SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

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The Myers’ Cocktail & How it Aids in Treating Migraines

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What are Migraines and How To Treat Them

When you have felt the pain of light sensitivity from a migraine you know how debilitating it can be. The pain is immense and you feel nearly paralyzed as a result. Those who have never experienced the pain from a migraine can’t relate and wonder why you are so “sensitive”. We want you to know that you are not alone. 

In 2020 over 35 million people in the U.S. suffered from migraine headaches. At SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach. We are committed to helping those who suffer from these intense and debilitating headaches.

Migraines

Migraines are essentially headaches that vary in intensity and duration. Most migraines can last a few hours or a few days if left untreated. In some people, migraines sometimes are preceded by some warning symptoms called prodrome. Examples include feeling lethargic, craving sweets, a change in mood, changes in vision or nausea. In some of these cases you may think that something you ate triggered the migraine. Try to double check in order to understand your personal circumstance as you can use these signs as opportunities to lessen or prevent the migraine.

In other cases migraines are more unpredictable which makes it difficult to prevent severe symptoms such as:

  • Intense pain on one side, occasionally both sides of the head
  • Throbbing or pulsing pain
  • Sensitivity to smells, physical interactions, sounds and light
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea

Migraines affect people in different ways. Some people can have triggers that can cause migraines such as:

  • Stress
  • Sleep changes
  • Physical exertion
  • Medications
  • Foods

Migraines typically attack in phases. The prodrome phase which some people don’t go through but may show warning signs in some people. The aura phase, which for some people usually affects vision and other motor functions. The pain phase is when the migraine attacks, the pain is often accompanied by nausea and sensory sensitivity. Finally, postdrome is when the headache begins to settle. Some report feeling sore in the area where the migraine was, others may have a feeling of being “hung over”, and others feel unusually refreshed after the migraine. These are varied for each individual as well as each time one sufferers from a migraine.

Aura Phase

Aura is a short term visual phenomenon that takes place during or before the migrain. Aura occurs gradually for a few minutes usually lasting less than an hour. Symptoms may be sensory or motor but the vast majority of symptoms are visual. It is seen as a partial inconsistency in the field of view which sometimes flickers and may interfere with your ability to distinguish details, making it difficult to read and dangerous to drive. Some people experience blurred vision while others lose a portion of their field of view.

Myers Cocktail

The Myers cocktail offered at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach is an IV vitamin therapy which includes a crafted blend of vitamin C, B complex, magnesium and calcium delivered directly through an IV to your bloodstream. The benefits of IV drip therapy is by bypassing the digestive system, nutrients and fluids can be absorbed by the body much more efficiently than if consumed orally. Meaning a higher concentration of nutrients can be used by the body sooner, making results show faster.

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties which help relieve some of the tension built up in your head and muscles around your neck. The body also uses vitamin c to synthesize adrenalyn from amino acids. Adrenalyn is considered a mood enhancer and helps with relaxing.

Vitamin B complex may help prevent migraine headaches. It’s been shown to reduce the  duration and intensity as well as reducing the frequency of migraines after treatment.

By regularly using Myer’s cocktail the magnesium and calcium will work together in preventing future migraine headaches. Low levels of magnesium have resulted in constricted blood vessels in the brain which can take part in triggering migraines.A higher intake of calcium has also been linked with lower migraine attacks. Since calcium plays a role in regulating muscle functions such as contractions and relaxation.

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 as a Treatment Option

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Knee Joint INjection

What Are Joint Injections?

Have you ever suffered from joint pain? Stiffness and irritation from repetitive motions? Been in an accident leaving you with lingering discomfort and pain, limiting articulation in your joints? You may want to consider Joint Injections. Platelet rich plasma and human cellular tissue products take a different path to relieving pain, regenerating tissue and repairing the body. 

Trigger point injections may be an option for treating muscle pains that contain trigger points or muscle knots. These muscle knots can sometimes be felt under the skin. These trigger points may irritate the nerves directly around the muscle and refer the pain to another part of the body.

Daily activities and aging can slowly degridate many of the soft tissues in the body such as tendons, ligaments and cartilage. At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach we help you get the relief you need from chronic pain in your joints.

Human Cellular Tissue Products

Originating in the 19th century, scientists would experiment by injecting animal material in an attempt to treat and prevent illness. Although due to their limited knowledge of cells, those attempts did not produce beneficial results. In the modern era human cellular tissue products have gained interest by researchers as a new therapeutic, non surgical procedure for a variety of illnesses:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis 
  • Gout
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis

HCTP is an advanced treatment for some degenerative conditions. Often patients with carpal tunnel syndrome may also show signs of osteoarthritis of the thumb, fingers and wrist.

