SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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

What is an Herbal Pharmacist?

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A Professional Herbalist will know the right combinations of herbs to treat ailments in a natural way.

In modern days with medicines being in the shape of pills or injections, we need to remember that humans’ earliest forms of medicine were herbs. It’s safe to say that roughly half of all pharmaceuticals today are either derived from herbs or inspired by the effects of herbs. Herbal medicine generally is safe for consumption but it is recommended for you to consult a professional herbalist to assist you for more important treatments.

Today we are going to talk about what an herbal pharmacist is and how they can help you when choosing a natural treatment.

Herbal Pharmacist

Also known as a professional herbalist, a herbal pharmacist uses herbs to treat different kinds of conditions and ailments. When looking for herbal medicine, you’ll have a consultation with the herbal pharmacist to get to the root cause of your symptoms. Since herbal medicine can interact with each other in less than ideal ways, we at SOHMA of Lakewood and Long Beach CA highly recommend you consult with a professional herbalist who understands if there are any contradicting herbs that can have an adverse reaction to each other, and other prescriptions you may be taking. 

Herbs are unique much like our patients. Depending on the person’s physical health and build, a trained herbalist will decide whether to use a single herbal treatment or a herbal formula to treat each patient. Even two people with identical ailments may be given different herbal remedies based on their constitution.

A herbal pharmacist may also consider using other forms of alternative medicine such as topical creams and ointments. A herbal pharmacist will attempt to find herbs based on your symptoms or pattern of ailments you describe during the consultation with the herbal pharmacist.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine used by people, predating recorded history. Medicine derived from herbs can be used in preventative care, relief from symptoms caused by disease and infection, or simply boost energy or relax. Many herbal remedies are taken as teas or supplements. 

Compared to their pharmaceutical counterpart, herbal medicine is more affordable than conventional medicine and easier to obtain. In many cases, herbal medicine has fewer negative side effects. Unfortunately, many times herbal medicine is ignored when compared to modern drug therapy. Regrettably, many people miss out on many of the health benefits of herbal remedies. 

Common Beneficial Herbs  

Although dedicated herbal pharmacies like the one at SOHMA can provide supplements and treatment options, you can purchase many herbs at your supermarket. These herbs can be added to your daily routine to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Chamomile – Chamomile can be used as a tea for minor digestive problems. Most commonly, chamomile tea is used to help relax and de-stress. Helping with conditions like anxiety, and insomnia. With no major side effects having multiple cups of chamomile tea a day is fine.

Turmeric – Turmeric has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years. Recently it’s been discovered that turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Though in high doses can cause headaches or irritate the stomach and skin.

Peppermint – Another herb that can be used as a tea, peppermint is used to soothe a sore throat and coughing caused by a cold.

Lavender – Lavender is a versatile aromatic herb that can be used as a sleep aid when combined with chamomile or simply sprinkle the flowers on your bed. It can also help with headaches.

Ginseng – This root is usually dried to be used as a powder, but can also be drunk as tea. It’s often used in Chinese medicine to boost your immunity, energy levels, and brain function.

These common herbs can elevate your lifestyle, however, should not be used to treat serious conditions. 

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 and Lakewood, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

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

Can Cupping Help with Anxiety?

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Undergoing cupping therapy has additional benefits for both the body and mind.

In recent years the importance of mental health has been made clear. Every day more and more people are being diagnosed with some kind of mental health condition like anxiety. Today we want to share with you how cupping therapy can help reduce anxiety and alleviate some of the stress that comes with it.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety has many forms of manifesting itself and acts differently depending on each person. Everyone feels anxious from time to time. It is normal for most people to have feelings of anxiety, it is the brain’s way of reacting to things that can be stressful. It is meant to alert you if there is any potential danger near. It is okay to feel anxious before making important decisions, when facing difficult work problems, or for students about to take a difficult test.

