SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

Therapy

Who Needs Cupping Therapy?

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Cupping therapy has been used historically by many cultures throughout history. In the last few years however, cupping therapy has grown in popularity. This is due to many celebrities and athletes using it as part of their recovery. The round marks on their backs is a tale tale sign that they are receiving cupping therapy.

Cupping therapy has more benefits than just recovery, in today’s article we’ll go over who benefits from cupping therapy and what cupping therapy can help them with.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy uses a pump or flame to create a negative pressure or vacuum within a cup, the cup is then placed on the skin. Because of the negative pressure in the cup, the skin, muscle, fascia is pulled up into the cup. This may cause an increased blood flow into the area being threatened. Freshly oxygenated and nutrient rich blood courses through the area being treated which may reduce inflammation, help manage pain and aid in recovery. 

When the soft tissue is pulled up into the cup, it also helps to remove toxins and stagnant blood from muscle as well as knots. Allowing them to be recirculated and removed by the body. This can result in round marks that resemble a bruise, this isn’t a bruise however, it is closer to a “giant hickey”. These cupping marks are not without significance, the color and intensity of the mark can help to determine the condition of the area being treated. With lighter marks meaning there is balance in the muscle and darker marks meaning more therapy may be needed.

Who Can Benefit From Cupping Therapy?

Nearly everyone can find a benefit from cupping therapy. It can be used as a relaxing cupping massage that can help with mental health and relaxation. An additional benefit can be a reduction of blood pressure or hypertension. Cupping therapy can help aid in managing pain caused by many forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis. Asthma and other upper respiratory issues can also be helped through the use of cupping as it may help with reducing inflammation in the bronchi. 

Office workers are oftentimes stricken with carpal tunnel syndrome after many hours at their computer. Typically this can be caused by bad posture or poor working habits, though cupping therapy can be used to ease tension from carpal tunnel syndrome. Cupping therapy can help release tension and promote muscle relaxation in the wrists. Another common affliction for workers who spend hours in front of their computers are headaches and migraines, which cupping can be used to help relieve the tension caused by stress and poor posture.

By drawing stagnant blood away from the area being treated and bringing new fresh blood to that same area, people have reported that cupping has helped them manage their symptoms and bring them relief from pain.

Who Should Avoid Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is generally considered a safe and practical modality for most people as long as you are visiting a trained health professional. Though there are a few individuals who should consider a different form of therapy to help with managing their symptoms and pain. 

Conditions such as hemophilia and anemia which are blood related disorders can result in bleeding and loss of energy. As Cupping therapy can increase the blood flow, it can worsen the symptoms of these conditions.

In a similar vein, people suffering from kidney failure, liver disease and heart disease should also avoid cupping therapy. As it can compromise any current treatment you are undergoing. For this reason it’s best practice to let the therapist know of any pre-existing conditions you may have or if you are taking any medication such as blood thinners. 

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 To Find A Reputable IV Therapy Center Near Me

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While it may surprise that the same IV drip used in a hospital setting can be used therapeutically, its popularity has recently increased. Many athletes and celebrities endorse IV therapy as part of their wellness program. With a wide variety of benefits and uses, IV therapy has been shown to help manage the effects of hangovers, dehydration, and fatigue to boost energy when feeling exhausted. However, IV therapy isn’t limited to just that. It’s also been shown to help in aiding with:

  • Boosting the Immune System
  • Improving Blood Circulation
  • Enhancing Mood
  • Helping Manage Migraines

Many people who try IV therapy often mention a noticeable improvement in their mood and that they feel more relaxed after therapy. We offer Myer’s Cocktail IV therapy at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach, CA. It’s a perfectly crafted blend of Vitamin C, B complex, Magnesium, and Calcium. 

With these many benefits, it’s no wonder why IV therapy has become popular. However, you should be sure you are visiting a trustworthy IV therapy center to ensure you’re getting the service and quality you deserve. 

Join me as we go over your considerations when looking for a reputable IV therapy center.

Customer Reviews

The first place you should check is the customer reviews. While not the absolute best metric, customer reviews hold significant weight on how the center is perceived online. There are many things to remember when finding online reviews, though. For example, recent reviews hold more weight than older reviews. The number of reviews can also make an enormous difference in each review’s value. Perfect scores are excellent, though if there are only 5 reviews, then there may be something else going on. Even if a center has a perfect score, it can remove bad reviews or a low customer base if there are only a few reviews. Whereas if a center has hundreds and only a few negative reviews, the negative reviews can be seen as outliers.

