SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

Acupuncture

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.

3 Acupuncture Myths That Still Exist Today

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Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese Medicine that is being used in modern times to help people recover, relax and heal. However, people who still have misconceptions about Acupuncture. Because of this there are many myths about Acupuncture that have some people second guessing themselves when it comes to recovering and healing with a natural treatment like Acupuncture. Today we are going to debunk three of the myths that still exist around Acupuncture therapy. 

What does Acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture has been used to help treat many ailments. And it has been shown to help people recover all over the world. This form of alternative medicine has helped people recover and treat a variety of ailment and pains including:

  • Dental pain
  • Headaches / Migraines
  • Labor Pain
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia

Myth #1 Acupuncture is Painful

On first thought, the use of needles in Acupuncture does seem like it may be painful. In some people it can send shivers up your spine. The truth is, many people find Acupuncture treatment relaxing, and occasionally patients even fall asleep during a session. The Needles are extremely thin, usually as thin as a human hair. Nothing like  a medical needle or sewing needle. Most patients agree that the most they feel is a small pinch, followed by deep relaxation.

The goal of any Acupuncture practitioner is to make treatment as comfortable as possible. Patients get in a comfortable position, and when the needles are inserted most patients do not even notice when treatment has begun.

Myth #2 Acupuncture has Many Side Effects

A common misconception about Acupuncture is that due to the numerous needles being used, it can cause many side effects or scarring. But Acupuncture has only a few short term side effects. Most risks involving Acupuncture are low and typically include soreness, minor bleeding or bruising where needles were inserted. Some people assume that the needles used in Acupuncture can cause permanent scarring. The tips of the needles are so fine that they do not leave any marks behind when removed.

 The reason for why risks are so low is based on having a certified acupuncture practitioner. And the needles used are always single use and disposable medical grade needles. They come pre packaged in sterile packaging and are immediately discarded after use.

Myth #3 If You do not see Immediate Results, You will not Benefit from Acupuncture

This last myth stems from people assuming that Acupuncture only provides relief while the needles are in place. Acupuncture was originally designed to relieve tension within the body and provide peace and wellbeing. Those feelings of wellness do not disappear the moment the needles are removed from the body.

Many of the disorders that can be treated with Acupuncture may take multiple treatment sessions. For most patients they may begin to see results after 2 or 3 sessions, while others may take longer. Depending on the intensity and type of pain being suffered, a specific treatment plan will be recommended determining the length and frequency of treatment.

There are many more myths out there about Acupuncture. So it is important to learn about what Acupuncture can be helpful with. Hopefully we helped clarify some of these myths and help you make the decision of letting us help you in your path to natural 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 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 Questions to Ask Your Medical Professional About Acupuncture

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Acupuncture has been known to help people manage discomfort and pain. Though many people are unsure of whether or not they should go through with treatment out of fear of needles. Or perhaps are generally unsure of how acupuncture works.

Many people know about Acupuncture as the traditional Chinese method that uses needles throughout the body but feel like they need a little bit more information. Today we are going to go through 5 questions you should ask a medical professional about acupuncture if you are unsure about receiving treatment.

What Conditions are Treated Using Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been used primarily to relieve pain and irritation caused by a variety of diseases and conditions. As an example acupuncture can help with reducing nausea caused by chemotherapy or surgical anesthesia. Acupuncture has also been used in treating the following:

  • Oral/Dental Pain
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Neck Pain
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Arthritis
  • Injuries
  • Tendonitis

Many people know how painful these ailments can be. Identifying if your condition can be treated by acupuncture  is an important question to ask, as a proper diagnosis is necessary in order to mitigate discomfort.

Do The Needles Hurt?

This may be the #1 concern of every patient prior to their first acupuncture appointment. People ask about the pain involved with having Acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin. The needles are no thicker than a human hair. Most people report feeling little to no pain when the needles are placed. Once the treatment session is over, patients tend to feel energized or relaxed. However, the needles can cause temporary soreness.