When anxiety becomes a mental health disorder is when you feel the symptoms of anxiety more regularly and more intensely. Excessive and constant worry and fear about everyday situations. Higher heart rates, hyperventilating, tension, exhaustion, and sweating can occur. Often causing panic attacks. You should seek your primary care provider if you can not work, complete daily tasks, find it difficult to maintain relationships, or are abusing substances. It’s important for us to know the degree of anxiety to properly treat each individual patient.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a Chinese traditional medicine when a small vacuum is formed within a cup whether by heating the cup or using a pump and placed atop the skin. The vacuum formed then sucks the skin into the cup along with the fascia, muscle, and other soft tissues. The cupping process causes vasodilation, which increases blood circulation to the treated areas. Removing stagnant toxins and circulating fresh oxygenated blood to the affected area. 

When performed by a well-trained practitioner such as the ones staffed at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Lakewood and Long Beach CA, the risks and side effects are minimal. The only thing left behind is round marks left by the cup which can give an insight into how well the therapy is working. Darker marks may require more treatment in that area than lighter marks.

Cupping Therapy and Mental Health

You may be wondering how getting your skin and soft tissue pulled into a cup can help with anxiety. Cupping therapy helps indirectly by activating your parasympathetic nervous system as the cups glide over your body. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for lowering your heart rate and helping with digestion. When active the parasympathetic nervous system produces a calm and relaxing feeling in your body and mind. This reaction can loosen tension in your body which may result in a reduction in stress and anxiety.

Additionally cupping therapy promotes better sleep quality by reducing pain and removing toxins from the body. Allowing for longer consistent sleep helps with mental and physical recovery. It is well documented that there is a correlation between the lack of sleep and people who are prone to suffering from anxiety. As well as people suffering from anxiety have a hard time staying asleep. Without the rejuvenating effects of a good night’s sleep, it is possible for people to spiral into an unhealthy cycle that can be dangerous for their mental health.

Is Cupping Therapy Right for You?

Cupping therapy is a safe practice although there are some exceptions. If you have bleeding disorders like Hemophilia or blood clotting issues like deep vein thrombosis. If you have a history of strokes or seizures you should ask about your condition before receiving cupping therapy. If you have skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema your skin may become irritated when having cupping 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 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 and Lakewood, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

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

Joint Injections for Knee Injuries

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Joint injections in knees can help increase recovery from injury and even improve ailments without surgery.

Your knees are some of the most important joints in your body. We use them to walk, run and jump. Keeping your knees healthy is one of the best ways to maintain mobility. Unfortunately as we age the risk of injuring our knees becomes greater. Knee injuries go farther than just a simple sprain where you can recover with some rest. 

In today’s article we’re going to go over what joint injections we offer at SOHMA of Long Beach and Lakewood CA, and what they can do to help you recover from knee injuries.

Knee Injuries that Joint Injections can Treat

Let me preface this by saying that joint injections do not treat all injuries. If there is a fracture or a severe tear you may require surgery however, post surgery joint injections have been shown to help recovery times. PRP therapy has been used by doctors to help patients heal faster after surgical procedures. It has been shown to shorten recovery times by days, in some cases even weeks.

Your knees are a major joint in the body, making it a common area to sustain injury. Some of the more common injuries that have been treated with HCTPs or PRP include:

  • Arthritis
  • Trauma
  • Ligament or Muscle Tear
  • Ligament or Muscle Strain
  • Muscle Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Chronic Knee Pain

Relatively minor accidents can result in knee injury. For older adults a slip or fall can cause life altering fractures or dislocation.

What are Joint Injections?

Starting off with the basics, joint injections are as the name suggests, they are injections that are used to help in recovery from joint conditions. At SOHMA we offer both Human Cellular Tissue Products (HCTPs) or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). HCTP injections can aid the body in healing damage on its own without the need for surgeries. Tissue can be regrown to its former strength and recover the functions in highly used areas of the body such the spine, hips, shoulder, knees and other major joints. In PRP therapy, blood is drawn from the patient into a vial and separated in a centrifuge. Once separated, we draw the PRP from the vail and use it in the treatment. Meaning its the patient’s own platelets being used in areas that need healing support like  muscles and joints.

Long Term Effects of Knee Injuries

As stated previously there are many different types of injuries one can sustain in the knees. Depending on the type of injury sustained, as well as how long the patient went without treatment, long term effects can vary. If left untreated, knee injuries can lead to many mobility problems, pain, and early onset of arthritis.

