SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

SOHMA Long Beach

What is the Difference Between Herbal Medicine and Pharmaceutical Medicine?

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Herbal Medicine and Pharmaceuticals Medicine are effective but each has its place and uses.

For many years people have wondered what the difference between herbal and conventional medicine is, and you’d be surprised to learn that they are as different as they are similar. When it comes to our health, knowing when to forgo pharmaceuticals for natural herbal medicine is incredibly important.

But what are the differences? What are the similarities? Today we’re going to do our best to distinguish herbal remedies and pharmaceuticals so you can make a better-informed decision when it comes to your health.

Organic vs Synthetic

The biggest and most notable difference is natural herbal medicine is organic and only lightly processed. Whereas pharmaceuticals can be synthetic even if the active ingredient was derived from a natural source. 

For thousands of years, people have used herbal medicine and remedies to treat and cure ailments. Only in relatively recent years have pharmaceuticals become more trusted than traditional herbal remedies. Products made from plants and used exclusively for internal use are called herbal supplements. Herbal supplements can be sold as dried herbs, in powdered form, capsules, or in liquid form and are meant to be swallowed as capsules, tinctures, or powdered. They can be brewed in teas or applied topically or added to a warm bath.

Although the use of herbal medicine has become more popular with American consumers, due to lax regulation on herbal supplements you need to be sure you’re buying from a reputable source, with a well-known history of quality products. Unknown processing conditions can result in diluted or contaminated supplements which can make it difficult to receive the correct dosage for desired effects. The herbal supplements we carry at SOHMA are held to the highest standards of quality and reliability. You can have peace of mind when buying from our herbal pharmacy.

Healing Pace

Pharmaceuticals are designed to work quickly to suppress symptoms of the condition they’re treating. Making the time required to see desired results with herbal medicine seem much slower in comparison. In some cases, the speed of pharmaceuticals is necessary to keep patients healthy. 

Herbal medicine and supplements work slower because they are meant to resolve and heal the underlying cause of the problem. This process takes time which can make herbal remedies less effective during emergency situations. Herbal medicines have amazing healing capabilities which need time to be able to be effective at dealing with the root causes of your condition.

Information

Because herbal supplements are not regulated the way pharmaceuticals are, less information is known about herbal remedies. Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals that you can purchase over the counter at any drugstore and all the information is on the bottle, you’ll need to educate yourself and learn as much as you can about the herbs you are going to be taking. For example, St. John’s Wort can be used as an antidepressant but when used with some contraceptive drugs may result in irregular bleeding or unplanned pregnancy, while valerian which is used as a sleep aid among other things isn’t likely to have adverse effects.

Have a conversation with your herbal pharmacist, and primary care provider to better inform yourself about any adverse reaction you may have if you would be combining herbal remedies and prescribed medicine or what if any side effects you should expect from the herbal medicine. As previously stated, herbal supplements aren’t regulated the way pharmaceuticals are, meaning you need to research the company that is making your supplements if you’re not buying from a trustworthy herbal pharmacy.

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.

4 Potential Disadvantages of Herbal Medicine

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Herbal medicine is an alternative treatment for common ailments. When used correctly it can alleviate many pains but always use them under supervision.

Just because something is natural or is derived from a natural source like a plant doesn’t always mean it is safe for consumption. You can accidentally give yourself serious health problems if you are careless. There are always some precautions you should take before buying or consuming herbal medicine.

 SOHMA recommends, that anyone who is looking to add herbal supplements or remedies as part of their health program should consult with medically trained professionals to mitigate risks. Today we’re going to go over the potential disadvantages of herbal medicine and how to avoid those shortcomings.

Adverse Interactions with Pharmaceuticals

This applies to those who have to take prescribed medicines. Many times it’s difficult to understand how some herbal medicines react with medicines that have been prescribed by a primary care provider. Feel free to ask the helpful staff at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA any questions regarding how our herbal supplements may interact with any prescribed medicine you may be taking. Before deciding on a herbal medicine healing program, consult with your herbal pharmacist and primary care provider to reduce the risk of adverse interactions between your medications and herbal supplements.

The interactions between herbal medicine and pharmaceuticals may seem insignificant to some, and in many cases, it can be. Though when pharmaceuticals and herbal medicine share similar side effects it can cause side effects to exhibit worse symptoms. Examples of adverse interactions are with St. John’s wort, which is commonly used to help treat depression and menopausal symptoms, when taken with contraceptive drugs can cause in irregular bleeding or unplanned pregnancy. Or if you are taking blood-thinning medication like warfarin or aspirin you should try to avoid cranberry and ginkgo biloba as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Lack of Regulation

With the growing use of herbal medicines, the lack of or eased regulations for herbal medicine makes it difficult for consumers to reliably buy safe herbal medicine. The herbal supplements we carry at SOHMA are held to the highest standards of quality and reliability. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, herbal medicine does not have as strict an inspection for safety or efficacy. There exist many companies that are just in it for themselves and take advantage of less fortunate people. The lack of dosage instructions required for claimed effects may not be properly stated. Unknown growing and processing conditions can result in a contaminated or diluted product.

