SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

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What are The Top 10 Herbal Medicines

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Herbal medicine has been around for centuries and are the building blocks to modern medicine.

Herbal medicines are the oldest remedies used by people. For a long time, modern pharmaceuticals pushed herbal medicines to the wayside, but recently there has been an increase in popularity for herbal medicines again. The reason being is they are more affordable and easier to obtain than typical pharmaceutical medicine. 

Herbal medicine is typically safe to consume but we at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA recommend you consult a professional herbalist in assisting you when looking for extensive treatment. As they will be knowledgeable in what herbs can negatively counteract with each other, or other medicines you may be taking. 

Join us, as we talk about 10 herbs with medicinal properties that can be helpful in reducing pain, recovery and healing.

Garlic

Garlic has been used in cooking for as long as it has been used as a herbal remedy. Garlic has been used as a supplement for conditions associated with heart and blood vessels. Commonly used in patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The topical use of garlic may be effective at healing wounds, reducing scarring, and skin rejuvenation.

Peppermint

Also known as water mint or spearmint is a common plant in North America. The leaves and oil of the peppermint plant have been used to help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among other digestive problems. It has been used to reduce symptoms of the common cold and headaches. The oil in peppermint can be applied to the skin to help with joint and muscle pain as well as itching. In aromatherapy peppermint oil has been used for treating the common cold, improving mental function and reducing stress.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a native flower with nine known species in North America. Natives used echinacea for thousands of years as medicine. It is used as a supplement for the common cold and other infections as it may promote and boost your immune system.

Dandelion

The humble dandelion thought by most to be an unwanted weed actually has several uses. All parts of the dandelion are edible. The root of the dandelion can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute for people who are sensitive to caffeine. In tea, the flowers and leaves act as a diuretic that can be used for digestive problems.

Valerian

Native to Europe and Asia, valerian is a flowering plant that has historically been used as medicine. Valerian has been used as a supplement to help with insomnia, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It has also been known to help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and symptoms of menopause.

Lavender

Lavender has a beautiful aroma that the ancient Romans used to clean and wash. Today Lavender’s fragrance is used in soaps and cosmetics. Its use in aromatherapy and as a supplement can help with anxiety, depression and digestive conditions.

Ginger

Known as one of the best superfoods, in Asia ginger has been used as a medicine for more than 1,500 years. As a supplement ginger has been known to help with nausea and vomiting linked with pregnancy. Ginger supplements may also be helpful with menstrual cramps. It also contains high nutritional density per portion. It also contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Green Tea

Green tea has been used in China and Japan for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The tea contains caffeine, so it can be used to retain alertness and can be used as a substitute for coffee. Green tea has been used to relieve digestive symptoms and headaches. It may also provide positive effects on weight loss and liver disorders.

Cinnamon

Used for thousands of years as a spice, cinnamon has been used in traditional herbal medicine in places like China, India and the middle east. Cinnamon supplements are used for upset stomach, diarrhea and gas, and can also be used to stimulate appetite. Cinnamon tea is also used to reduce symptoms caused by the common cold.

Aloe Vera

A cactus-like plant, aloe vera has been used topically for skin conditions. Aloe vera has been used to reduce itching, acne and soothe sunburns. Research suggests aloe gel may speed up the healing of burns as well.

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.

Questions to Ask Before Getting an HCT/P Injection

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It’s important to ask your healthcare provider questions before receiving HCT/P injections.

Any procedure involving needles can be intimidating. That’s understandable, at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA want our patients to recover and heal naturally. HCT/P injections help by letting your body repair damaged tissue or regenerate lost tissue. Helping relieve pain and return some mobility to your joints and body.

Today I want to go over what questions you should ask before getting HCT/P Injections. Join me as I clear up any misconceptions you may have towards this procedure.

What are HCT/P Injections Used for?

HCT/P injections are used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Some of the more common injuries treated with HCT/P injections include:

  • Arthritis
  • Trauma caused by injury
  • Ligament or muscle tear or strain
  • Muscle pain
  • Inflammation
  • Chronic joint pain

HCT/Ps heal many kinds of bone and soft tissue problems. In the injection site, growth factors become triggered. Over the following days or weeks, cells may grow, multiply and form new tissue.

How Long Does HCT/P Injections Last?

Like many procedures, longevity of the treatment is dependent on the patient, and severity of the condition or injury. It has been shown that using HCT/P can result in lasting pain relief of arthritis for over 6 months up to several years. Due to every patient’s reaction to treatment being different it is difficult to put an accurate result however, results show to be positive from the majority of patients.

How Many Treatments Will I Need with HCT/P?

Depending on how fast a patient heals and the severity of the injury it is possible that only one treatment will be needed to relieve pain and recover from injury. If several months go without any noticeable improvements, your primary care provider may consider repeating the treatment. In order to further aid healthy tissue growth. During consultation they should be able to communicate what to expect in regards to your injury.

