SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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Is Peripheral Neuropathy a Serious Condition?

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Although peripheral neuropathy is rarely a life threatening condition, it is possible that it may lead to life altering disabilities depending on the amount of damage suffered. With early detection you can minimize the long term effects of this condition. When left alone long term problems can vary from a minor tingling sensation to loss of mobility to the limbs affected by the damaged nerves.

Today we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy. The potential severity of the condition, as well as what can be done to alleviate and in some cases completely reverse the damage.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy is the result of damage done to nerves around the outside of the brain and spinal cord. This damage can be caused by a variety of reasons, some of the more common ones include Diabetes, Tumors, Inherited Disorders or Autoimmune diseases like:

  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Vasculitis

Other causes can include:

  • Alcoholism
  • Exposure to Toxins
  • Medication
  • Vitamin Deficiency
  • Injury or Trauma

What are the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?

The symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy are as varied as it’s causes. Some of the main symptoms include pain around the affected nerves, sensory issues like numbness or sensitivity to heat, or autonomic nervous system issues like loss of balance or difficulty walking.

Pain

The intensity and location of the pain can differ, on the lower end you can feel a tingling pain at your limbs, back and face that comes and goes. This usually is just irritating but can worsen if symptoms are ignored. On the more intense end you can also feel burning or sharp pain at the end of your limbs, back and face. You may also suffer cramping which can cause difficulty walking. Occasionally the pain can be more significant at night though this differs from individual to individual.

Sensory Issues

Much like when your leg falls asleep during long periods of time sitting down, you can have an uncomfortable feeling of pins and needles in your arms or legs, as well as burning sensations. It is also possible to become over sensitive to pain or reduce the sensation to your sense of touch. You may occasionally notice a loss of balance and slowed reflexes.

Autonomic Nerve Issues

The autonomic nerves are the nerves that control functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, perspiration and digestion. If these nerves are the ones affected, symptoms may include the inability to sweat in order to cool you down, or to sweat an unreasonable amount while doing everyday normal activities. You may also suffer from bowel, bladder or digestive issues such as stomach aches or loss of control of your bowels. In more serious cases it may cause lightheadedness or dizziness due to drops in blood pressure or heart rate.

What Can Be Done?

Due to the potential of permanent damage, Peripheral Neuropathy can cause it is important to be aware of early signs as well as what the underlying causes can be. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide the best chances of not only controlling your symptoms but preventing further damage to your peripheral nerves.

At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA we now offer regenerative cellular tissue therapy, which may be covered by Medicare. Regenerative cellular tissue therapy can be very helpful in reducing some of the pain that comes with Peripheral Neuropathy as well as aiding in healing and regeneration of some of the damaged nerves.

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 Ozone Therapy Can Improve Local Circulation

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Ozone Injection

Ozone Therapy? Ozone as part of a treatment program? You might be thinking what does Ozone, a gas most learned about in elementary science, have to do with a treatment program. We invite you to explore how ozone is used to treat different conditions.

Ozone is a gas most commonly associated with the atmosphere. It is the layer of gas that protects us from some of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Which in excess can cause skin cancer. But did you know that we can also use the power of ozone at ground level to help with healing?

In this article I’m going to share with you how ozone therapy can improve local blood circulation, why it is important and how this benefits your body in the healing process.

Importance of Blood Circulation

The importance of blood circulation can not be understated as it is absolutely necessary to maintain a healthy body. When blood circulation is poor it can cause an accumulation of fluids in certain areas of the body, often occurring in the arms, legs, ankles and feet. This swelling can occur when the heart can not properly supply blood through the body. Other symptoms of poor blood circulation are:

  • Varicose Veins (Spider Veins)
  • Skin Discoloration
  • Swelling of the Legs or Feet (Edema)
  • Split skin (weeping Eczema)
  • Ulcers
  • Aches and Pain in Limbs
  • Numbness and Tingling in Limbs

Poor blood circulation can also cause even minor injuries to take longer to heal. Meaning even a small bruise can become an ulcer and potentially become infected.

Although certain factors such as age, gender and even the weather can impact blood circulation. It is important for your health to have rich, oxygenated blood flowing properly throughout your body.

