SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

SOHMA Long Beach

Herbal Pharmacies and How They Can Help Your Health Routine

by

What Are Herbal Pharmacies?

Herbs and herbal medicine have been used for thousands of years to not only treat ancient illnesses and injuries, but in recent ones as well. In modern times pharmaceuticals have become the more common choice for most people, but herbal remedies have been used by others looking for alternative medicine.

Maintaining a healthy routine is one of the most difficult aspects of living a healthy life. Herbal pharmacies are another tool you can use to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Although you can go to dedicated herbal pharmacies like the one at SOHMA Integrative Medicine Center, you can also buy many herbs at your local supermarket. Many common herbs can be added to your health routine in order to elevate your lifestyle.

Elevate Your Lifestyle With Common Herbs

Having a poor diet is very common in our extremely busy lives. Poor eating habits can include both over and under eating, basically not having enough healthy foods required for a balanced diet, or consuming foods with low fibre and high in fat and or sugar. Poor diets can impair your daily wellbeing, health, and reduce your ability to lead an active and enjoyable life. Stress, exhaustion and capacity to work long term can be short term issues poor nutrition can cause. It can also lead to other illnesses and health problems like:

  • Eating Disorders
  • Depression
  • Cancers
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Tooth Decay

A simple way of elevating your lifestyle to be more healthy is by including common herbs that can be store bought at a local supermarket in your everyday meal. Herbs like chives and garlic have been positively linked with cancer prevention. Studies have shown that compounds in garlic help DNA repair itself, not only slowing the growth of cancer cells but also decreasing inflammation. While ginger and dandelion are great for maintaining a healthy digestive system due to its ability to help neutralize and disperse the build up of oxidative cases that can cause stomach pains and cramps. Cinnamon can help regulate your blood sugar by imitating the effects of insulin to increase glucose transport into cells. Rosemary and parsley are not only delicious flavors, but also help with keeping your heart healthy.

Modern and Traditional Medicine

Herbalists should not replace a health professional or doctor, but may be used as a complementary treatment. Sometimes you may visit a herbalist for non medicinal treatments like consultation about lifestyle habits to reduce stress, pain, or help with your sleeping habits which is an important part of overall body recovery.

Modern pharmaceuticals and traditional herbal therapy have many commonalities. Over half of modern medicine was either inspired or derived from traditional herbal remedies.

Although most herbs bought in local stores are regarded as safe, they are not usually the same for everyone. Depending on your condition, physic, constitution and overall health, a consultation with a trained herbalist is recommended.

Before you make a consultation we recommend you first get a diagnosis from your primary care provider. A problem well stated is a problem half solved. Meaning that knowing what the root of the problem is, is equally as important as the treatment itself.

Once the root of the issue is found, consult with a professional herbalist who understands the contradictions of herbs and any adverse reactions that can occur when crossing herbs and the medications.

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 Reasons To Take Up IV Therapy

by

IV Therapy Session

How Can IV Therapy Help You?

In the 1960’s Dr John Myer developed a non-prescription IV solution with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Though originally marketed as an overall wellness remedy and hangover cure, today the Myers cocktail is used thousands of times a week for a variety of reasons, as well as the original wellness remedy and hangover cure.

Intravenous therapy, IV therapy for short, is a delivery method of fluids, vitamins, and/or medications. Ingesting supplements conventionally means the digestive system needs to metabolize the nutrients which significantly reduces the amount of said nutrients that end up in the bloodstream, and at a much slower rate. As you age, the body reduces its ability to absorb crucial nutrients due to the change in your metabolism. By administering fluids directly through an IV while bypassing the digestive system IV drips ensure the most efficient absorption of the nutrients for maximum effect, with minimal waste. Therefore IV therapy  can administer a much higher, more concentrated dose of fluids, nutrients, and medications that could be taken orally. There are many reasons to take up IV therapy some include:

  • Detoxification
  • Increasing Energy Levels 
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Hydration
  • Migraines
  • Promotes Faster Weight Loss
  • Promotes Cardiovascular Health
  • Promotes Relaxation and Eases Anxiety

Often used by athletes, In modern times more and more people have shown interest in this type of therapy.

Detoxification

For people who live in major cities, your body is regularly being exposed to toxins such as pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides, heavy metals, alcohol and more. Having too many toxins in your body can leave you feeling sluggish and low on energy. It is very important for people trying to avoid an unhealthy lifestyle to consider a Myers Cocktail for detoxification.

Increased Energy Levels

IV vitamin therapy provides your body with a natural boost of energy, with amino acids, calcium, magnesium, vitamins c and b complex. A Myers cocktail blend can help prevent you from constantly reaching out for heavily caffeinated energy drinks or soda that could otherwise flood your body with unwanted chemicals and sugars.

