SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

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Is Spinal Decompression Good for Your Spine?

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What is Spinal Decompression? 

By definition, Spinal decompression is a non-surgical procedure which intends to relieve pressure that may be accumulated on the spinal cord or on compressed nerve roots passing through or exiting from the spinal column. 

What you may be wondering however, is whether or not it is good for your spine? 

Join me as we go over how Spinal Decompression is done and how removing pressure from your spine can help with pain and improve quality of life.

Spinal Cord Compression

Before talking about decompression first we need to talk about why spinal compression is bad. The spinal cord may be compressed by:

  • Bone
  • Hematomas
  • Abscesses
  • Tumors
  • Herniated Disk

Some of the symptoms and conditions that can be caused by spinal cord compression:

  • Back Pain
  • Neck, Back, Lower Back Pain
  • Numbness
  • Cramping
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Poor Hand Coordination
  • Sciatica
  • Herniated Discs
  • Bulging Discs
  • Degenerative Disc Disease

A very common way for people to suffer spinal compression is also sitting for too long. As your spine is being compressed about 30% more by sitting instead of standing. Which puts you at a higher risk of the conditions listed above.

There is a Dangerous condition called Increased Intracranial Pressure which can lead to headache. The pressure can further injure your spinal cord, this kind of headache is considered an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. An immediate response to an Intracranial Pressure headache will increase the likelihood of recovery.

How is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression Done?

For our patients who experience lower back and neck pain we at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA offer non-surgical spinal decompression treatment. This kind of therapy stretches your spine using a device called a spinal traction. This is a specialized decompression table used to take pressure off your spine and discs. It also repositions your vertebrae naturally. People with radiating nerve pain that travels down the legs and arms benefit most from this type of non-invasive treatment.

During the treatment you are fully dressed, the doctor fits you into a harness around your abdomen and pelvis. The treatment is customized to each individual needs of the patient. Treatment only lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, and treatment may vary. Some may require as many as 20 to 30 treatments over a couple of months to see full results.

Benefits of Spinal Decompression

More and more we are finding out that non-surgical Spinal Decompression is an effective treatment which brings relief to patients with a wide variety of back and neck issues. Generally speaking the decompressive pressure from the spinal traction causes your disc protrusions and disc bulges to retract. This can take pressure off of nearby nerves and encourage the flow of blood, and oxygen to the spine in order to promote healing. As a result of this treatment many types of back and neck pains can be relieved with Spinal Decompression therapy. 

Many patients find that choosing a surgical procedure with no guarantees is not as adequate of an option as choosing a simpler yet safer type of therapy. Spinal Decompression surgery has virtually no downtime after treatment. No recovery time and no high risk side effects. Something that cannot be said about invasive spinal surgery. We have seen many patient cases that have proven that non-surgical Spinal Decompression is a safe, effective and alternative option to surgery.

If you have any further questions about Spinal Decompression Therapy feel free to ask the helpful staff at SOHMA. 

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 Prior to Cupping Therapy

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What is Cupping Therapy?

This first question is a freebie, Cupping Therapy is a Traditional Chinese therapy in which cups with negative pressure are placed on the skin. The negative pressure causes a suction to occur on the skin which pulls on the skin, muscle and fascia up into the cup. This action brings fresh oxygenated blood into the injured tissue. While at the same time pulling out old toxins and stagnant blood from the soft tissue, it is then recirculated and filtered out of the body.

Now that you are more acquainted with cupping therapy, there are a few questions you may have before going through with Cupping Therapy. Today I’ll be answering 5 of the more commonly asked questions patients ask prior to Cupping Therapy.

Does It Hurt?

Quite possibly the most common question asked before Cupping Therapy is whether it’s painful. No, it doesn’t really hurt. The truth is every patient experiences Cupping differently so it is difficult to give an absolute answer. Some patients feel the pulling of the soft tissue is uncomfortable and not very pleasant. On the other hand there are patients who find the experience soothing and relaxing like getting a massage. Depending on the stagnation of the tissue being treated you may experience some soreness. If for some reason you do feel pain, let the therapist know as they may need to adjust the strength of the suction on the cup in order to make the therapy more comfortable.

What are those Marks?