It is extremely important to only purchase from reputable sources which are known for working efficiently and have a history of producing quality products.

Unknown Side-effects

Due to the previously stated lack of regulation with herbal medicine and supplements, herbal medicine can cause side effects that patients may not be aware of. Side effects can include the following:

  • Rashes
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Agitation
  • Dry Mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Severe side effects have been reported as well including liver damage and seizures. Because of this we cannot stress enough to buy from a reputable source. Consider new symptoms as potential side effects from herbal medicine and communicate with your primary care provider and herbal pharmacist to discuss how to proceed.

Slower Healing than Pharmaceuticals

The time required to see results is varied though usually, it’s much slower than pharmaceuticals. Herbal medicine and supplements work to resolve and heal the root cause of the problem which takes time. Herbal medicines have amazing healing capabilities but are not as effective in dealing with emergency situations.  Many over-the-counter pharmaceuticals repress a bodily function that triggers symptoms of diseases or infections. Herbal medicine takes more time because it is attempting to heal the root cause of your condition.

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.

How Long Do Joint Injections Last?

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Injection treatment is a great therapy that continues to work for months.

Aging, injury and just natural wear and tear will begin to degrade your muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and cartilage. This damage can be accelerated due to compound injuries, diet and diseases like cancer and diabetes. Luckily there is help in the form of joint injections. At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA we offer HCT/P (Human Cellular Tissue Products)  as well as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections.

Today we’re going to cover what HCT/P and PRP injections are, what they can help treat and how long they last.

Joint Injections

As previously stated, joint injections at SOHMA come in the form of PRP and HCT/P injections. Though not all injuries and conditions can be treated with joint injections and sometimes surgery may be required.

PRP therapy processes the patient’s blood and separates the platelet-infused plasma from the red blood cells. After the platelet-rich plasma is separated, it is drawn from the vial and injected into the areas in need of healing support like muscle tissue, joints, or other soft tissues. PRP has also been used to help patients recover from surgery quicker, reducing recovery times by days or weeks.

HCT/P is a modern approach to healthcare that attempts the patient’s body to repair itself by regenerating and reconstructing its own tissues in order to regain some of its natural functions. HCT/P injections encourage the healing of damaged tissue. After the HCT/P is injected into the affected area, it will help in reducing further inflammation and stimulate your own tissue and cells to regenerate. Once a cell is damaged, it generates a signal that attracts the HCT/P. Over the following days the HCT/Ps may rejuvenate and replace damaged cells forming new tissue and helping relieve pain and regain mobility.

How Long for Joint Injections to Work?

Like many things in life, this isn’t a simple question to answer, as it depends on the injury and the patient’s reaction to the treatment.

Depending on the patient’s condition, PRP injections can begin to show noticeable results between 2 weeks for mild injuries or chronic pain and around 4 to 6 weeks for more serious injuries.

Much like PRP therapy, HCT/P injections also vary depending on the condition of the patient. Because the body is making new cells and tissue, some patients will notice results sooner than others.  Typical signs of improvement begin within 6 to 8 weeks after treatment begins, though it all depends what condition is being treated, if the patient is following treatment properly and how well the body responds to the HTC/P injections.

How Long Do Joint Injections Last?

Well, it depends. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t very simple. Every person’s body is unique and will respond differently to treatment. Though typically PRP injections continue to work for 6 to 9 months. Throughout that time the PRP will continue to help the body in healing soft tissue. If after the first PRP injection the results are satisfactory, and you feel relief from pain further treatment may not be necessary. Though it is not uncommon for patients to need multiple injections for best results.

When it comes to HCT/P, due to new tissue being created some patients will take longer to feel a significant reduction in pain, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that treatment isn’t working. When successful, HCT/P treatment has shown to reduce or eliminate pain long-term. Though it is possible for some patients to need more than one treatment of HCT/P. When a patient does not see any improvement to their condition after many months, repeating the treatment may be recommended. 

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 are the Types of IV Therapy

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Vitamin Therapy IV Drip Infusion In Man Blood

Before getting into the types of iv therapy, let’s first talk about what is IV therapy. You probably know that IV drips are traditionally used in hospitals in order to administer fluids and medicines directly to the patient’s bloodstream. IV therapy is essentially the same thing with the exception that instead of medicine you are being administered fluids, nutrients, or ozone. 

At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach we offer two forms of IV therapy, the Myer’s cocktail, and Ozone therapy. Join us as we go through why IV therapy is growing in popularity and the benefits of these IV therapies.

Rapid Absorption

When consuming supplements orally it is unlikely that you are absorbing all the nutrients you think you may be consuming. The reason being is when consumed orally your body digests and metabolizes the supplements which significantly reduces the amounts of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that enter the bloodstream. 

With IV therapy, you bypass the digestive system. When nutrients are administered directly to the bloodstream via IV, your body can make use of the fluids and nutrients immediately. Many patients notice a boost of energy, relaxed with less tension as well as improvement in their mood.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone is typically thought of as a gas in the upper atmosphere that protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. But it can be used therapeutically as well. Ozone has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and can act as a disinfectant. Ozone therapy aids the body in preventing tissue damage and improves local blood circulation. 

