SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

SOHMA Long Beach

Who Benefits from Practicing Tai Chi?

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Tai Chi is an ancient Asian martial art practiced by thousands of people daily. Often called meditation in motion, Tai Chi isn’t practiced with the same intensity as other martial arts. You may sometimes see a group in a park calmly moving in unison and wonder what they are doing.

They were practicing Tai Chi.

Why is it so popular, and who benefits from practicing Tai Chi? Join us as we discuss who should practice Tai Chi and the benefits of this martial art.

Older Adults

As we age, many activities may become difficult. Something as simple as walking to the grocery store can even pose a dangerous risk of falling and injuring yourself. While we cannot stop aging, we can keep our bodies fit and healthy with Tai Chi.

Tai Chi combines meditation and spiritual focus with low-impact movements and poses. This allows for anyone of any age and fitness level to participate. The movements are designed to be incredibly gentle, and while initially it was meant for defense, Tai Chi now focuses on muscle control, balance, stability, flexibility, and meditation. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Tai Chi can be done by anyone, even people with limited mobility. A Tai Chi instructor can adjust the motions to your capabilities.

For senior citizens, Tai Chi can help them regain strength and balance. This can give them the confidence and freedom to be more independent.

People Suffering From Arthritis

When suffering from arthritis, exercise can help manage the symptoms. It’s common for people who suffer from different forms of arthritis to give up on exercising to prevent them from injury or pain. That’s understandable. However, Tai Chi is a form of exercise regularly recommended for people with arthritis. The low-impact movements can help improve strength and balance.

Because it’s soft on the joints and helps build muscle, Tai Chi can be a great way to manage pain and reduce the stiffness in the joints caused by arthritis.

Heart Health

The heart is a muscle, and aerobic exercises or cardio is typically what works out the heart to keep it healthy. Cardio exercises strengthen your heart’s blood vessels and improve oxygen delivery throughout the body. Usually, cardio involves maintaining an elevated heart rate for 30 minutes, and Tai Chi is a form of low-impact cardio exercise. This is beneficial for anyone looking for a cardio exercise that won’t leave them with sore knees or for someone who wants to minimize the risk of injury. 

While Tai Chi is great for improving heart health, if you’re recovering from a cardiovascular event, Tai Chi can help recovering patients. It used to be that patients with heart conditions may have been too weak to participate in exercises, though now we know that Tai Chi is an exception.

Reduce Stress

Stress can not only affect your mind but your body as well. When not dealt with, stress can lead to higher blood pressure, increased risk of stroke, obesity, and other health problems. We’ve been talking about the physical benefits of Tai Chi, though, like we said in the beginning, Tai Chi is known as meditation in motion. Being able to meditate regularly is a great way to manage stress levels. Because Tai Chi also focuses on meditation, it’s been found that Tai Chi can help with many other mental health issues as well. It’s been shown to help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help manage depression.

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 to better health.

What Does It Mean To Find The Best Chiropractic Care?

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Over the years, chiropractic care has become a widely accepted practice. So much so that many insurance companies often cover chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare focusing on managing pain and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, primarily concentrating on the spine.

When searching for chiropractic care, you should always look for the best provider to meet your unique needs and provide effective and secure treatment. Remember that chiropractic care should be a partnership between you and the chiropractor. Finding the right one for you can make a huge difference.

Remember that the “best chiropractic care” can differ from person to person; however, we’ll attempt to help you find the right one. Today we’ll explore a few key factors to consider when finding the best chiropractic care.

Chiropractor Qualifications

Chiropractors need to complete the required education and training. Making sure a chiropractor has the required licenses and certifications ensures expertise and competence. It indicates a chiropractor’s knowledge and assures patients of the chiropractor’s skills. A chiropractor with additional training can give further insight into a patient’s condition.

Getting an adjustment by an unqualified chiropractor can be incredibly dangerous. It can increase the likelihood of injury, worsening symptoms, or other complications. We highly recommend never to have any spinal manipulation done by someone unfit. 

Feedback and Reputation

Positive first-hand experience from friends and family can be beneficial. Referrals from trusted sources such as friends and family can help separate good chiropractors from the best. Occasionally asking your primary healthcare provider or other healthcare professionals can point you in the right direction. People working in the medical field often pay more attention to minor details, increasing the weight and importance of their opinions. Awards can help decide on great chiropractors as well. For example, SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach won back-to-back Best of Long Beach awards for 2022 and 2023.

Another great way to find the best chiropractor is to search online reviews and testimonials. Reviews are a great way to gauge the overall experiences of their patients. Typically if a patient isn’t satisfied with the chiropractor, they’ll make it known online. Keep in mind that some dishonest chiropractors may have false reviews. Since no one is perfect, it’s necessary to always read through the review instead of solely relying on the overall rating.