How Long Before HCT/P Begin to Show Effect?

Because the body is beginning to start making new tissue with the HCT/P injections, it will take some time for treatment to start working. Some patients have described a dramatic reduction in pain levels in a few as a couple months. Other patients have reported to experience improvement within the first months. Each patient responds differently to treatment, depending on their body.

What are the Side Effects of HCT/P Injections?

Side effects are not common, after application there may be some discomfort. In the area of the injection site there may be increased sensitivity. In some cases, especially ones involving nerve damage, an increase in nerve sensation can be seen as a side effect. 

The doctor may advise to refrain from heavy activity for a couple of days after administration of HCT/P injections. Usually this is the length of time needed for recovery after the procedure.

Do HCT/P Injections Hurt?

Being injections, HCT/P injections will hurt to a certain extent. Usually for only a few seconds. Depending on the area being injected it will vary on the level of discomfort. HCT/P injections much like any other injections will have a level of pain due to the needle piercing the soft tissue. For the most part, the injections are no more painful than any other joint or soft tissue injection.

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 Pharmacist?

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A Professional Herbalist will know the right combinations of herbs to treat ailments in a natural way.

In modern days with medicines being in the shape of pills or injections, we need to remember that humans’ earliest forms of medicine were herbs. It’s safe to say that roughly half of all pharmaceuticals today are either derived from herbs or inspired by the effects of herbs. Herbal medicine generally is safe for consumption but it is recommended for you to consult a professional herbalist to assist you for more important treatments.

Today we are going to talk about what an herbal pharmacist is and how they can help you when choosing a natural treatment.

Herbal Pharmacist

Also known as a professional herbalist, a herbal pharmacist uses herbs to treat different kinds of conditions and ailments. When looking for herbal medicine, you’ll have a consultation with the herbal pharmacist to get to the root cause of your symptoms. Since herbal medicine can interact with each other in less than ideal ways, we at SOHMA of Long Beach CA highly recommend you consult with a professional herbalist who understands if there are any contradicting herbs that can have an adverse reaction to each other, and other prescriptions you may be taking. 

Herbs are unique much like our patients. Depending on the person’s physical health and build, a trained herbalist will decide whether to use a single herbal treatment or a herbal formula to treat each patient. Even two people with identical ailments may be given different herbal remedies based on their constitution.

A herbal pharmacist may also consider using other forms of alternative medicine such as topical creams and ointments. A herbal pharmacist will attempt to find herbs based on your symptoms or pattern of ailments you describe during the consultation with the herbal pharmacist.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine used by people, predating recorded history. Medicine derived from herbs can be used in preventative care, relief from symptoms caused by disease and infection, or simply boost energy or relax. Many herbal remedies are taken as teas or supplements. 

Compared to their pharmaceutical counterpart, herbal medicine is more affordable than conventional medicine and easier to obtain. In many cases, herbal medicine has fewer negative side effects. Unfortunately, many times herbal medicine is ignored when compared to modern drug therapy. Regrettably, many people miss out on many of the health benefits of herbal remedies. 

Common Beneficial Herbs  

Although dedicated herbal pharmacies like the one at SOHMA can provide supplements and treatment options, you can purchase many herbs at your supermarket. These herbs can be added to your daily routine to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Chamomile – Chamomile can be used as a tea for minor digestive problems. Most commonly, chamomile tea is used to help relax and de-stress. Helping with conditions like anxiety, and insomnia. With no major side effects having multiple cups of chamomile tea a day is fine.

Turmeric – Turmeric has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years. Recently it’s been discovered that turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Though in high doses can cause headaches or irritate the stomach and skin.

Peppermint – Another herb that can be used as a tea, peppermint is used to soothe a sore throat and coughing caused by a cold.

Lavender – Lavender is a versatile aromatic herb that can be used as a sleep aid when combined with chamomile or simply sprinkle the flowers on your bed. It can also help with headaches.

Ginseng – This root is usually dried to be used as a powder, but can also be drunk as tea. It’s often used in Chinese medicine to boost your immunity, energy levels, and brain function.

These common herbs can elevate your lifestyle, however, should not be used to treat serious conditions. 

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 Cupping Help with Anxiety?

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Undergoing cupping therapy has additional benefits for both the body and mind.

In recent years the importance of mental health has been made clear. Every day more and more people are being diagnosed with some kind of mental health condition like anxiety. Today we want to share with you how cupping therapy can help reduce anxiety and alleviate some of the stress that comes with it.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety has many forms of manifesting itself and acts differently depending on each person. Everyone feels anxious from time to time. It is normal for most people to have feelings of anxiety, it is the brain’s way of reacting to things that can be stressful. It is meant to alert you if there is any potential danger near. It is okay to feel anxious before making important decisions, when facing difficult work problems, or for students about to take a difficult test.

