Range of Motion

Aside from physical benefits, cupping therapy can also benefit your mental health and recovery. It has been shown that cupping therapy can help patients relax and release body tension. This can have the additional benefit of allowing you to rest better at night. This improves both the ability to fall asleep and the quality of sleep. As we understand, having healthy rest at night is incredibly important to our mental health as this can reduce stress and anxiety.

How does Cupping Help to Remove Toxins?

Creating vacuum pressure on the skin may draw out impurities from deep within the soft tissue and muscles. This can help to draw out built-up waste products and toxins like smoke and heavy metals. These may have been stored in your cells for years while you are unaware of them.

Since cupping therapy can help enhance blood circulation, it can allow fresh new blood to flush out stagnation in the affected areas. This can promote the removal of toxins and metabolic waste products. Cupping may stimulate the lymphatic system as well. This can aid in removing toxins and waste materials from the body through improved lymphatic circulation. This can help to promote healthier cells and overall wellness.

What are the Round Marks?

Although the round marks may seem like painful bruising, this is far from what they are. The marks are closer to a hickey than a bruise. Unlike bruises, these marks don’t hurt. Visually, some patients may not appreciate them. However, these marks have an additional function. The round marks can help to determine how close you are to finishing a cupping therapy protocol. For example, light pink marks may signify that you’re nearing the end of treatment, whereas dark purple marks may indicate heavy levels of stagnation. This can mean that you may require more cupping or complementary therapy, such as acupuncture or massage therapy to get to the root of your issues.

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’s it Like to Receive a Myer’s Cocktail

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For years now, the Myer’s cocktail has been used to help athletes and everyday people return their bodies to balance with essential vitamins and minerals through an IV drip. The same kind of IV is used in hospitals to deliver patients medicine and fluids. However, when used therapeutically, it provides vitamins and minerals through the fluid instead. The perfectly crafted blend of nutrients in the Myer’s cocktail IV therapy includes Vitamin C, B Complex, Magnesium, and Calcium.

Many times in our busy lives, we are unable to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients in our bodies. Especially as we get older and our bodies begin to absorb nutrients differently. This is why supplements are often recommended. The nutrients in Myer’s cocktail have been shown to have several benefits, including: 

  • Increased Immune System Function
  • Reduce the Duration and Intensity of Migraines
  • Aids in Detoxification
  • Aids in Hangover Recovery

Myer’s cocktail has also been used to help alleviate symptoms caused by:

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Adrenal Fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Depression 
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Acute/Chronic Infections

While the benefits of Myer’s cocktail IV therapy may be noted, some may be curious about what it feels like to receive the Myer’s cocktail IV therapy. Today, we will explore how receiving a Myer’s cocktail IV therapy feels.

First Impressions

Like any use of IV drip, there are needles involved. Naturally, you will first feel a pinch as the IV drip is set up. Once the IV is set up and the Myer’s cocktail begins to flow into your bloodstream, many patients report a couple of feelings—first, some report of feeling a cooling sensation due to the nutrient-rich solution entering the bloodstream. The fluid is often cooler than room temperature. Afterward, some people mention a tingling or warm sensation. Some vitamins, such as B-complex, can result in these sensations in some people, though this is generally considered harmless.

Boost in Energy

Once the body has had time to absorb the nutrients, many people report feeling a boost in energy levels. This can be due to your body’s previous lack of an essential nutrient that Myer’s cocktail replenishes. Your body doesn’t need to break down a multivitamin or other supplement before absorbing it with Myer’s cocktail. Because the nutrients are delivered directly to the bloodstream, your body will receive a more concentrated dose of these essential nutrients. It’s been reported that this boost in energy can last for days or weeks, depending on your physical composition.

Relaxing

As the IV therapy progresses, some individuals mention feeling relaxed. Both physical and mental. This may be attributed to the calming effects of the nutrients or hydration the body is receiving. It’s been known that magnesium and B-Complex may help increase your body’s resistance to stress. As a result, many people use the session as an opportunity to rest, and sometimes patients may even take a nap.

Steadily Improved Progression

Throughout the session, individuals might notice a gradual improvement in how they feel. This includes increased alertness and a sense of rejuvenation. At this point in the session, you may begin to notice how the Myer’s cocktail IV therapy has helped you with your particular condition. You should also be feeling the overall benefits of the Myer’s cocktail IV therapy. While for many, IV therapy is a “one and done,” others opt for regular IV therapy sessions as the prolonged benefits of Myers cocktail IV therapy can help you in your daily life.

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.

Can IV Therapy Help Athletes Recover?

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Intravenous (IV) therapy, the same kind used in medical settings, has grown in popularity in recent years. Many people use IV therapy for its various benefits, such as boosting your immune system, balancing your nutrient intake, or even helping you nurse a hangover.

IV therapy is also incredibly popular in the world of sports and athletics. Often used to rehydrate after intense workouts or events, athletes use IV therapy regularly. In this article, we will explore if IV therapy helps athletes recover.

Understanding IV Therapy

IV therapy directly provides a high dosage of vitamins and minerals to the bloodstream. By delivering the nutrients through an IV allows nutrients to bypass the absorption process of the digestive system when taking supplements orally. When taken orally, your body needs to break down the nutrients before they are absorbed and then processed for the body to use. This takes time and can reduce the amount of nutrients the body absorbs. IV therapy provides nutrients faster, but the concentration of the nutrients is also unaffected. This means the body uses as much as it needs with great efficiency. The Myer’s Cocktail IV therapy provides a blend of Vitamin C, B Complex, Magnesium, and Calcium. Some of the benefits of IV therapy include: 

  • Increased Immune System Function
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 
  • Adrenal Fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Depression
  • Migraines
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Acute/Chronic Infections
  • Detoxification

With vitamins and minerals, IV therapy aims to help you return to balance.

What do Athletes Need for Recovery?

Recovery is essential for athletes. It allows them to remain at their best and improves their longevity. Typically, athletes require a few elements for successful recovery. Hydration is one of the key elements needed by athletes. Ensuring your body is well-hydrated improves the body’s elasticity, controls temperature, and keeps joints working smoothly. Fluids also allow for nutrients to flow through the body. This brings up another point of recovery: refueling. Much like cars needing gas, the body needs nutrients to recover successfully. There are many vitamins and minerals, such as Calcium and Vitamins C and B, to help with the recovery of muscle and bone. Most of the body’s recovery happens when you’re resting. Adequate and high-quality sleep is crucial to ensure your body recovers well. Other requirements may include adequate stretching, a balanced lifestyle, and even deep tissue massages.

How Does IV Therapy Aid in Recovery? 

IV therapy, specifically the Myer’s cocktail, can help in nearly every aspect needed for recovery. IV therapy provides quick hydration and electrolytes because the nutrients are delivered through saline. IV therapy has the added benefit of boosting energy while helping you recover and regulate body temperature. Vitamins and minerals in Myer’s cocktail IV therapy provide an excellent source of magnesium, calcium, and vitamins to help your body naturally repair minor tears that occur in the muscles after they’ve been stressed. This balance in nutrients can have a major effect on how well you sleep. Magnesium, for example, has been shown to potentially contribute to reducing anxiety and insomnia. This can lead to longer and higher quality sleep. 

At SOHMA Integrative Medicine, we offer many therapies to help athletes in their journey to recovery. Feel free to ask the helpful SOHMA staff about cupping and massage therapy. Both are also popular options for athletes looking to better their recovery.

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.