SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

SOHMA Long Beach

How to Use Tai Chi for Mood Improvement

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Free Tai Chi Classes in Long Beach Ca

Did you know that there exists a martial art that can help with improving your mood? 

Yes, you heard that right, a martial art that can improve your mood. The best part is that it’s low intensity making it perfect for anyone who is willing to give it a chance and as you will later see, completely free.

Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art, can be beneficial in many different aspects of life. Whether it is to get a work out, reduce stress, increase mobility, flexibility or improve your mood. 

In this article we are going to mainly focus on how Tai Chi can be beneficial in improving your mood as well as why it is important for your mental health to not let the stresses of your life affect or dictate your attitude and outlook on life.

What is Tai Chi?

Let us start with some basic questions, what is Tai Chi? Why is it being practiced now?

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art dating back thousands of years, in which practitioners perform different poses while taking in deep breaths.

The practice of Tai Chi in modern times has become a very popular form of low impact exercise for people of any age group or physical fitness. The simple reason being that due to the calming nature of the practice it  is sometimes referred to as meditation in motion

By coordinating mental focus, deep rhythmic breathing and body postures it has been shown that Tai Chi has beneficial effects on both your physical and psychological well being. Such as increased mobility and stamina as well as reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Why is it Important to Improve My Mood?

Improvement in mood is not as shallow as being able to tolerate people you work with or not getting upset at other drivers on the road.

Well it does also mean those things, but more importantly actively improving your mood helps you feel more in control. Because you are taking an active role in your own treatment, you will see improvement in your self esteem as well as your confidence.

Your mood affects your mental health, your mental health affects every part of your life; It affects your physical health, relationships and how you feel about yourself. Poor mental health has been linked with many mood disorders such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Bipolar Disorder

 As well as physical issues like:

  • Digestive disorders
  • Lack of energy
  • Heart disease 
  • Headache
  • Stomachache

So why Choose Tai Chi?

It is well documented that exercise of any kind and meditation help improve your mood and mental health as well as your physical health.

But why choose to practice Tai Chi over hitting the gym? Great question! I’m glad you asked.

Tai Chi combines both exercise and meditation making it a very efficient exercise, with many people seeing positive results by practicing as little as one hour a week. Tai Chi also has a very low barrier of entry. No special uniform or equipment is necessary, just some comfortable clothes and shoes with no heels.

Not to mention classes are completely free. We offer free Tai Chi classes for beginners and students of any level. Feel free to ask the staff at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA about our free Tai Chi classes. You are also welcomed to watch one of our free classes at Heartwell Park in Long Beach CA, right around the duck pond.

Ultimately the decision is in your hands to better your mood and mental health. We are here to give you the best options we can offer without the use of pharmaceuticals or other drugs.

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.

Reduce the Stress In Your Life Through the Traditional Martial Art of Tai Chi

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Practicing Tai Chi for Less than 1 Hour Weekly Can Lead to Stress Reduction

You may have seen it at your local park or gyms, a slow moving martial art practiced by students of every age and fitness level.

Why is it so popular? 

What benefits does it have?  

Today we will take a deep dive into the traditional Chinese martial art known as Tai Chi. How Tai Chi can be used to reduce stress, as well as why it is important to minimize stress in your daily life.

How Does Stress Affect You?

Symptoms of stress can be affecting your health without you noticing it. You may be blaming headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, upset stomach or fatigue on an illness, when stress may actually be the cause. These symptoms may cause other effects on your mood and emotional health such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Lack of focus
  • Irritability
  • Depression

It is very important to your health to try to actively manage your stress, as it can spiral into many other negative behaviors in order to cope with it, examples may be:

  • Heavy Drinking
  • Smoking
  • Over/Under Eating
  • Social Withdrawal
  • Anger Issues

Slow and Steady to Manage Stress

When life is stressful we often look for the quick fix. Who can blame us right? We are constantly seeing messages for programs like “6 minute abs” and “1 hour taxes”. It makes sense we like to get things done quickly.