Communication

Feel free to be direct with a chiropractor if you can speak with chiropractors and ask them about their practice and treatments. Evaluate how well the chiropractor communicates with you. The best chiropractor will be able to listen attentively to your concerns. They should be able to explain the treatment and suggest or even recommend other treatment options if chiropractic is not enough or the wrong treatment for your personal issue. A great chiropractor will also involve a patient in the decision-making.

If you notice a chiropractor is trying to push you for long-term treatment while not justifying why properly, it should be seen as a red flag. This signifies that they only try to get your money and don’t care about your well-being.

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 Does Cupping Work?

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Woman Getting Cupping Treatment At a Spa. Cupping Therapy. Treatment used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for pain relief and other health benefits.

One of the oldest forms of medicine, cupping, has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries. Nowadays, you may see celebrities and athletes with round marks going down their backs. These are surely the result of cupping therapy. Although many patients report feeling better after cupping therapy, some people may not understand how cupping works.

Join us today as we go over how cupping therapy works and the benefits of cupping.

What is Cupping Therapy

For thousands of years, cupping therapy has used flames to heat a horn or glass cup, this heat creates a negative pressure in the cup, and once placed upon the skin, the soft tissue is pulled into the cup. Although some still use flames when performing cupping therapy, many now opt for plastic or silicone cups with a suction pump. This makes it easier for the practitioner to get the same amount of pressure on every cup, though some still prefer the traditional method, which provides a similar result.

How does it Work?

The skin, fascia, connective tissue, and muscle can become stuck and reduce the range of motion. Think of it as though you were wearing a sweater. If it’s too small and tight, it can restrict mobility, and if you force it, you can damage or tear the shirt. The cups use negative pressure to pull the soft tissue under the skin. This improves blood flow to the area being treated. The new blood flow brings fresh oxygenated blood full of nutrients. The added blood flow promoted healing and quicker repair of the damaged tissue. Alternatively, you may also receive a cupping massage, and this is where the cups are slid around the areas being treated. These results are more akin to a deep tissue massage, except a cup is used instead over the area of pain or concern.

When visiting SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach, CA., you’ll be evaluated by the therapist to see the extent of damage to the injury. If, during the evaluation, it is discovered that there is shooting pain or an issue directly involving the spine, Cupping may not be the correct method to aid recovery. 

What do the Marks Mean

The common concern about cupping therapy is the round marks left behind after treatment. Many people see people on TV with round marks and wrongfully assume they are bruises. These aren’t bruises and are more like hickies caused by the suction. This can give the misconception that cupping therapy is painful. On the contrary, many patients find cupping relaxing and satisfying when cups are released.

Not all the marks are the same; some are darker, while others are lighter. The scars left behind on the cups are more than just the result of cupping therapy. They can help you learn how you’re progressing and how long it takes to recover fully. The darker the mark, the longer for it to fade away. This also means more attention will be needed in that area. These marks often take about a week to fade. Lighter marks disappear entirely after a couple of days and tend to signify that that area is working correctly. 

What does Cupping Help with?

While most people look at cupping therapy to help with muscle pain in their back, cupping therapy has been used to help with a variety of conditions, such as:

  • Fevers
  • Poor Appetite
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Cramping
  • Leg Pain
  • Joint Pain
  • Headaches
  • Mental Health

For many conditions, cupping can help by increasing blood circulation. Nonetheless, you need to be able to clear out stagnation and toxins for the body to recover naturally. While cupping has shown beneficial effects on the physical health of a patient, due to the relaxing nature of cupping, it can help people with their mental health. By improving sleep quality, the body can physically and mentally recover better, alleviating stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

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 the Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Starting Myer’s Cocktail?

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We’ve all seen an IV drip on tv shows or in hospitals used to deliver fluids and medicine to patients. But the same kind of IV can be used therapeutically. Though instead of providing medication, Myer’s cocktail IV therapy offers a perfectly crafted blend of vitamins and minerals directly to the bloodstream for its beneficial properties.

It’s natural for you to have questions about how this is possible, and today we’ll try and answer the five questions patients have before starting Myer’s cocktail IV therapy.

What is Myers Cocktail IV therapy?

Myer’s cocktail IV therapy is a great way to administer a high dose of vitamins and minerals directly to the bloodstream so the body can use them immediately. The blend of vitamins and minerals in Myer’s cocktail includes Vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex, Magnesium, and Calcium—nutrients the body needs to manage energy levels and proper immune system health. As we get older, the way our bodies absorb nutrients begins to change. While for some people a simple multivitamin will suffice to keep their body in balance, some people may need to be more direct. IV therapy delivers the vitamins and minerals directly to the bloodstream, this means it completely bypasses the digestive system. This system can sometimes not absorb the nutrients at their fullest concentration; sometimes, the nutrients aren’t absorbed. By going straight to the bloodstream, the body can make immediate use of the vitamins and minerals and their fullest concentration providing their benefits quickly.