Respiratory Problems

Living in densely populated cities has an increased probability of having breathing issues like bronchitis and asthma due to pollution. Although IV therapy can not cure these conditions, Myers cocktails infusion of vitamins and minerals has been found to be effective against acute asthma attacks. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can reduce the oxidative stress on the bronchi which may reduce hypersensitivity to common asthma triggers.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Many people suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, which usually happens when people are overloaded mentally, physically or emotionally. Some people experience recurring pain like sore throat, headaches, muscle and joint pain. Although the cause of these symptoms is unclear, they can be managed. A few research studies show a lack of magnesium in either the red blood cells or the bloodstream despite normal blood levels. With direct access to the blood steam the Myers Cocktail can deliver the necessary vitamins and minerals to help ease symptoms and boost your energy levels.

Hydration

Your body needs to be hydrated to function properly, dehydration can lead to loss of strength and stamina, feeling dizzy or lightheaded or generally feeling tired. Excessive heat, long periods of exercise or even a long night of drinking can all show symptoms of dehydration. Saline which is what delivers the nutrients to your body replenishes the electrolytes and fluids lost while sweating. The B vitamins in Myers cocktail gives you a boost of energy and relieve dizziness and nausea.

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 Benefits of Acupuncture

by

3 Benefits of Acupuncture

The thought of having needles poking you sounds terrifying on paper, but acupuncture needles are very small and as thin as a human hair. This traditional chinese therapy has many mental and physical benefits. Once the needles reach their intended depth you may feel a slight tingling sensation and the feelings of warmth may arise from the acupuncture points.

By stimulating specific pressure zones in your body, it is said to balance your energy, what would be referred to as qi (pronounced chi) by Chinese medicine practitioners. This in turn causes the chemicals in your body to release into your muscles, spinal cord, and brain and these changes may promote physical and emotional well-being by stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities. This results based therapy has been making a difference in the lives of many of its patients.

The short and long term benefits of acupuncture have been seen time and time again. Research suggests that it can relieve pain, and it is also used for a wide range of other ailments, like:

  • Headaches
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Sprains

So much so that many insurance providers now cover acupuncture therapy and saving yourself potentially hundreds if not thousands of dollars. All without the need of invasive surgeries or drugs.

At SOHMA Integrative Medicine, our acupuncture specialists are trained in this traditional alternative medicine. Our SOHMA specialists assist the body by unlocking its natural healing abilities, relaxing the muscles, and alleviating tensions from repetitive motions from your day-to-day life.

Let’s explore the top three benefits you may enjoy after starting your acupuncture therapy.

Benefit # 1 Reduction of Back and Joint Pain

Whether it’s because of work, sports, or an accident, this traditional acupuncture can be beneficial in the recovery process by targeting the points meant to release tension in your neck, and along your back.

This relaxes the muscles which helps alleviate some pain that would otherwise hold back your recovery process. If you’re suffering from stiffness, swelling or joint pain, acupuncture can be a beneficial medicine to reduce these conditions without the need for conventional medicines or drugs.

Acupuncture can sometimes be so beneficial it may prevent invasive surgeries.

Benefit # 2 Sleep quality and headaches

A good night’s sleep and overall rest is incredibly important when it comes to recovery. Nearly 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder, insomnia being the most common. By focusing on specific pressure points, usually around nerves, the needles can stimulate said nerves to release hormones like endorphins which is the body’s natural pain killer. This in turn helps with relaxing the mind and maintaining a more consistent sleeping experience, a very important part of the recovery process.

Benefit #3 Carpal tunnel syndrome

In this current day and age people of all ages are in front of a computer for longer periods of time. It could be that you are going to school online from home or maybe you have been playing too many video games out of boredom.

Perhaps you are clocking in extra hours from your new home office. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be far more common than we are willing to admit. Over 8 million people are affected with carpal tunnel syndrome each year. Acupuncture has been shown to improve sensory and motor functions, as well as aiding in the repair of nerves that are often damaged due to repetitive motion. Acupuncture helps with the symptoms related to carpal tunnel like numbness, pain, and tingling sensations.

Take the next step in improving your health by contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine. Our trained Acupuncture specialists want to help you recover in the most natural way possible. Remember that sometimes your body needs a little push in order to begin healing.

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 Long Beach as well as neighboring cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health and 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 if we are right for you. Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from Long Beach and the surrounding cities.

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

4 Questions Every Patient Should Ask Their Chiropractor

by

Chiropractor Consultation

Going to a new doctor can be intimidating. It can even be scary. If it’s your first time visiting a chiropractor you may have heard legends of “neck cracking” and “pulling machines”. It’s ok to be nervous or even scared.

At SOHMA we want you to feel comfortable. We encourage you to ask questions about how all of the doctors and staff are going to help you heal. We have put together a list of questions that have been asked of us and ones we feel every patient should know.

When you come and visit us please feel free to ask us any of these questions or any questions that concern your health treatment.

#1 Is there ever a time you would refer me to a different doctor?

