SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

Therapy

Myer’s Cocktail and Asthma Attacks

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IV Therapy being administered

IV Therapy for Asthma

During the changes of the weather, from summer to fall. Many people begin to feel, well… under the weather. The cold air can cause constriction of the bronchial in the lungs The constriction of the airways has been used in lab settings to help with asthma diagnosis. There is not much you can do about the cold air itself but you can protect yourself by layering up or visiting SOHMA Integrative Health Center.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which they become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Usually the cause is inflammation of the lung’s airways. This causes a number of symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and most notably wheezing when breathing. Depending on the constitution of the person, asthma attacks can be triggered easier at night, during colder seasons, during exercise or other physically strenuous events.

The life saving rescue inhaler should always be available if you suffer from asthma. Although there is no substitute for rescue inhalers during an asthma attack, it is not without its downsides. Long term use and more importantly, over use of a rescue inhaler can lead to infections like thrush, and lower bone mineral density in later life.

Asthma Triggers

Unfortunately there is no known cure for asthma. But it is treatable, and symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers such as:

  • Allergens
  • Cold Air
  • Mold 
  • Tobacco Smoke
  • Outdoor Air Pollution
  • Pests
  • Some Medication
  • Fragrances

In large cities outdoor air pollution is unavoidable to a certain extent. Pollution can come from many different sources including cars, factories and smoke from fires. Smoke from wildfires is made up of a mix of small particulates and harmful gasses, these can trigger an asthma attack.

The best way to avoid these triggers is to pay attention to air quality index on either television or online, and plan your activities accordingly. 

Pests such as cockroaches, mice and dust mites, often found where food is eaten and crumbs or leftovers are left behind produce many triggers. As a matter of fact cockroaches are one of the leading causes of asthma symptoms in children. As they are particularly sensitive to the shed carapace, droppings and saliva which contain strong allergen proteins. If left unchecked every component of the cockroach can become part of household dust making it easier to trigger asthma symptoms.

There are many types of mold that grow worldwide, and they can trigger asthma attacks whether you are allergic to them or not. Mold tends to grow in damp areas, usually in bathrooms or kitchens but can just as easily grow under carpets after a spill of a drink on a rug. It is best to run exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to minimize residual moisture, and even replace absorbent materials like carpets and curtains if mold is present. The use of an air conditioner or dehumidifier can also help keep indoor humidity low. 

Myer’s Cocktail and Asthma

In the 60’s Dr. John Myers Developed the myer’s cocktail, his intention was to make a non-prescription IV solution of minerals and vitamins that could be used as an overall wellness remedy. The idea behind this IV therapy was to bypass the digestive system making supplements available for immediate use. Meaning you can absorb higher concentrations of vitamins more efficiently, feel and see results far quicker.

Simply put, Myer’s cocktail is a blend of nutrients given to the patient intravenously. SOHMA Integrative Medicine Centers in both Long Beach California now can provide IV therapy featuring Myer’s cocktail. A blend of vitamin C, B complex, magnesium and calcium.

Myers cocktail has been found to be effective at relieving symptoms from common asthma triggers like seasonal allergies, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, as well as being effective against acute asthma attacks. The vitamin C has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties, which can reduce the oxidative stress on the bronchi and may reduce hypersensitivity to common asthma triggers.

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.

Platelet Rich Plasma and Your Health

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Platelet Rich Plasma vials

How Platelet Rich Plasma Can Help You

What are Platelets?

Platelets are cells that circulate within your blood that help our body form clots, stop bleeding and other necessary growth and healing functions.

What is platelet rich plasma?

Platelet rich plasma, is plasma rich protein concentrated with platelets, derived from whole blood after separated with the use of centrifugal force to remove the red blood cells. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, this is mainly composed of proteins and water. The plasma used is taken from the patient, processed then injected back into the affected area, platelet rich plasma injections have been used for a multitude of treatments and procedures such as:

  • Musculoskeletal Pain and Injury
  • Cosmetic Procedures
  • Tendonitis 
  • Hair Loss
  • Post Surgical Healing
  • Osteoarthritis

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a condition where the connective soft tissue connecting muscle to bone has become swollen and inflamed. Usually caused by overuse of the muscle and joint due to repetitive motion, or from sudden injury. Tendons are the tough, thick bands of elastic tissue connecting bone to muscle. Unfortunately after injury they are notoriously slow to heal.