Varicose Veins

Also known as spider veins, this incredibly common condition which affects over 3 million Americans per year is the result of improper blood flow. This caused discoloration and swelling in the veins. The veins may appear larger than usually, twisted or appear to be in a cluster. They tend to also appear to have a prominent purple or blue color giving them their common name. Usually asymptomatic, some patients have reported to experience swelling, itching and pain in their legs.

Swelling (Edema)

It is common for the legs to experience swelling as a cause of poor blood flow. When blood flow is poor, swelling may be caused by blood pooling around the feet or ankles and forces fluids into surrounding blood vessels. Poor circulation caused by heart problems may cause abdominal swelling. If this is the case it is advised that you contact your primary physician to provide further diagnosis.

Numbness and Tingling

Another common symptom of poor circulation is feeling of numbness or “tingling” in your limbs. Due to the lack of blood flowing though your arms or legs you may feel them become cold or numb. And at some point you may also begin to have the feeling of pins and needles. This is commonly associated with blocked or compressed blood vessels which can interfere with blood circulation to the great.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy is the administration of ozone (O3) for therapeutic treatment either as a standalone treatment or a complementary therapy to other treatments such as Myer’s cocktail IV therapy or Platelet Rich Plasma (prp) injections. Ozone improves blood flow in affected tissue and transports more oxygen to inflamed areas. Delivering more energy and improving the previously affected tissue. By improving blood flow it helps the liver to detoxify, this supports the liver in removing solids from the blood which promotes better circulation.

Feel free to ask the specialist at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA if you are interested in complementary treatment options.

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.

Ozone Therapy, Damaged Cells, & Oxidative Stress

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When you hear ozone, the first thing that may come to mind is the atmospheric layer that acts as a shield to protect us from the sun’s ultraviolet light but there’s more to it than that. It also has therapeutic uses with the ability to repair damaged cells and reduce oxidative stress. Damaged cells make it difficult for the body to naturally detoxify itself. With limited ability to detoxify, your cells begin to suffer from oxidative stress. 

There are many other examples of the benefits of Ozone therapy, these include the following:

  • Pain relief
  • Improved immune system
  • Detoxification
  • Disinfectant
  • Treating arthritis
  • Fighting viral diseases

In this article we are going to focus mainly on the ability for ozone to repair damaged cells, which can aid in healing and recovery, as well as its ability to reduce oxidative stress. In fact, oxidative stress is the main cause for your body to recover slowly. At SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach California it is our mission to help people be relieved of pain and return to balance without the use of drugs or surgery.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy is the therapeutic use of ozone in order to help the body recover and heal. Ozone therapy aids in the removal of antioxidants and other toxins from the body, preventing tissue damage and promoting cell repair. The injections result in higher energy levels and boost the immune system.

Ozone therapy can be used as a solo therapy or as a complementary therapy with a Myer’s Cocktail IV therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma injections or something more relaxing like massage therapy to help reduce stress and eliminate some free radicals. Ask the specialists at SOHMA Integrative Medicine if you are interested in these complementary therapies as well.

Damaged Cells

The cells in your body are constantly being damaged due to a number of factors, some of which are less avoidable like aging, genetics or the weather. Other times cells can be damaged due to chemicals, trauma, viral and bacterial infections, or impaired nutrient supply such as a shortage of glucose or oxygen.

Some cell damage can be reverted once the stress is removed or cells are properly supplied with required nutrients. Full function may return in some cases, though some level of injury may remain. Ozone therapy has been shown to have positive results in treating degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases. Ozone may also be able to reactivate dormant stem cells into producing new cells, which would lead to better cellular repair adiding shorter recovery times.

Oxidative stress

If you have felt fatigues, noticed wrinkles and gray hairs, have been having abnormal sensitivity to noise or headaches, you may be dealing with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an irregularity that occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and accumulation of toxins in the cells and tissues of the body, and the ability for your body to detoxify itself. This imbalance is known to produce an excess of free radicals which interact with molecules within your cells resulting in damage causing stress.

To an extent, free radicals can be beneficial to stimulate cell repair, but become a problem when free radicals overwhelm the healing process. This occurs because the oxygen-containing molecules have an uneven number of electrons which allows them to react with other molecules. With regular ozone therapy it is possible to improve overall metabolism which helps the body remove the unnecessary free radicals and return the necessary balance within your body.

 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.

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.

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.