Once you are done with your Cupping Therapy session you’ll notice round marks left behind from the cups. Some people think they are bruises however, these marks can tell you how stagnated the treated tissue was. With darker marks meaning there was more stagnation. These marks can take one to two weeks to clear up depending on your body’s stagnation as well. Staying well hydrated can shorten the time for the marks to fade.

How do I Prepare for Cupping Therapy?

Firstly you should be hydrated. Cupping works with your lymphatic system to get rid of toxins and cellular waste from your body. In order for this to work properly plenty of water is required. Avoid shaving, exfoliating or anything else that can make your skin sensitive. Having sensitive skin can increase discomfort during a Cupping Therapy session and can cause you to have an overall poor experience. 

Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes as once a Cupping Therapy session ends your skin may feel sensitive.

How Many Sessions do I Need?

It depends on the specific needs and goals of the patient. Cupping Therapy has an immediate effect on patients, and effects can last for days after. If you are just looking to detoxify, a single session every month may be enough. On the other hand an active and athletic person may require more frequent sessions. Feel free to ask the helpful staff at SOHMA if you would benefit from frequent Cupping Therapy sessions.

Is Cupping Therapy Safe?

For the vast majority of patients, yes. It is unusual and rare for Cupping Therapy to cause any serious problems. Side effects are limited to the marks left behind after Cupping Therapy though in extremely rare cases skin infections can occur. Precaution is necessary if you have suffered from recent cardiac arrests, have been fasting for long periods of time or if you are pregnant.

If you still have questions regarding Cupping Therapy be sure to ask your therapist at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA if Cupping Therapy is right for you.

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.

What is IV Therapy Used for?

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When people hear IV Therapy their immediate assumption might be that it is required to go to a hospital. Or perhaps people are just not aware that IV therapy has therapeutic properties that can help with everyday health challenges.


Today we’re going to get more acquainted with the usages of IV Therapy. We invite you to consider whether IV therapy should be part of your healthcare treatment plan.

What is IV Therapy

IV is short for Intravenous, making IV Therapy a therapeutic intravenous treatment. Unlike its medical counterpart you do not need to go to a hospital in order to receive IV Therapy.  The IV is used as a delivery method for fluids, minerals, and vitamins. At SOHMA Integrative Medicine we offer the Myer’s Cocktail which is a blend of Vitamin C, B Complex, Magnesium and Calcium. By taking this blend through an IV instead of orally, you bypass the digestive system. IV Therapy allows your body to take full advantage of the vitamins and minerals more efficiently. Many are unaware that the digestive system tends to break down most of the nutrients before the body can use them.

What is in the Myer’s Cocktail

Vitamin C is a known immunity booster and is a needed component of the body to grow and repair body tissues. It being an antioxidant helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals being the resulting molecules after the body breaks down food. They can also occur when exposed to toxins in the atmosphere like pollution, smoke and radiation. 

Vitamin B complex is made up of various sets of vitamin B. The body uses Vitamin B in a number of forms, such as converting food to energy, lifting your mood and improving your cognitive effectiveness. 

In order to maintain normal nerve and muscle function the body uses Magnesium.

Calcium is known to be necessary to build and protect bones, helps muscles contract and the heart to beat.

IV Therapy Uses

There are many different uses for IV Therapy that vary from person to person as everyone has a different lifestyle. Some of the different benefits IV therapy is known to have include:

  • Detoxification
  • Rehydration
  • Immune System Support
  • Increased Energy Levels
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Relaxation

For athletic lifestyles IV therapy can help by boosting energy levels to keep you strong and energetic for the rest of the day. It can be used to rehydrate the body after a particularly grueling exercise session. If you have been feeling sluggish throughout the day it could be that you need to relax and detoxify your body from toxins you may have been gathering by just living in a large metropolitan city. Regardless of your lifestyle choices, Myer’s Cocktail IV therapy can serve to better your health by letting your body take advantage of the nutrients being passed through the IV, and letting your body recover naturally.

Myer’s Cocktail has also been used to aid a number of conditions including:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Migraines
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Acute Muscle Spasm
  • Upper Respiratory Conditions

Myer’s cocktail IV therapy has been found to be effective at relieving symptoms from seasonal allergies, upper respiratory infection, and sinusitis. Delivering a more concentrated dose of vitamin supplements through IV can help to bring balance to the body. Helping reduce fatigue and elevate energy levels.

IV Therapy can help you in many different ways. Though it is up to you to make the decision of letting your body recover the natural way is up to you.

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.