When anxiety becomes a mental health disorder is when you feel the symptoms of anxiety more regularly and more intensely. Excessive and constant worry and fear about everyday situations. Higher heart rates, hyperventilating, tension, exhaustion, and sweating can occur. Often causing panic attacks. You should seek your primary care provider if you can not work, complete daily tasks, find it difficult to maintain relationships, or are abusing substances. It’s important for us to know the degree of anxiety to properly treat each individual patient.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a Chinese traditional medicine when a small vacuum is formed within a cup whether by heating the cup or using a pump and placed atop the skin. The vacuum formed then sucks the skin into the cup along with the fascia, muscle, and other soft tissues. The cupping process causes vasodilation, which increases blood circulation to the treated areas. Removing stagnant toxins and circulating fresh oxygenated blood to the affected area. 

When performed by a well-trained practitioner such as the ones staffed at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA, the risks and side effects are minimal. The only thing left behind is round marks left by the cup which can give an insight into how well the therapy is working. Darker marks may require more treatment in that area than lighter marks.

Cupping Therapy and Mental Health

You may be wondering how getting your skin and soft tissue pulled into a cup can help with anxiety. Cupping therapy helps indirectly by activating your parasympathetic nervous system as the cups glide over your body. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for lowering your heart rate and helping with digestion. When active the parasympathetic nervous system produces a calm and relaxing feeling in your body and mind. This reaction can loosen tension in your body which may result in a reduction in stress and anxiety.

Additionally cupping therapy promotes better sleep quality by reducing pain and removing toxins from the body. Allowing for longer consistent sleep helps with mental and physical recovery. It is well documented that there is a correlation between the lack of sleep and people who are prone to suffering from anxiety. As well as people suffering from anxiety have a hard time staying asleep. Without the rejuvenating effects of a good night’s sleep, it is possible for people to spiral into an unhealthy cycle that can be dangerous for their mental health.

Is Cupping Therapy Right for You?

Cupping therapy is a safe practice although there are some exceptions. If you have bleeding disorders like Hemophilia or blood clotting issues like deep vein thrombosis. If you have a history of strokes or seizures you should ask about your condition before receiving cupping therapy. If you have skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema your skin may become irritated when having cupping therapy.

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.

Joint Injections for Knee Injuries

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Joint injections in knees can help increase recovery from injury and even improve ailments without surgery.

Your knees are some of the most important joints in your body. We use them to walk, run and jump. Keeping your knees healthy is one of the best ways to maintain mobility. Unfortunately as we age the risk of injuring our knees becomes greater. Knee injuries go farther than just a simple sprain where you can recover with some rest. 

In today’s article we’re going to go over what joint injections we offer at SOHMA of Long Beach CA, and what they can do to help you recover from knee injuries.

Knee Injuries that Joint Injections can Treat

Let me preface this by saying that joint injections do not treat all injuries. If there is a fracture or a severe tear you may require surgery however, post surgery joint injections have been shown to help recovery times. PRP therapy has been used by doctors to help patients heal faster after surgical procedures. It has been shown to shorten recovery times by days, in some cases even weeks.

Your knees are a major joint in the body, making it a common area to sustain injury. Some of the more common injuries that have been treated with HCTPs or PRP include:

  • Arthritis
  • Trauma
  • Ligament or Muscle Tear
  • Ligament or Muscle Strain
  • Muscle Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Chronic Knee Pain

Relatively minor accidents can result in knee injury. For older adults a slip or fall can cause life altering fractures or dislocation.

What are Joint Injections?

Starting off with the basics, joint injections are as the name suggests, they are injections that are used to help in recovery from joint conditions. At SOHMA we offer both Human Cellular Tissue Products (HCTPs) or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). HCTP injections can aid the body in healing damage on its own without the need for surgeries. Tissue can be regrown to its former strength and recover the functions in highly used areas of the body such the spine, hips, shoulder, knees and other major joints. In PRP therapy, blood is drawn from the patient into a vial and separated in a centrifuge. Once separated, we draw the PRP from the vail and use it in the treatment. Meaning its the patient’s own platelets being used in areas that need healing support like  muscles and joints.

Long Term Effects of Knee Injuries

As stated previously there are many different types of injuries one can sustain in the knees. Depending on the type of injury sustained, as well as how long the patient went without treatment, long term effects can vary. If left untreated, knee injuries can lead to many mobility problems, pain, and early onset of arthritis.

A decrease in range of motion of the knees can make you unable to bend the knee fully or completely straighten the knee out. When you lose mobility in your knees the decreased mobility makes running nearly impossible and walking becomes difficult and puts you at risk of further injury due to loss of balance. Sitting and standing from chairs can also become uncomfortable and difficult.

Arthritis usually is thought of as something that affects older adults. Due to it being associated with aging and natural wear and tear. Injury suffered at a young age has been shown to increase the risk of early onset osteoarthritis. Sport related injuries like ACL or meniscus tears are often associated with a form of post-traumatic form of osteoarthritis.

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.