SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

Therapy

What are the 7 Holy Herbs?

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Gingko Biloba is a potent and ancient herb that has helped people for thousands of years.

Herbal remedies and medicine have been used in human history for thousands of years. Regardless of the advancements of pharmaceuticals in modern times, the popularity of herbal supplements and remedies has increased due in part to their affordability and accessibility compared to conventional medicines. 

Join me as we explore 7 of the most commonly used herbs in herbal supplements and remedies, their benefits, and any safety concerns that may be relevant.

Ginkgo Biloba 

Also known as maidenhair, the ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China. Although in the past the leaves and seeds were used in traditional Chinese medicine, only the leaves are used in ginkgo extract now.

Ginkgo biloba contains powerful antioxidants which help fight free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive particles commonly produced by the body when converting food to energy. Ginkgo can help reduce and fight inflammation caused by many conditions including arthritis, irritable bowel disease, and heart disease. The anti-inflammatory properties in ginkgo have also been used to help treat:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Respiratory diseases like asthma

Overall the risk associated with ginkgo biloba is low for most adults, however, if you are allergic to plants containing alkylphenols it may cause harm. Common side effects of ginkgo include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Stomach Pain
  • Dizziness
  • Allergic Reaction

Ginkgo can have adverse reactions with NSAIDS (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen), antidepressants, and blood thinners. Consult your primary care provider before using ginkgo if you’re currently using these medications.

Echinacea 

A native North American plant, echinacea was used by the natives. Many people believe the roots of the echinacea have the most potent effects through the leaves and flowers are also used.

Echinacea is primarily used to prevent the common cold. It’s also used to treat cold and flu symptoms. It’s usually drunk as a tea or supplement; it can also be applied topically.

Echinacea is considered safe for most adults though common side effects include nausea, stomach irritation, skin rash, or allergic reaction.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort’s uses can have been traced back to ancient Greece. It was used to aid in healing wounds, and relieve insomnia, depression, and lung and kidney conditions.

Today St. John’s wort is generally used to treat varying cases of depression. Some studies show short-term use of St. John’s wort may be as effective as some current antidepressants.

St. John’s wort has many interactions with modern medicines including birth control, antidepressants, blood thinners, and pain medications. St. John’s wort should only be used under the guidance of your primary care provider as some drug interactions could lead to harmful conditions.

Ginseng

The ginseng root is typically used in traditional Chinese medicine to increase energy, reduce inflammation and boost immunity and brain functions. The root is traditionally steeped to make tea or dried to make powder.

Ginseng has anti-inflammatory properties and is an antioxidant. Ginseng may help protect against oxidative stress and can help reduce inflammation. And is still used to increase energy levels and fight tiredness.

For adults, ginseng appears to be safe but can cause mild nervousness and insomnia. Though people taking diabetes medicine should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully to make sure levels don’t go too low when using ginseng.

Garlic

The common garlic you can purchase at the grocery store has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years. Used for cooking and its potential health benefits, garlic has been taken to prevent and treat many different conditions.

At present, garlic can be used to aid with conditions linked to the heart and the circulatory system including:

  • High Cholesterol
  • Heart Attack
  • Hypertension
  • Heart Disease

Though commonly consumed in foods, garlic when taken as an herbal supplement may increase the risk of bleeding.

Ginger

Much like garlic, ginger has been used as an ingredient in food and in medicine. Originally from Southeast Asia, Ginger is among one of the healthiest plants out there. Ginger contains high amounts of gingerol, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ginger has been used to aid with symptoms of the following:

  • Nausea
  • Arthritis
  • Heart Disease
  • Asthma

Ginger rarely causes side effects, though if consumed in large doses it can cause diarrhea or heartburn.

Chamomile

Native to Europe and Western Asia, Chamomile is a white flower in the daisy family. For thousands of years, chamomile was used to help treat fevers, headaches, kidney, liver, and bladder conditions, and many others.

Currently, chamomile is steeped to make tea to help with insomnia, anxiety, and indigestion. Some people use chamomile topically to reduce skin irritations and promote healing wounds though not enough research has been done for a conclusive answer.

For most adults, side effects are rare; however, if you are allergic to ragweed and chrysanthemum you may be allergic to chamomile. Chamomile contains a naturally occurring chemical with a similar effect to blood thinners. Talk to your primary care provider if you are taking blood thinners as too much chamomile can have an adverse reaction.

Although herbal remedies are natural, you should always consult with your primary care provider and herbal pharmacist before using herbal supplements as they’ll have a better understanding of how some herbs can react to your body or other medication you may be using.

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 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Fix a Bulging Disc?

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Spinal Decompression is a Non-Invasive Therapy that Could Help With Many Back Problems

Lower back pain affects millions of Americans every year, usually caused by injury, improper posture, or lack of exercise. Occasionally it can be dealt with, with bed rest, stretching, or a heating pad. But sometimes it can be the result of a bulging disc, and many people may not even realize it.

What is a bulging disc? How does it occur? And can non-surgical spinal decompression fix a bulging disc?

Join me as we answer these questions and explore non-surgical spinal decompression as a treatment for a bulging disc.

What is a Bulging Disc?  