Customer feedback is often the most commonly used metric for new clients. Many people prefer to work with a business that doesn’t hide their negative reviews, as this keeps them honest and shows they’re working on getting better.

Quality their Practice

There is only so much information you can learn from the internet. If you are unsure about a certain location, visit the practice and discover how it is in person. IV therapy has few potential side effects, and the risk is reduced if the practice is strict about hygiene and safety standards. Simply entering a practice can reveal the kind of quality and care they have for their hygiene. 

Hygiene is important with IV therapy because you don’t want to risk any pathogens entering the body through the IV. This is one of the few ways IV therapy can result in infections and a negative experience.

Ask Questions

Before you choose your IV therapy center, consider asking questions. A reputable IV therapy center will gladly answer your questions. They should provide detailed responses to ease your curiosity. Example questions you can ask include:

  • What is IV therapy?
  • What is in the IV?
  • How long have you been doing IV therapy?
  • What should I expect?
  • How long does it take?

Gather as much information as you can in order to make the correct decision for yourself. 

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.

Are Biologics, HCTPs, and CTPs the Same Thing?

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In the last twenty years, there has been substantial growth in the study and understanding of our immune system. This has come along with the improvement of biological therapies, including human cellular tissue products (HCTPs) and cell therapy products (CTPs). 

There is no simple answer to this question. While they have many things in common and are used similarly, they aren’t the same. They are a form of cell therapy that promotes the body’s natural healing. In some cases, you can circumvent surgery if results are successful.

In today’s article, we’ll explore what HCTPs, CTPs, and Biologics are and how they can help your body recover.

What are Biologics?

Also called biological therapy, biologics is a new kind of medical product that is derived from organisms. This product is processed until it can be used to help treat various ailments and conditions. Due to how biologics are derived, they are often administered via injections or infusions. 

Biological therapy has been shown to respond positively when used in the treatment of the following conditions:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Colitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Multiple Sclerosis

Like with many medicines, side effects can be present during treatment. These are typically minor and include:

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Soreness at the Injection Site

While most side effects are mild, patients can experience low blood pressure in rare cases, which can be severe if left unchecked.

What are HCTPs 

HCTPs are used similarly to biological therapy by injecting the product into injured body areas. Often used to treat issues in major joints such as ankles, knees, hips, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, this regenerative medicine is used to aid in the treatment of conditions such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain
  • Swelling and Inflammation
  • Muscle and Ligament Tears and Sprains

HCTP injections have been used as an alternative to painkillers and invasive surgeries. HCTPs, once injected, will attempt to repair damaged tissue at the cellular level. They attach to surrounding blood vessels, signaling them to rejuvenate, regenerate, and replace damaged cells.

Because HCTP injections help the body to create new tissue, it often takes weeks for a patient to notice significant improvement and pain reduction. This all depends on the injury being treated and the patient’s physical condition.

What are CTPs

CTPs are a new type of medicine formed from cells and tissues modified to change biological characteristics. These modified cells are introduced via injection into a patient. CTPs have shown promise in helping patients manage and reduce symptoms caused by several conditions, including:

  • Cancers
  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Injury and Physical Trauma 
  • Nerve Damage

CTPs are unique because they are specialized, like muscle cells for injuries. The main objective of CTP therapy is to introduce new cells into the patient’s body. These cells help repair, regenerate, and replace damaged tissues.

While not the same, these three forms of therapy attempt to do similar tasks: to provide relief from pain and the effort to regenerate damaged cells to return normal function to the body.

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 are HCTP and CTP Therapies?

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Our bodies have systems in place to repair themselves. A scar from a childhood incident proves that your body can heal whatever the damage was. Unfortunately, our bodies have limits on how well they can recover.

Human Cellular Tissue Products (HCTPs) and Cell Therapy Products (CTPs) are a modern form of treatment in which live cells are introduced into a patient to help the body repair, reconstruct or rejuvenate damaged cells and tissues. They fall under the term regenerative medicine.

Today we’ll go into more detail about what these therapies are and how they’re being used to help people alleviate their pain and live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.

Regenerative Medicine

HCTPs and CTPs fall under the category of regenerative medicine. Our bodies have an extraordinary ability to heal itself. If we get a cut or break a bone, our body can often mend itself without surgery. If surgery is required, the body can self-heal after surgery. Regenerative medicine is another step to unlocking our body’s potential for healing. 