Our goal is to treat you and help you recover. Sometimes we can help you get to a level that is better than you ever thought possible. With all of that said there are times we might have to refer you to a doctor for additional tests that we cannot do at our facility. There may be times that we would refer a patient for surgery if that is the only option that is left to them. Rest assured our primary goal is your health and care. Whatever it takes to help you we are going to do. Throughout your treatment we will always advise you of your options and what is available to you.

#2 How many visits will I need to feel better?

We have discovered that some chiropractors recommend a certain number of visits. They instruct patients that they must come to 3,5, 10, or some other number as part of the program. Our approach at SOHMA is to treat you in a manner where your overall health improves and continues to improve. Each Chiropractor at our office will go over your treatment plan and what they anticipate happening. Some individuals heal faster than others. The important issue is that we make sure your treatment program is custom tailored to you and your needs. Please ask us how many visits we believe it will take and we are happy to have that discussion with you.

#3 How long do I have to wait for an appointment?

No one likes waiting. At SOHMA we respect your time. Our goal is to keep all patients on time and to reduce waiting time to a minimum. That happens because our patients know to arrive on time or even slightly early for their appointments. Rest assured you will never feel rushed during your appointment. The goal is to improve your health and those who choose to have SOHMA help with their needs.

#4 Will I ever have to get an X-Ray?

We believe that Chiropractors should have X-ray machines as part of their facilities. It is important to get a diagnosis for each patient as accurately as possible. One of the methods to do this is to take x-rays when there is a question. If a Chiropractor doesn’t have X-rays as part of their diagnosis methods that should be of concern to you as a patient. We have discovered over our years and 1,000’s of patients here at SOHMA that there are plenty of times an X-Ray is needed. As with all of our care and treatment options we will always go over what your treatment options are and how they affect you specifically.

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 Long Beach and the surrounding cities.

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

5 Reasons to Find a Chiropractor In Long Beach

by

Chiropractor Consultation

You might be thinking “Great, some Chiropractor telling me I need to use them!” Rest assured the #1 concern we have here at SHOMA Integrative medicine is your health. Whether you use us or another qualified medical professional isn’t the issue. Our concern is to raise the level of health in our fine city of Long Beach, CA.

Before we dig into the details, allow me to share with you a story of a client who visited me years ago (you just might relate).

“I thought all chiropractors did was crack a few necks, weren’t real doctors, and really didn’t do much”.

I wish I could tell you that this was the first time I heard this type of messaging however it was not. If that is how you feel it’s ok. Discover how chiropractic care might benefit you. What you will discover is that at SOHMA Integrative Medicine we are more than just Chiropractic care, however for today let’s dig into a few reasons you might want to consider starting a chiropractic regime.

You Have Regular Back and Neck Pain and Want to Avoid Taking Pills to Handle the Pain

We aren’t against modern medicine however many of our patients come to us being tired of filling prescriptions. They want a different way of life. They are searching for a way that they aren’t dependent on pills to take away their pain.

Many of our patients come to us after having tried multiple doctors or even other chiropractors to handle their neck and back pain.

Oddly enough it’s not just car accidents (which is what many think) can cause neck and back pain. Here at our office we have seen folks develop back and neck pain from:

  • Sleeping wrong on a consistent basis (one of our clients routinely falls asleep sitting straight up in a chair and it led to neck pain)
  • Weekend warriors who push their bodies to the limit and don’t have the same mobility that they used to when they were 20 years younger
  • Lifting heavy objects on a routine basis with the incorrect form either at work or at home

If you are experiencing neck or back pain on a regular basis and your current treatment isn’t working as you desired it might be worth looking into alternative treatment options.

Stress is Causing You Issues and Your Current Treatment Methods are Not Reducing Your Stress Levels

Many of us have had the vision that we just want to disappear to an island where stress doesn’t exist. It’s a pretty sweet dream! Before you sell all of your belongings and disappear to an island we would invite you to discover how to manage your stress.

How does chiropractic care help with stress?

Part of chiropractic care is management of pain throughout the body. Pain in the body causes stress. When you can move without less pain or even no pain you will discover how your level of stress goes down. The body doesn’t want to manage consistent pain. One of the best methods is to discover how to reduce the pain so the body can focus on other items.

You Are An Athlete Who Wants to Improve Your Performance

We have yet to meet an athlete at our Long Beach, CA location who didn’t want to improve their performance. We have runners, triathletes, cyclists, gymnasts, football, soccer, track and more who come to our location.

One of the reasons they come to us is they are seeking an edge in performance. One particular triathlete had shoulder pain when he was down in his drops on the bike. This is a problem for racing and training.

What he discovered after a few sessions:

  • We were able to help him increase his mobility that reduced the pain
  • The bike was not quite fit to his specific body type and some adjustments to the bike also help reduce his pain
  • We provided him with additional exercises to help the muscles that could help support his body during racing and training

One of the benefits of our staff and chiropractors is they are individuals who have a wide variety of interests. Many are dedicated athletes who continue to train for events and they bring that passion to helping our patients.

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 Long Beach and the surrounding cities.

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