A bulging disc is a condition that usually develops as we age and over long periods of time. Though younger people can still be afflicted with bulging discs too. A bulging disc also called a herniated, or protruding disc occurs when the soft tissue known as spinal discs between the spine becomes compressed. The spine consists of a series of vertebrae which are a series of interlocking bones. Vertebrae provide the spine with support when moving or bending your back.

Spinal discs act as shock absorbers that prevent vertebrae from rubbing against each other. Compression of the spinal disc can cause it to bulge and can lead to damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots which can cause reduced mobility and cause pain.

Bulging discs occur most commonly in the lower lumbar spine, so the pain and discomfort is usually felt in your lower back. 

Symptoms of a Bulging Disc

Early identification of a bulging disc is only possible with medical testing which shows any changes in the shape and positioning of the spinal disc. And there are very few early symptoms to suggest your spine is being compressed to the point of herniating a disc. Depending on the severity and location in the spine, the symptoms of a bulging disc can fluctuate in severity. Many people have little to no initial symptoms, though as the disc degenerates and bulges a patient may have symptoms including:

  • Back muscle spasms
  • Weakness in your legs and feet
  • Sciatica
  • Poor coordination
  • Reduced mobility and difficulty walking
  • Reduced control over bowel and bladder
  • Increased pain when moving

If you have had some of these symptoms contact your primary care provider to see if you have a bulging disc. If you have lost control of your bowel or bladder you may require immediate attention as this can happen when too much pressure builds up the spinal nerve roots, which is considered a medical emergency.

How can Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression help?

Can non-surgical spinal decompression heal a bulging disc?

As previously stated, building discs often occur when the spine is under too much pressure and begins to compress. Before treatment begins information including height, weight, and spinal condition, how long they’ve had their symptoms, and how much pain they are in is analyzed so the computer can monitor your body’s reactions. Non-surgical decompression therapy works by securing the patient on a specialized decompression table called spinal traction. The patient is fitted with a harness that holds the abdomen and the pelvis. The spinal traction then stretches and relaxes the patient’s back intermittently to achieve the perfect amount of tension needed to gently decompress the spine.

Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy can aid in correcting a bulging disc or a disc that has slipped out of place completely. As the spine is being decompressed, a small amount of negative pressure allows the spinal disc to naturally return to its original position.

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a gentle, non-invasive way to help heal your pain so you can get back to your 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 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.

Treatment Options for Peripheral Neuropathy

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Peripheral neuropathy has symptoms of numbness in the extremities.

For us to understand why certain treatments are used for peripheral neuropathy, we should first try to understand this condition. Peripheral neuropathy is an umbrella term used to describe the condition of damaged nerves that result in poor communication from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. There are over 3 million cases of peripheral neuropathy in the US every year making this condition fairly common. Some people can have no symptoms, however, those who do show symptoms may feel pain, numbness, the feeling of pins and needles, and weakness. It is also common for people to suffer from poor balance, slow reflexes, and tingling in the hands and feet.

Today we’re going to go over the common causes and what treatment options are available for peripheral neuropathy.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by many different events. Traumatic injuries such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries or medical procedures may damage the nerve by stretching, compressing, or severing the nerve from the spinal cord. Bacterial and viral infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, Lyme disease, shingles or leprosy can also damage nerves. 

Being exposed to toxins like cigarette smoke which can affect your blood circulation may raise your risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. Alcohol makes it more difficult for the body to absorb necessary nutrients like B12 and protein, forcing the body to prioritize important organs over nerves to the arms and legs.

Diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or hypothyroidism. Swelling caused by these diseases likely causes swelling, putting pressure on peripheral nerves most commonly happening in the hands and wrists.

What Treatment Options are There?

Much like the causes of peripheral neuropathy, there are varied treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Pain relievers, lifestyle changes, topical treatment, physical therapy PRP (platelet rich plasma) therapy, HCT/P (human cellular tissue product) injections, acupuncture or surgery.

Making healthier lifestyle choices and habits is the simplest way to prevent peripheral neuropathy and support healthy nerves. Eating healthy foods, regularly exercising and avoiding common causes of nerve damage. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and lean protein promote healthy nerves. Lean meats, fish, eggs and low-fat dairy are high in vitamin B12 which can protect against B12 deficiency. For vegans or vegetarians, look for foods fortified with vitamin B12 or talk to your primary care provider about B12 supplements. If able to exercise, attempt to commit an hour and a half to 3 hours of exercise about 3 times a week. You are also welcome to join our Tai Chi classes for beginners on Sundays from 9:30am to 10:30am at Heartwell Park in Long Beach CA, we’re by the duck lake. Avoid habits like drinking alcohol or smoking as these toxins can cause damaged nerves.

At SOHMA we offer HCT/P injections which may be covered by medicare. HCT/P injections work by encouraging your body to heal damaged tissue. HCT/p rejuvenates, repairs or replaces damaged cells. Days following treatment new cells can grow and divide forming new tissue to aid in healing the damaged or injured area. Healing you from within the body. 

PRP is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein that is derived from the patient’s own blood. It can be used in the affected area to trigger the body to begin repairing the damage in the nerves. Platelets promote regeneration in the tissue and can shorten the amount of time needed to repair nerve damage.

Feel free to ask the helpful staff at SOHMA any questions about how we can help you heal from peripheral neuropathy.

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.

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.