When patients come to our wellness center with carpal tunnel, we may recommend the use of HCTP injections as treatment. Results have shown to be a consistent and reliable treatment for degenerative conditions in your wrists and hands.

There are hundreds of types of arthritis, but all forms have similar symptoms. Decreased range of motion, stiffness, pain and swelling. Although some damage cannot be reversed, HCTP injections have been known to help relieve pain between a few weeks to a few months. It is very important that you do not ignore symptoms and a proper diagnosis in order to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

Platelet rich plasma injections have been used for a multitude of treatments from recovery and healing to cosmetic such as:

  • Tendonitis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Post surgical repair
  • Baldness

The platelet rich plasma is the patient’s own plasma separated from the red blood cells. Then injected into the patients affected areas.

By increasing the level of platelets in the injection site the body is signaled to release growth factors and platelets that help reduce swelling, aid in tissue repair and increase healing. Making PRP injections an option doctors have been using to help with post surgical repair allowing for shorter recovery periods.

Platelet rich plasma injections have been used to treat chronic tendon problems such as tennis elbow, achilles tendonitis, jumper’s knee, and swimmer’s shoulder. These forms of tendonitis cause pain in different joints affected by the soft tissue around it.

Trigger Point Injections

During the trigger point injection procedure a wellness specialist injects a small needle into the muscle knot or trigger point. The injection may include a local anesthetic or a corticosteroid, but they will contain nearly a 99% saline solution. 

With the injection, the trigger point is made inactive and pain is relieved. TPI is also used to alleviate pain from tension headaches and fibromyalgia. Sustained relief can be accomplished after a short course of treatment, normally done in no more than a few minutes.


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.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and IV Therapy

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Person Suffering from Chronic Fatigue

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex medical condition that causes long term fatigue. This means that after ordinary physical or mental activity, your ability to accomplish tasks has greatly diminished when under normal circumstances those activities would be routine before the illness.

Many people suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome without knowing because the root cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is often unknown. It is thought that a combination of physiological and genetic factors work in tandem to accelerate and sustain this condition. Although the root cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, it has been noted that chronic fatigue syndrome can manifest after

  • Viral diseases
  • Endocrine abnormalities
  • Immune system impairment
  • Physical trauma
  • Emotional trauma

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The lowered ability to do activities that prior to the illness where normal is a common sign you may have chronic fatigue syndrome. Post exertional malaise (PEM) is considered to be a cardinal symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, which is a delayed and substantial worsening of chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms that always follows physical exertion and often follows a decline in cognitive activity. Unfortunately the amount of activity needed to worsen the symptoms is hard for people to determine. Usually the “energy crash” after activities may last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Other common symptoms include:

  • Muscle and joint pain without redness or swelling
  • Tenderness of lymph nodes in armpits and neck
  • Sensitivities to food, odors, chemicals, lights and sounds
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Chills and night sweats

One of the following symptoms must also be present:

  • Problems with memory and thinking
  • While standing up;
    • Dizziness
    • Lightheadedness
    • Fainting
    • Weakness
    • Vision changes

Myer’s Cocktail, What is It?

In the 1960’s Dr. John Myers Developed an intravenous blend of nutrients he called Myer’s cocktail. His original intention was to make an over the counter IV solution of minerals, vitamins and nutrients that could be used as an overall wellness remedy. 

The idea behind this IV therapy was to develop an intravenous system to bypass the digestive system making the nutrients available for immediate use. Meaning you can absorb higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals more efficiently, feel and see results far quicker.

It is this blend of vitamins that bypasses the gastrointestinal system that can lead with help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Myer’s Cocktail and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Nutrition and supplements can help with chronic fatigue syndrome. The Myer’s cocktail is a blend of Vitamin C, B complex, Magnesium and calcium. It is well documented that a balanced diet is a significant contributor to the health of a person.

By bypassing the digestive system, and connecting directly to an IV nutrients and supplements such as magnesium to help maintain normal nerve and muscle function as well supporting the immune system it also helps regulate blood glucose levels. 

The vitamin B complex works as an antioxidant to help fight particles in the body that may damage cells also known as free radicals, it also has a key role in converting food into energy. Some studies have shown that vitamin B complex can lift your spirits and improve your cognitive effectiveness.

Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient used to develop and repair basically all body tissues. The adrenal glands also need vitamin c to help with synthesizing amino acids to dopamine and finally adrenalin, which is also considered a mood enhancing vitamin. It also helps reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

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.

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.