Once introduced to an injury, the cells can treat, diagnose or even prevent certain diseases and conditions. Regenerative medicine therapies stimulate the body to begin the self-healing response. While regenerative medicine is still relatively new, it can potentially treat lifelong degenerative conditions. 

What is CTP

CTPs are a biomedicine that contains cells and tissue to help patients manage symptoms. CTP therapy is unique in that the cells injected are already differentiated. Meaning when treating muscle injuries, it is muscle cells being used.

CTPs have been shown to have significant potential in treating a wide array of conditions and ailments, including autoimmune diseases like arthritis or neurodegenerative disorder. The main goal of CTP therapy is to introduce new cells into the patient’s body to aid it in repairing, regenerating, and replacing damaged tissue to promote healing and overall wellness.

What are HCTPs

Similarly to CTPs, HCTPs are a modern approach to healthcare that attempts to aid the body in reconstructing, replacing, and regenerating damaged or destroyed cells to recover and regain natural functions. Often used to treat conditions causing joint pain, such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Chronic Joint Pain
  • Chronic Muscle Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Ligament Tear or Sprain
  • Muscle Tear or Sprain

When injected, HCTPs can attach to blood vessels surrounding the injured area. The new cells can grow, divide, and form new tissue in the following days. This helps the damaged or injured area to heal from the inside while avoiding further damage and potentially circumvent surgery.

Is Regenerative Medicine Right for You?

Regenerative medicine is an amazing new way to treat many conditions. However, it has its limitations. For example, it’s not able to regrow arms and legs, though thanks to regenerative medicine, chronic pain doesn’t have to have control over your life. 

People who suffer from chronic pain are great candidates for regenerative medicine therapy. Many older adults can use it to manage pain caused by arthritis which can lower mobility and independence. Many athletic people dealing with sports injuries can use regenerative medicine and physical therapy to regain their functions. To know if regenerative medicine is the right option, ask the helpful staff at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach for additional information.

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.

Top 5 Benefits of HCTP Therapies

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What are HCTPs? 

It stands for human cellular tissue product, and they’re helping people manage pain and repair damaged tissue. At some point in our lives, our bodies may reach a stage where they can no longer keep up with our lifestyle, with no one at fault. Whether it’s sports, accidents, or aging, our bodies will need some help.

HCTPs are an exciting and new approach to healthcare and wellness. While some people have reservations about HCTP therapies, many patients have seen a notable improvement in their overall quality of life.

Join us as we explore the top five benefits of HCTP therapies.

Benefit #1 Reduced Inflammation

One of our body’s first responses to an injury is inflammation. And while your body is recovering from an injury, inflammation is essential. It occurs when inflammatory cells travel to an injury or infection site. Unfortunately, if the rash is chronic or the body has an overactive immune system which can result in forms of arthritis, then inflammation becomes a problem. 

When the inflammation doesn’t reduce, it leads to fluid buildup. This fluid can push against incredibly sensitive nerve endings, leading to pain. If not dealt with, this can ultimately result in neuropathy, known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), which can progressively reduce the senses in your arms and legs. 

Benefit #2 Tissue Repair

While HCTP cannot regrow limbs, HCTPs can promote cell repair and regeneration. Some injuries can lead to permanent tissue damage, causing patients to live with physical limitations and pain. HCTPs can regrow some of the damaged tissue. This helps patients relieve pain and frustration caused by the injury.

Benefit #3 Improved Healing

If you suffer an injury or have to undergo surgery, HCTPs have been used to help speed up healing. This comes down to how HCTPs can aid in regrowing and rejuvenating damaged cells. Typically after you become injured, the body requires many different cells to begin the healing process. By providing specialized cells, HCTPs may provide faster healing. In some cases, HCTPs can be used to avoid surgery.

Benefit #4 Pain Management

As stated, HCTPs help manage pain by reducing inflammation, repairing damaged tissue, and improving healing. However, pain is created or felt equally. While HCTP therapies can significantly help with pain caused by injury and inflammation, it takes time for the cells to regenerate and the pain to subside. 

Many patients express noticeable pain relief after a few weeks, while others take months before seeing similar results. Each patient reacts differently to treatment. Some may even require more than one treatment with HCTPs if there are no significant improvements after several months.

Benefit #5 Minimal Side Effects

When compared to traditional treatments, HCTP therapies have shown minimal adverse effects. The most apparent reservation patients express slight discomfort or sensitivity in the area that was being treated. Generally, patients managing symptoms including numbness caused by nerve damage may notice an increase in nerve sensitivity which some may misinterpret as a side effect.

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.