How Long Before I See Results?

This question has a varied answer depending on each individual patient. Usually it takes about 2-4 days to feel the therapeutic benefits. Though often a single session is not enough as a treatment and the majority of patients begin to feel long term results after about 3 treatment sessions while others may require as many as 6. 

Normally a single treatment session per week is advised for most people in order to manage their symptoms and lessen their pain. Though depending on the amount of pain being dealt with 2 sessions per week can be managed. Based on the progression of the condition, treatment can be reduced to a single session per week. After the patient’s condition has been cleared they could decide to end acupuncture treatment.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture treatment in modern days has become an extremely safe and reliable treatment. With the use of single-use disposable needles being standard practice, the risk of infection is minimal. 

There are a few exceptions, for example if you are suffering from a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners, this can increase the risk of bleeding from the needles. Having a pacemaker can also cause complications as some acupuncture therapy involves applying a small electrical pulse through the needles which can hinder the operations of a pacemaker. Most common side effects are:

  • Soreness
  • Minor Bleeding
  • Bruising

While current information indicates that acupuncture is safe for most pregnancies, it is generally  recommended to avoid the practice during the first trimester of pregnancy.

How Should I Prepare for Acupuncture

The first thing you should do is find a reliable Acupuncture practitioner. At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA an experienced and licensed Acupuncture practitioner will be performing the treatments that last 20 minutes on average.

Avoid drinking coffee, sodas, or energy drinks containing caffeine for at least 2 hours prior to treatment. As caffeine can cause your body to increase its fight or flight response which can make inserting the needles difficult.

Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes so the practitioner can have easy access to your arms, legs and back.

Acupuncture on its own is a natural way for the body to begin recovery, though combining Acupuncture with other treatment options can increase results.

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.

3 Benefits of Acupuncture

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3 Benefits of Acupuncture

The thought of having needles poking you sounds terrifying on paper, but acupuncture needles are very small and as thin as a human hair. This traditional chinese therapy has many mental and physical benefits. Once the needles reach their intended depth you may feel a slight tingling sensation and the feelings of warmth may arise from the acupuncture points.

By stimulating specific pressure zones in your body, it is said to balance your energy, what would be referred to as qi (pronounced chi) by Chinese medicine practitioners. This in turn causes the chemicals in your body to release into your muscles, spinal cord, and brain and these changes may promote physical and emotional well-being by stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities. This results based therapy has been making a difference in the lives of many of its patients.

The short and long term benefits of acupuncture have been seen time and time again. Research suggests that it can relieve pain, and it is also used for a wide range of other ailments, like:

  • Headaches
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Sprains

So much so that many insurance providers now cover acupuncture therapy and saving yourself potentially hundreds if not thousands of dollars. All without the need of invasive surgeries or drugs.

At SOHMA Integrative Medicine, our acupuncture specialists are trained in this traditional alternative medicine. Our SOHMA specialists assist the body by unlocking its natural healing abilities, relaxing the muscles, and alleviating tensions from repetitive motions from your day-to-day life.

Let’s explore the top three benefits you may enjoy after starting your acupuncture therapy.

Benefit # 1 Reduction of Back and Joint Pain

Whether it’s because of work, sports, or an accident, this traditional acupuncture can be beneficial in the recovery process by targeting the points meant to release tension in your neck, and along your back.

This relaxes the muscles which helps alleviate some pain that would otherwise hold back your recovery process. If you’re suffering from stiffness, swelling or joint pain, acupuncture can be a beneficial medicine to reduce these conditions without the need for conventional medicines or drugs.

Acupuncture can sometimes be so beneficial it may prevent invasive surgeries.

Benefit # 2 Sleep quality and headaches

A good night’s sleep and overall rest is incredibly important when it comes to recovery. Nearly 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder, insomnia being the most common. By focusing on specific pressure points, usually around nerves, the needles can stimulate said nerves to release hormones like endorphins which is the body’s natural pain killer. This in turn helps with relaxing the mind and maintaining a more consistent sleeping experience, a very important part of the recovery process.