A decrease in range of motion of the knees can make you unable to bend the knee fully or completely straighten the knee out. When you lose mobility in your knees the decreased mobility makes running nearly impossible and walking becomes difficult and puts you at risk of further injury due to loss of balance. Sitting and standing from chairs can also become uncomfortable and difficult.

Arthritis usually is thought of as something that affects older adults. Due to it being associated with aging and natural wear and tear. Injury suffered at a young age has been shown to increase the risk of early onset osteoarthritis. Sport related injuries like ACL or meniscus tears are often associated with a form of post-traumatic form of osteoarthritis.

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 and Lakewood, 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 Side Effects of Spinal Decompression?

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Back pain may be treated by spinal decompression with little to no side effects.

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression can help with many pains and aches you may be suffering due to diseases or sitting for long periods of time, as your spine is being compressed by gravity. 

We have gone over if non-surgical Spinal Decompression is good for your spine, but perhaps you are wondering if there are any side effects to non-surgical Spinal Decompression. If there are, then what are they?

Today we’re going to cover what you should expect after Spinal Decompression therapy as well as any side effects you may be worried about.

How is Spinal Decompression Performed?

We should first start by answering how this therapy is performed. The patient is set up on a specialized decompression table called a spinal traction. The patient is then gently stretched in intervals according to each individual patient’s treatment. During the treatment the patient is fully dressed and takes only about 30 to 45 minutes.

This therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment that brings relief to patients with a wide variety of neck and back problems. The decompression pressure from the spinal traction may retract disc bulges and disc protrusions. Which can reduce pressure from nearby nerves and encourage blood flow. Increased blood flow brings oxygen with it which promotes healing.

What are the Side Effects?

With any treatment, therapy or procedure there are bound to be some side effects regardless of how minimally invasive it is, however the majority of patients do not experience any serious side effects from non-surgical Spinal Decompression. 

The most common side effects would be dull aches for the first couple weeks as the body adjusts to the decompression. Spinal Decompression stretches the back muscles in a direction that they are not accustomed to. This may leave some patients feeling the same type of soreness one would feel after a particularly hard day at  the gym.

On rare occasions Spinal Decompression can cause muscle spasms, or pain going down the patient’s arms and legs. 

Is Spinal Decompression for Me?

As an alternative to spinal decompression surgery, this non-invasive therapy is quite alluring. Although there is no significant recovery time from non-surgical Spinal Decompression some patients may require 4 to 6 weeks for treatment to be complete before they experience lasting relief which can be too slow for some people. 

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression therapy has been gaining popularity quickly. Many physical benefits like increased mobility, improved joint flexibility and general pain reduction have been well documented. Other benefits of choosing non-surgical Spinal Decompression over something invasive include removing the risk of having post surgery infections. Patients are not required to take any additional medication or painkillers. Once treatment is completed, non-surgical Spinal Decompression provides lasting natural pain relief whereas painkillers only reduce pain while it is active in your body. When compared to surgery, this treatment is  safer, faster and requires no downtime compared to post surgery recovery times. 

As safe as non-surgical Spinal Decompression is, there are some people who should ask their primary care provider before deciding to receive Spinal Decompression therapy these include:

  • Pregnant Woman
  • Patients with degeneration of the spine
  • Patients with severe osteoporosis
  • Patients with surgical implants (screws, rods, plates etc.)
  • Patients with severe nerve damage
  • Patients who have had spinal fusion surgery
  • Patients with tumors
  • Patients with spinal fractures.

To avoid as many risks as possible the patient may be asked to undergo screening tests to rule out any of the conditions listed above. Feel free to ask the staff at SOHMA of Long Beach and Lakewood CA if you have any questions or concerns regarding Spinal Decompression.

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 and Lakewood, 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 is Spinal Decompression Done?

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spinal decompression

There are two forms of Spinal Decompression. Surgical and non-surgical, but let’s steer away from any surgical procedures that may leave you bedridden for weeks, and focus more on the non surgical Spinal Decompression which can bring relief to patients without the need of invasive surgeries and long recovery times.