Platelet rich plasma injections have been used by doctors to treat chronic tendon problems such as tennis elbow, achilles tendonitis, jumper’s knee, and swimmer’s shoulder. All which cause pain in their respective joints, affected tendons and muscles.

Hair Loss

Commonly seen in males, patterns of baldness affect both male and females. Though they differ in patterns they both have a common genetic cause. Male pattern baldness typically occurs on the front or real of the head. While with female pattern baldness, thinning happens on the crown of the head. Thinning in women often starts in the center but usually leaves the front hairline unaffected.

Doctors have injected the scalp with platelet rich plasma to prevent hair loss, as well as promote growth. After a hair transplant platelet rich plasma can also be used to stimulate the scalp to grow new hair.

Osteoarthritis

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis which affects millions of people around the world wide. This type of arthritis happens when the cartilage around the end of bones wears down. As this soft cartilage wears down you may feel stiffness, pain, tenderness and loss of flexibility. In some cases you may feel a grinding sensation when moving your joints or see bone spurs, which are extra bits of bone that can form around the affected joints. This can affect any joints in the body but most commonly affects the hands, neck, lower back, hips and knees.

Although there is no cure for the damage caused by osteoarthritis, platelet rich plasma injections have been used directly in the affected joint in order to reduce pain, improve joint function and possibly slow or halt the damage to the joint.

Post Surgical Repair

Surgeries are often the final option when all other alternative choices have been exhausted. Not only are they expensive treatments, the time it takes to recover from them can be days, weeks or in some cases, months. 

As well as being used in care for injuries and cosmetics, doctors have been using platelet rich plasma injections to help patients heal faster after surgeries. In some cases taking days or weeks off tof recovery times. By increasing the level of platelets in the affected area, this releases growth factors that reduce swelling and begin to repair tissues. This may also signal the body to send more platelets which can increase healing allowing for shorter recovery periods, and getting back to your normal life sooner.

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 if we are right for you. 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 Reasons To Take Up IV Therapy

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IV Therapy Session

How Can IV Therapy Help You?

In the 1960’s Dr John Myer developed a non-prescription IV solution with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Though originally marketed as an overall wellness remedy and hangover cure, today the Myers cocktail is used thousands of times a week for a variety of reasons, as well as the original wellness remedy and hangover cure.

Intravenous therapy, IV therapy for short, is a delivery method of fluids, vitamins, and/or medications. Ingesting supplements conventionally means the digestive system needs to metabolize the nutrients which significantly reduces the amount of said nutrients that end up in the bloodstream, and at a much slower rate. As you age, the body reduces its ability to absorb crucial nutrients due to the change in your metabolism. By administering fluids directly through an IV while bypassing the digestive system IV drips ensure the most efficient absorption of the nutrients for maximum effect, with minimal waste. Therefore IV therapy  can administer a much higher, more concentrated dose of fluids, nutrients, and medications that could be taken orally. There are many reasons to take up IV therapy some include:

  • Detoxification
  • Increasing Energy Levels 
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Hydration
  • Migraines
  • Promotes Faster Weight Loss
  • Promotes Cardiovascular Health
  • Promotes Relaxation and Eases Anxiety

Often used by athletes, In modern times more and more people have shown interest in this type of therapy.

Detoxification

For people who live in major cities, your body is regularly being exposed to toxins such as pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides, heavy metals, alcohol and more. Having too many toxins in your body can leave you feeling sluggish and low on energy. It is very important for people trying to avoid an unhealthy lifestyle to consider a Myers Cocktail for detoxification.

Increased Energy Levels

IV vitamin therapy provides your body with a natural boost of energy, with amino acids, calcium, magnesium, vitamins c and b complex. A Myers cocktail blend can help prevent you from constantly reaching out for heavily caffeinated energy drinks or soda that could otherwise flood your body with unwanted chemicals and sugars.