The immune system can become stimulated to aid healing after a short 30-minute session. Improved blood circulation through Ozone therapy may clean your arteries from potential viral and bacterial infections by oxidizing the toxins. Inflammation can cause oxidative stress which can cause pain and irritation. Ozone therapy can bring balance caused by oxidative stress and greatly improve pain caused by inflammation.

Even when taking necessary precautions, toxins build up in the body of everyone. Usually caused when absorbing pollution from smoke, heavy metals, or other chemicals in our daily lives. When built up in the body these toxins can have many adverse effects including the body’s ability to heal itself. Improving your diet and exercising can slow down the accumulation of toxins, though when living in a big city, a build-up can be unavoidable. Ozone therapy detoxification can help with:

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

The Myer’s Cocktail

The Myer’s cocktail is a perfectly crafted blend of Vitamin C, B Complex, Magnesium, and Calcium delivered via IV drip. Usually as one gets older their body loses the ability to absorb nutrients the way it did when it was younger. Your body begins to need different nutrients and vitamins which are often necessary to manage proper immune system health and energy levels. 

IV therapy dispenses a high dose of vitamins directly to the bloodstream without causing any significant discomfort. The blend of vitamins and nutrients can be used by the patient’s body to:

  • Boost Immune System
  • Ease Anxiety
  • Promote Relaxation
  • Hydrate
  • Aid with Migraine Pains
  • Detoxify the Body

The Myer’s cocktail has been frequently used to aid in the treatment of respiratory problems, migraine, fatigue, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. If you need more information feel free to ask the helpful staff at SOHMA any questions you may have.

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 are The Top 10 Herbal Medicines

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Herbal medicine has been around for centuries and are the building blocks to modern medicine.

Herbal medicines are the oldest remedies used by people. For a long time, modern pharmaceuticals pushed herbal medicines to the wayside, but recently there has been an increase in popularity for herbal medicines again. The reason being is they are more affordable and easier to obtain than typical pharmaceutical medicine. 

Herbal medicine is typically safe to consume but we at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA recommend you consult a professional herbalist in assisting you when looking for extensive treatment. As they will be knowledgeable in what herbs can negatively counteract with each other, or other medicines you may be taking. 

Join us, as we talk about 10 herbs with medicinal properties that can be helpful in reducing pain, recovery and healing.

Garlic

Garlic has been used in cooking for as long as it has been used as a herbal remedy. Garlic has been used as a supplement for conditions associated with heart and blood vessels. Commonly used in patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The topical use of garlic may be effective at healing wounds, reducing scarring, and skin rejuvenation.

Peppermint

Also known as water mint or spearmint is a common plant in North America. The leaves and oil of the peppermint plant have been used to help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among other digestive problems. It has been used to reduce symptoms of the common cold and headaches. The oil in peppermint can be applied to the skin to help with joint and muscle pain as well as itching. In aromatherapy peppermint oil has been used for treating the common cold, improving mental function and reducing stress.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a native flower with nine known species in North America. Natives used echinacea for thousands of years as medicine. It is used as a supplement for the common cold and other infections as it may promote and boost your immune system.

Dandelion

The humble dandelion thought by most to be an unwanted weed actually has several uses. All parts of the dandelion are edible. The root of the dandelion can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute for people who are sensitive to caffeine. In tea, the flowers and leaves act as a diuretic that can be used for digestive problems.

Valerian

Native to Europe and Asia, valerian is a flowering plant that has historically been used as medicine. Valerian has been used as a supplement to help with insomnia, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It has also been known to help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and symptoms of menopause.

Lavender

Lavender has a beautiful aroma that the ancient Romans used to clean and wash. Today Lavender’s fragrance is used in soaps and cosmetics. Its use in aromatherapy and as a supplement can help with anxiety, depression and digestive conditions.

Ginger

Known as one of the best superfoods, in Asia ginger has been used as a medicine for more than 1,500 years. As a supplement ginger has been known to help with nausea and vomiting linked with pregnancy. Ginger supplements may also be helpful with menstrual cramps. It also contains high nutritional density per portion. It also contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Green Tea

Green tea has been used in China and Japan for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The tea contains caffeine, so it can be used to retain alertness and can be used as a substitute for coffee. Green tea has been used to relieve digestive symptoms and headaches. It may also provide positive effects on weight loss and liver disorders.

Cinnamon

Used for thousands of years as a spice, cinnamon has been used in traditional herbal medicine in places like China, India and the middle east. Cinnamon supplements are used for upset stomach, diarrhea and gas, and can also be used to stimulate appetite. Cinnamon tea is also used to reduce symptoms caused by the common cold.

Aloe Vera

A cactus-like plant, aloe vera has been used topically for skin conditions. Aloe vera has been used to reduce itching, acne and soothe sunburns. Research suggests aloe gel may speed up the healing of burns as well.

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.