SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

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 What can an Herbalist Help With?

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Herbalists prepare specific recipes tailored to you.

To first understand what an Herbalist can help with, first we need to understand what an Herbalist is.

Simply put, an Herbalist uses herbs to help treat different kinds of conditions, ailments and their symptoms. Herbalists attempt to find the root cause of illness. Practitioners will often choose herbs based on the symptoms or ailments a patient describes during the consultation. They will also perform a clinical exam, inspecting certain areas of the body and create a personalized prescription. 

An Herbalist’s knowledge cannot be understated. Join me as we go through what an Herbalist can help with as well as how an herbalist can help.

Herbs for Treatment?

Yes! 

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine still used today. In recent years the popularity of herbal medicine has increased due to it being more affordable and easier to obtain compared to conventional medicine. In many cases, herbal medicine may have fewer and milder side effects. Some of the most common beneficial herbs can be purchased at your local supermarket such as chamomile, turmeric, peppermint, lavender and ginseng. Though we highly recommend you have a conversation with a professional Herbalist before attempting to treat your symptoms on your own. 

Why Consult an Herbalist?

In today’s age of computers and smartphones it’s easy to have the misconception that you have all the answers at the palm of your hand. Although this can be true in some cases, we believe you shouldn’t take that risk when it comes to your health. An Herbalist specializes in treating patients with natural herbs. They understand how herbs help with your condition. And more importantly they can tell you what herbs not to use.

Like all medicines, herbal medicine may have some side effects. It’s an Herbalist’s job to talk with you and understand what medicine you may already be taking. Whether it is other herbal medicine or pharmaceuticals prescribed from your doctor. An herbalist can help you understand that some herbs can have heightened side effects when combined with a prescription treatment from your doctor.

Some examples include; if you are on some contraceptives you should avoid supplements that contain St. John’s wort. St. John’s wort is commonly used as a mild antidepressant, but when used with contraceptives can cause irregular bleeding or an unplanned pregnancy. Ginkgo biloba is a natural anti-inflammatory commonly used to treat arthritis and migraines. Using it with other blood-thinners like warfarin or aspirin can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.

Laxed Regulation on Herbal Medicine

Unlike pharmaceuticals, herbal medicine does not have strict inspections for safety or efficacy. The herbal supplements we carry at SOHMA are hand-picked and held to the highest standards of quality and reliability. With the increased use of herbal medicine and supplements, it’s unfortunate that there is a lack of regulation for herbal medicine. Many companies out there are just in it to make a quick buck and aim to take advantage of less fortunate people. Lack of dosage instructions for claimed effects may not be property stated and unknown growing and processing conditions can result in contaminated or diluted products. This makes it difficult for consumers to reliably purchase high quality products. Herbalists can help filter out much of the unwanted herbal medicine on the market.

Although herbal remedies are natural, you should also talk to your primary care provider to let them know you’re looking to treat your conditions with herbal medicine. Understand that herbal medicine is used to attempt to treat the root cause of your condition and typically will work slower compared to conventional pharmaceuticals.

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 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.

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.

Does Acupuncture Actually Do Anything?

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Acupuncture is an ancient treatment that’s been used for centuries.

What is acupuncture? What is it used for? How does it work? And does it really do anything?

First, let’s answer what acupuncture is. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method used to alleviate some health conditions and reduce pain among other ailments. The practice of acupuncture involves the practitioner inserting extremely thin needles, imagine the thickness of a human hair, into various parts of the body. These one-time-use sterile needles are inserted into strategic points called acupuncture points or “acupoints”. When triggered, the acupoints prompt the body to release natural chemicals to alleviate symptoms and fight illnesses.

Join us as we answer other questions about this ancient form of natural healing.

What is Acupuncture Used For?

Acupuncture is used to help treat many different symptoms and conditions, and every patient’s treatment will differ from person to person. Acupuncture has been shown to treat conditions ranging from allergies to chronic pain. 

Other symptoms and conditions acupuncture treats include: 

  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Lower/Upper Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Dental Pain
  • Injuries 
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Sprains

We know how painful these conditions can be. To treat any conditions with acupuncture a proper diagnosis needs to be made. After all, the only way to begin healing is by taking care of the root cause.

How does Acupuncture Work?

When your acupuncture points are activated by the needles, it is said to balance the energies in your body, which would be traditionally referred to as qi (chi). This causes your body to release natural chemicals into your muscles, spinal cord, brain, and other body parts. 

This re-balancing of chemicals promotes mental and physical health by stimulating the body’s natural healing capabilities. Acupuncture has been shown to successfully make a positive difference in a patient’s conditions that many insurance providers now cover acupuncture therapy potentially saving hundreds of dollars or more without the need for invasive procedures like surgery.

Does Acupuncture Really Do Anything?

Acupuncture is a results-based therapy that has shown to make a difference in the lives of many patients who follow through with it. Time and time again the short and long-term benefits of acupuncture have been seen in patients, athletes, and celebrities. Helping to reduce pain can lead to proper sleep and rest. Uninterrupted sleep means you can rest pain-free which is necessary for the body to naturally heal itself. Though not everyone reacts the same way to acupuncture therapy.

In some cases, patients will see a noticeable change in a single session, while the majority of patients will take 2-4 days afterward to feel the therapeutic benefits. It’s rare for a single session of acupuncture to be enough to treat the majority of patients. Usually, major results will begin to be felt after about 3 treatment sessions while more severe cases may take as many as 6 treatment sessions. The normal treatment for the majority of patients is a single treatment session per week. Though 2 times per week may be recommended for patients with a great deal of pain.

Is Acupuncture Therapy for You?

Almost everyone can take part in acupuncture therapy. In modern days acupuncture treatment has become an exceptionally safe and reliable treatment. It has become standard practice to dispose of all needles after treatment, reducing the risk of infection to near zero. Currently, there is no indication that acupuncture can cause any issues during pregnancy, though it is generally recommended to avoid acupuncture during the first trimester, and you should consult your primary care provider to ensure it is safe for you to have acupuncture treatment done.

You should avoid acupuncture therapy if you suffer from bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners or have a pacemaker. Blood thinners and bleeding disorders pose a higher risk of bleeding from the needles. Some acupuncture therapy involves small electrical pulses applied to the needles which can cause complications with a pacemaker.

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.