Respiratory Problems

Living in densely populated cities has an increased probability of having breathing issues like bronchitis and asthma due to pollution. Although IV therapy can not cure these conditions, Myers cocktails infusion of vitamins and minerals has been found to be effective against acute asthma attacks. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can reduce the oxidative stress on the bronchi which may reduce hypersensitivity to common asthma triggers.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Many people suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, which usually happens when people are overloaded mentally, physically or emotionally. Some people experience recurring pain like sore throat, headaches, muscle and joint pain. Although the cause of these symptoms is unclear, they can be managed. A few research studies show a lack of magnesium in either the red blood cells or the bloodstream despite normal blood levels. With direct access to the blood steam the Myers Cocktail can deliver the necessary vitamins and minerals to help ease symptoms and boost your energy levels.

Hydration

Your body needs to be hydrated to function properly, dehydration can lead to loss of strength and stamina, feeling dizzy or lightheaded or generally feeling tired. Excessive heat, long periods of exercise or even a long night of drinking can all show symptoms of dehydration. Saline which is what delivers the nutrients to your body replenishes the electrolytes and fluids lost while sweating. The B vitamins in Myers cocktail gives you a boost of energy and relieve dizziness and nausea.

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 Is An Herbal Pharmacy And Why You Need To Know

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What is an herbal pharmacy?

An herbal pharmacy is a place where traditional medicine practitioners create herbal formulas based on traditional recipes that date back thousands of years. Often stocked with raw fresh or dried herbs, spices, seeds and roots.

Herbal medicine is rooted in ancient Chinese medicines used and practiced before other alternative medicines like acupuncture or cupping. Before the invention of pharmaceuticals, herbal formulas and remedies were used to treat ailments of their time.

While in modern times pharmaceuticals have surpassed the use of herbal remedies, they are steadily on the rise now that people are recognizing and searching for alternative and natural forms of healing.

There is a large range of traditional and modern formulas as well as combinations of herbs that may be used to establish a baseline and produce individualised formulas. These can be adjusted according to changes in your body. The formula can be changed or modified to parallel these changes.

There are many ways in which herbal remedies can be applied. The most common of which is a liquid form, consumed in the form of an herbal tea or tincture. Another form is topical applications in the form of essential oils.
At SOHMA we have our own herbal pharmacy. This allows our patients to make the best choice for them while they are searching for alternative methods to improve their physical condition.

Herbal Teas and Tinctures

Possibly the most common way to consume herbal remedies is by drinking it in the form of a tea. Some teas can be used to help unwind, boost the immune system and even reduce pain and soreness. Many of the same herbs used in teas are used in their oil forms, for the same benefits as well.

To help unwind after a hard day of school or work, have some chamomile or peppermint tea, chamomile is a favorite to help calm and soothe the mind, helping you relax and even aid in falling asleep. Peppermint contains menthol which is a natural occurring muscle relaxant.

To Boost your immune system consider dandelion, ginseng or cayenne tea. Dandelions are most commonly associated as a garden weed, it is not only edible but used in herbal teas as it contains high levels of antioxidants that help eliminate toxins and assist the immune system against infections. 

Ginseng tea is used in Asia to increase overall health producing more white blood cells and even shortening the common cold.

Commonly used to spice up food dishes in the kitchen, cayenne tea is surprisingly a good choice for sore throats. The capsaicin in the pepper helps thin out the mucus irritating your throat.

Turmeric tea can be used to help reduce swelling as it is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can soothe some pain from arthritis, migraines as well as muscle pain from a workout.

Some people may not be familiar with what tinctures are. But tinctures have been around for thousands of years as well. Usually a tincture is a concentrated extract from herbs, spices, seeds or barks. Unlike teas, tinctures use alcohol or vinegar instead of water. The alcohol or vinegar pulls the active ingredient from the plant parts making it much stronger than tea. Inexpensive and easy to make, tinctures can be prepared at home.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy works through skin absorption, and the sense of smell using:

  • Diffusers
  • Inhalers
  • Bath salts
  • Oils 
  • Creams
  • Lotions for Massages

These can be used alone or in any combination and can help reduce pains, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, soothe joints and boost immunity among other benefits. Fortunately there are many different oils in the market.

Essential Oil Massages and Baths

Combining essential oils during a massage is also very common. Your body can absorb the oils through the skin to gain their relaxing and healing properties. Many of the essential oils derived from herbal teas can also be used here as well with the same benefits. You can do the massages yourself just pick your favorite oil and warm it in your hands before you begin massaging the affected area.