Reducing stress can often be achieved through a slow and steady process. 

Tai Chi may help you find the quiet and calm you may be looking for. Often called meditation in motion because you combine controlled breathing with slow movements. Once you enter a state of mindfulness you begin to relax and reduce some of the built up stress you may be carrying.

A Simple Way to Get Started in Tai Chi…Absolutely FREE

The best way to learn how to practice Tai Chi is by taking a class. Your level of fitness does not matter, and you can always perform the movements within your limits when you start. Seeing a teacher performing the actions and receiving feedback alongside other students are all advantages to learning. We offer free Tai Chi classes for any level of students and we welcome beginners. Feel free to ask the staff at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA about our free Tai Chi classes.

Long Term Benefits of Tai Chi

What are some of the long term benefits of Tai Chi? Many people have reported a significant improvement in their quality of sleep as well as a decrease in anxiety and panic attacks with as little as 2 days of Tai Chi classes a week for a couple months.

It has been expressed that slow mindful breaths, accompanied with the slow movements of Tai Chi have a positive effect on the nervous system and hormones that regulate mood. Which may help you relax and recover from built up muscle tension due to stress.

Tai Chi is also a very safe form of exercise. Because of its slow moving nature, people who suffer from heart disease or are physically limited can get regular physical activity. Consistent Tai Chi practice may help with weight control, increased physical activity and overall life quality improvement.

Is Tai Chi Right for Me?

Tai Chi is an excellent option for everyone. Due to the nature of the martial art practice it is available to anybody, at any age or any fitness level. If you still have any questions on whether or not Tai Chi is the right option to manage your stress, feel free to watch one of our free classes at Heartwell Park in Long Beach CA (by the duck pond). If you feel comfortable you are alway welcome to join our free community Tai Chi class for beginners.

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.

Acute Muscle Spasms and the Use of the Myer’s cocktail

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Muscle Cramps and Muscles

Have you ever felt a sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle? This is most commonly known as a muscle spasm, a charlie horse or a cramp. Most frequently it is a simple muscle cramp which can occasionally be accompanied by a sudden burst of pain. Muscle cramps are usually harmless and end within a few minutes.

Although they are generally harmless, frequent occurrences can definitely be irritating. Due to their sudden nature, they can abruptly interrupt an otherwise relaxing day. In this article we will focus on what causes acute muscle spasms and how Myer’s Cocktail can be used in order to help alleviate and prevent future symptoms

Muscle Spasm

A muscle spasm goes by many names such as a muscle cramp, a witch, or a charlie horse. A very common occurrence, they tend to be very uncomfortable and painful. Many people would agree that if they had the choice, they would rather not have that experience again. Muscle spasms occur for many reasons, most notably:

  • Muscle Pain
  • Muscle Fatigue
  • Muscle Overuse
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Low Electrolytes
  • Pinched Nerve

Though usually muscle spasms only cause discomfort, there are rare occasions when it is recommended visiting your primary medical provider if the pain persists for extended periods of time, have leg swelling, redness or other skin changes. As these can be symptoms of something more serious.

Causes of Muscle Spasms

Many times when you suffer a muscle spasm the cause is an oversight on our part either due to working too hard or working out too hard. Maybe you didn’t take enough breaks during work. Perhaps you forgot to stretch prior to exercising or maybe you went past your limits and this is an unwanted reward for your achievement. It is not uncommon for people to not hydrate enough while at the gym as well.

Other times it can be due to stressing in life or anxiety over events happening in the world or personal life.

What is the Myer’s Cocktail

The Myer’s Cocktail is a blend of vitamins and minerals including: magnesium, calcium, vitamin B complex and vitamin C. These are delivered via an IV drip, Meaning that by bypassing the digestive system you gain the benefits of the nutrients faster and at a more concentrated dose which shows results faster.