What is Myer’s Cocktail IV Therapy Good for?

The benefits of the Myer’s cocktail IV therapy are numerous and based on how out of balance the nutrient in one’s body is. Some of the benefits Myer’s cocktail can provide include:

  • Boosts Immune System
  • Improves Blood Circulation
  • Enhances Mood
  • Alleviates Migraines
  • Rehydrates
  • Helps with Hangovers
  • Fights Fatigue
  • Improves Skin Health
  • Promotes Relaxation
  • Reduces Anxiety and Stress

IV therapy can be incredibly versatile. Depending on each case, Myer’s cocktail IV therapy can help based on the body’s needs.

How Long Does Myer’s Cocktail Take to Work?

There isn’t an exact timeline for every patient. Everybody is unique and will respond differently. Once Myer’s cocktail IV therapy is administered, some patients report a difference within 30 to 45 minutes, usually the amount of time the body needs to absorb nutrients. However, some patients may require more time and visits to see a significant difference.

How Often Should I Do a Myer’s Cocktail IV Therapy Protocol?

This, too, depends on each person and condition. Typically the regularity of the IV therapy will be discussed. Some patients use Myer’s cocktail IV therapy to maintain a healthy lifestyle and may receive a session once or twice per month.

If you are doing IV therapy as a program for recovery, you may be recommended to receive more. Based on how you feel and how well you respond to treatment, visiting us at SOHMA twice weekly is recommended until your condition improves. After which, the frequency will be adjusted or terminated based on how you feel.

Does Myer’s Cocktail IV therapy have any Side Effects?

Trained professionals should always administer Myer’s cocktail IV therapy to reduce the risks of infections. Though much like many treatments, there is always an inherent risk. This is why you should communicate your medical history with our staff. Vitamins are natural and known to be safe, but the vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes in the IV blend may interact with prescribed medications. Some medications can have a contrasting effect with the nutrients provided in the IV therapy which can cause potentially unsafe conditions. It’s best practice to let us know what medication you’ve been prescribed, and we can let you know if there may be any potential harm.

Myer’s Cocktail Right for Me?

If you want to return to balance and play, ask us about Myer’s cocktail IV 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 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 Beac, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

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

When Should You Seek Physical Therapy?

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It doesn’t matter how athletic or stationary we are. Minor aches and pains can sneak up on us. If the pain doesn’t subside, physical therapy is available to help. For natural recovery, physical therapy is one of the best options. Uniquely designed for each patient, physical therapy has helped millions return to getting out of pain and balance.

Today we’ll go over what signs to look for, so you can better understand when to seek physical therapy.

Pre and Post Surgery

Surgery is frequently the last solution after all other options have been exhausted. To prepare for surgery, physical therapy may be recommended to you. Especially for those with a high probability of transfer to a rehabilitation center. Physical therapy has been shown to shorten patients’ stay at hospitals by reducing muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is usually one of the reasons that can delay a patient from returning to their home.

After surgery, physical therapy can help recover and regain mobility sooner. It also helps to ensure any surgical repairs or replacements will heal correctly. For many patients, physical therapy is used to manage pain. That way, they avoid using potentially dangerous and addictive pain medications.

Chronic Pain

Natural wear and tear is the most common chronic condition treated with physical therapy. This can be caused by aging, injury, or constant stress on a muscle or joint. This can include:

  • Tendonitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Muscle Tears and Sprains
  • Bone fractures
  • Tendon Damage
  • Arthritis
  • Back Pain

As well as conditions that affect the spine, such as scoliosis, stenosis, and herniated discs.

Although physical therapy can’t undo the damage caused by these conditions, it can help to strengthen muscles and joints. Flexibility training can help to diminish the damage caused by aging. Physical therapy is usually one of the preferred choices when dealing with long-term pain.

Primary Care Provider Suggestion

Although you can ask about physical therapy alone, when your primary care provider suggests physical therapy, you should take it seriously. They should have the best knowledge of your unique condition and issues. If physical therapy is a viable solution to your condition, it is wise to take their advice.

In California, it’s not required to have a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist; however, you should consider letting them know you will do physical therapy so they can understand how your condition is progressing.

After An Injury

Many injuries can be helped by physical therapy. Injuries such as ankle sprains, muscle strain, or tendonitis can happen to everyone, regardless of age, physical fitness, or activity level. After suffering the injury, it’s best practice to get it looked at by your primary care provider to understand the severity of the injury. Ruling out fractures and tears can allow a physical therapist to provide a personalized program to help heal the injury. This program will need to be followed closely. If the patient doesn’t follow the program accordingly, progress may not be seen, resulting in the injury not healing correctly and chronic pain. In the worst case scenario, surgery may even be required. 

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 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.