Consider using essential oils in the bath. Not only will the warm water relax your body, the smell of the oils can aid with relaxing the mind. The body can also absorb the oils infused in the water to help ease tension or soreness depending on the oil used.

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 if we are right for you. 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.

Cupping Therapy and 3 Surprising Benefits

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Massage As Part Of Your Therapy

Cupping therapy? 

You may not be familiar with it, what it does, it’s history, or how it can help you. Today we invite you to discover more about this therapy how it can help you.

Cupping Therapy has been around for thousands of years. Early pictographic records show Egyptians may have invented cupping as early as 1500 A.D. and can be traced back to traditional Chinese medicine as far back as 280 A.D. 

In recent history western doctors began the use of cupping therapy in the 1800’s. Not long ago during the Olympic games many athletes popularised and brought cupping to the attention of the masses when reporters noticed round marks around the athlete’s shoulders and backs. This is why when you come to SOHMA Integrative Health Center we are not lying when we say we treat you like an olympian by providing cupping therapy.

Cupping is a form of alternative medicine, in which a local suction is created on the skin with the application of heated cups although it is now more common to use a machine to create the desired effect. Cupping practitioners use this therapy for a wide array of medical conditions including:

  • Fever
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Poor Appetite
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Cramping
  • Knee/Leg Pain
  • Headaches
  • Mental Health

Once the cup is applied to the skin and suction begins, the skin and muscle is sucked into the cup flushing the localized area, stretching the tissue, and increasing blood flow. This will draw fresh oxygenated blood through the tissue. It also stretches the fascia, which are layers of tissue around the muscle. Slight soreness may occur as the skin, fascia, and muscles are being drawn into the cup.

Benefit #1 Diagnostic

Do not be alarmed if you notice marks after a cupping therapy session. Usually a round mark is left behind by the cups, not to be confused with bruising as those are normally caused by blunt force. The marks left behind by the cups can say a lot about the condition of the area being treated. 

It’s normal for some marks to show after cupping, if the treated area has no marks or if the area is pale it can mean there is a lack of blood flow therefore not letting the body heal.

If the mark left behind is light pink this means that the area being worked on has a very good blood circulation and does not need to be worked on. These marks usually fade away within the hour after the therapy session.

 A slightly lighter red can represent an accumulation of toxins the cups are flushing out of your system. Moderate stagnation will usually show a more intense red mark. These marks represent the need for more work to be done in the affected area.

A very deep red mark tends to mean severe stagnation of toxins and bad circulation. These tend to be the parts of the body that require the most attention. These marks tend to take the longest to heal, as much as 3 days if the injury is fairly new, and up to 2 weeks if the injury was left untreated for longer.

Benefit #2 Promote Blood Circulation

Although the body has organs designed to remove toxins from your body already, our modern lifestyle sometimes over works that system. Build up of toxins can appear in your body because of poor diets, stress or lifestyle. Cupping focuses blood flow which boosts our bodies ability to remove these toxins.

With the suction pulling the skin muscle and tissue into the cup, this will naturally increase blood flow into the area being treated. The increased circulation will flush any stagnated toxins as well as attract your body’s immune cells to the area being treated. The increased blood flow can assist with cell repair and help new connective tissues to form. Additionally, the added blood flow can help with inflammation and reduce the time needed for the body to naturally repair itself.

Benefit #3 Mental Health

Cupping therapy soothes the parasympathetic nervous system which is in charge of the organs that help cleanse the body. By engaging the nervous system cupping encourages deep relaxation and easing anxiety. Anxiety is characterized by panic attacks, feeling of worry, or stress that is disproportionate to its cause.

The treatment has the ability to relax the patient and can help improve sleep duration and quality. Poor sleep has been shown to significantly worsen the system’s mental health issues. Sleep helps us to not only recover physically, but mentally as well. Poor sleep can increase poor health and poor health can make sleep difficult. Making it an unhealthy vicious cycle.

At SOHMA Integrative Health Center, we have specialists that can assess and answer any questions about Cupping Therapy 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 if we are right for you. 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.