Benefit #3 Carpal tunnel syndrome

In this current day and age people of all ages are in front of a computer for longer periods of time. It could be that you are going to school online from home or maybe you have been playing too many video games out of boredom.

Perhaps you are clocking in extra hours from your new home office. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be far more common than we are willing to admit. Over 8 million people are affected with carpal tunnel syndrome each year. Acupuncture has been shown to improve sensory and motor functions, as well as aiding in the repair of nerves that are often damaged due to repetitive motion. Acupuncture helps with the symptoms related to carpal tunnel like numbness, pain, and tingling sensations.

Take the next step in improving your health by contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine. Our trained Acupuncture specialists want to help you recover in the most natural way possible. Remember that sometimes your body needs a little push in order to begin healing.

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 Long Beach as well as neighboring cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health and 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 reach out to us and ask us if we are right for you. Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from Long Beach and the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

Migraine Treatment with the Myer’s Cocktail

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IV Therapy Administered

Migraine Treatment with the Myer’s Cocktail

Before we get too deep into things today let’s get a couple of points out very quickly:

  1. The Myer’s cocktail is not something you are going to order at a bar (we will go over it today in detail)
  2. Migraines are difficult and range in severity and our goal is to help our patients get back to their lives

With those two items out of the way let’s dig into our topics for today. Our goal is to help you decide if the Myer’s cocktail could help you with your migraines.

As a note the Myer’s cocktail can help with more than just migraines. We cover that in our post on 5 Benefits of IV Therapy.

What is the Myer’s Cocktail & More Importantly How it Can Help

The Myer’s cocktail is a mix of different ingredients that is delivered via IV. In other words it’s delivered via a drip. It was developed by Dr. John Myer who used it to treat different ailments such as asthma, chronic fatigue and you guessed it, migraines.

The drip itself is made up of several components which we will outline below:

  • Magnesium Chloride is used to treat or help prevent a deficiency of magnesium in the body. The body needs magnesium and if it doesn’t have the right amount well then problems can occur.
  • Calcium Gluconate has several different applications. Technically it is classified as calcium salt. It is used as medication to treat multiple issues such as hypocalcemia.
  • Vitamin B Complex which is made up of multiple sets of vitamins. The body uses vitamin B in multiple functions of the body and is part of a healthy body.
  • Vitamin C is a needed component of the body to grow and used in the repair of body tissues.

A common question we are asked is why should this happen via drip when I can take some of this orally?

The cocktail being delivered via a trip means it is going straight to work in the body. It doesn’t have to go through your body’s digestive process. This makes the delivery more potent and quicker.

This is one of the main reasons why the cocktail is so effective.

How does any of this help with Migraines?

Let’s be clear there are multiple causes of migraines, theories, and methods for treatment. The best treatment for migraines is the one that works best for you and has been thoroughly discussed with your medical team.

There are a couple of reasons that lead to migraines. Without going into an exhaustive thesis on migraine theory here are a couple:

  • A deficiency of magnesium has proven to lead to migraines for those who are prone to them
  • Stress is one of the biggest culprits of migraines and is a known trigger in almost 70% of those who suffer from them

The Myer’s cocktail has been proven effective in the treatment of migraine headaches. Part of this is directly related to the magnesium chloride that makes up a component of the cocktail. The added vitamins also aid in providing additional material for the body to make repairs and help in overall health.

For those suffering from migraines who have not found a proven solution or are looking for one that is more suited to their needs we believe looking at the myer’s cocktail is in their best interest.

Is the Myer’s Cocktail Right for My Migraine Situation?

This is a very personal question that we would have to answer one on one. We would invite you to fill out our contact form and let us know that you suffer from migraines and you have a question about the Myers cocktail.

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 Long Beach and the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.