How does Myer’s Cocktail Help with Muscle Spasms?

Firstly since the Myers Cocktail is delivered intravenously through an IV drip, it rapidly re-hydrates the body, which can help your muscles loosen up.

Vitamin B complex is made up of multiple sets of B vitamins which the body uses to restore energy levels, promote cellular health and aid with proper nerve function. Vitamin B complex has also been shown to lift your spirits and improve cognitive effectiveness which helps with reducing stress and anxiety.

Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient that the body uses to develop and repair most muscle tissue. This can improve recovery and help with repairing the overused or fatigued muscles.

Is the Myer’s Cocktail the Right Treatment for Me?

Myer’s Cocktail can be the solution to your acute muscle spasm. But for us to be certain it is, we invite you to contact us at SOHMA at Long Beach Ca, so we can schedule a one on one consultation to discuss treatments. Or if you are unsure of anything regarding the Myer’s 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 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 Benefits of Ozone Therapy

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How Ozone Can Help You

Ozone, I’m sure you have heard of this gas consisting of 3 oxygen atoms. It is most commonly found in earth’s atmosphere creating a layer that protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. 

But did you know ozone can be used therapeutically? At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach California we offer ozone injection therapy which can be used for a variety of ailments, or a boost of energy. Ozone has anti-inflammatory properties and also acts as a disinfectant, preventing viral replication and killing bacteria. In this article we will look at five other amazing benefits ozone therapy has.

Fortified Immune System

The immune system is the main line of defense to protect your body from viral and bacterial infections. With age comes the decline of your natural immunities. Ozone has amazing anti-inflammatory properties which helps the body be ready to naturally fight off pathogens. 

In a short 30 minute session, the immune system becomes stimulated to aid healing. This Improves your blood circulation and cleans your arteries from potential viral and bacterial infection by oxidizing the toxins.

Inflammation can lead to an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. This is called oxidative stress and is associated with pain and irritation. Inflammatory and pain related ailments and can be greatly improved with ozone therapy.

Detoxification

Toxins build up in the body of everyone, even when taking necessary precautions. Toxins, when built up in the body, can have many adverse effects including the body’s ability to heal itself. Exercise and an improved diet helps to slow down the accumulation of toxins, though a build up can be unavoidable. Ozone therapy detoxification can help with:

  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Joint Pain
  • Allergies
  • Skin Conditions
  • Digestive Issues
  • Insomnia

Pain Relief from Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting over 30 million adults in the United States. Most frequently occurring in the hands, hips and knees. This degenerative joint disease caused pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion in the affected areas. 

Although there is no cure for the damage caused by osteoarthritis, the symptoms can be managed with ozone therapy. Due to ozone’s anti-inflammatory properties it can help reduce swelling, reduce tension in the joints which provides pain relief and increased flexibility.

Helping to improve the quality of life of people suffering from arthritis as well as giving people the ability to delay or avoid more invasive treatment such as surgery is our end goal.

Heart Disease

Tightness in the chest can be experienced by people with heart conditions and the feeling of lightheadedness occurs when there is low oxygen saturation in your blood. Ozone therapy can increase the oxygen saturation in red blood cells, which allows more oxygen to be delivered to the heart and other tissue.

In cases of blood clots, the clumping of red blood cells makes it difficult for blood to flow through the smaller capillaries. This decreases blood flow and oxygen to vital organs, ozone therapy can fit through the smallest of blood vessels and helps prevent the clotting.

Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal Properties

Viral infections like the flu and cold affect people every year, especially during the holiday season. Once infected with a virus there is no pill to eliminate it. Though you can take medicine to fight the symptoms, the virus itself is left to run its course. 

As ozone has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties it can be used to reduce the number of viral replications in your body. This results in a shorter period of feeling under the weather.

Ozone therapy has also been used to resolve bacterial infection within a couple of days after treatment.

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.