You may have some questions about how the procedure is done. You may also be wondering about what causes spinal compression. Today we’ll be going over some of those questions, and why you should consider non-surgical Spinal Decompression before attempting surgery. Join us as we give you an overview on how and why non-surgical Spinal Decompression is done.

What Causes Spinal Compression?

Spinal compression can be caused by a number of conditions and is caused when excess pressure is put on the spinal cord. Compression can occur through the back, bother cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). Naturally wear and tear of the bones of the spine is the most common cause of spinal compression. Usually you’ll begin to see this develop after 50 years old. The other conditions that can cause compression include:

  • Scoliosis
  • Injury
  • Tumor
  • Arthritis
  • Infection
  • Diseases
  • Posture

Depending on the location and cause of the compression, the symptoms can vary. They can develop suddenly with no warning, or gradually. In severe cases however, emergency surgery may be necessary. 

Spinal Compression Symptoms

As mentioned previously symptoms have no pattern of when they occur. Being vigilant about symptoms can lead to swift treatment and quicker recoveries. Some of the symptoms are:

  • Trouble with Coordination
  • Loss of sensation in the feet
  • Numbness
  • Cramping
  • Weakness in Limbs (arms, hands, legs)
  • Burning pain in arms, thighs, or legs
  • Stiffness in Neck, and Back
  • Pain in Neck, and Back

Symptoms that would require immediate medical attention include loss of control of bowels or bladder. Severe pain and weakness spreading to your leg or both legs causing difficulty walking or standing and extreme numbness between legs, and inner thighs. As these symptoms are known as Cauda Equina Syndrome. 

How is the Decompression Done?

Spinal Decompression is when you slowly and gently pull at either side of the spine in order to release any pressure that may have been built up within the spine. At SOHMA of Long Beach and Lakewood we perform non-surgical Spinal Decompression by securing the patient to a specialized decompression table called a spinal traction. You are fitted with a harness to hold your abdomen and your pelvis. The spinal traction is the ability to stretch and relax intermittently to achieve the right amount of tension for desirable results. When the spine is being decompressed, vertebrae can naturally reposition to their original state. 

The procedure lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, compared to spinal surgery that can take weeks or months to heal. Depending on the severity of the case, some patients may need over 20 decompression sessions. Though you feel more flexible, and notice significantly less pain in your neck and back. 

Other benefits you may notice from non-surgical Spinal Decompression include increased spinal mobility, improved balance which can help prevent new injuries and reduced stress level as some of the pressure has quite literally been lifted.

With non-surgical Spinal Decompression most patients don’t notice or experience major side effects. Most common side effects have been reported to cause a dull soreness for the first few days as the body becomes used to being decompressed.

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 and Lakewood, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

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

Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Heart

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Peripheral Neuropathy is common, with about 25% to 30% of Americans will be affected by it at some point in their lives. Older adults ages 60+ however,  are at an increased risk. Most symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy may diminish or go away on its own, but in some cases the damage can be permanent. 

Today we’re going to analyze the link between your heart and peripheral neuropathy.

Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy can develop when the nerves in your limbs, hands and feet become damaged. Symptoms can vary depending on the nerves being affected. Such as sensory nerves that carry messages from your five senses. Motor nerves which carry signals from your brain to your muscles in order to walk for example. The final group of nerves that can be affected by Peripheral Neuropathy are the Autonomic nerves. These are responsible for body functions that you don’t have direct control over like breathing, digestion, heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, and even bladder and bowel control.

When your Autonomic nerves begin to suffer from neuropathy it is called autonomic neuropathy. There are many diseases and conditions that can lead to autonomic neuropathy, as well as side effects of medicine. 

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy is the least understood complication of Peripheral Neuropathy. Due to its potential of being fatal, it’s important to ask your primary care provider for a proper diagnosis.

 Primary diseases that can cause autonomic neuropathy include:

  • Parkinson’s Syndrome
  • Shy-Drager Syndrome
  • Riley-Day Syndrome

Other examples of causes of autonomic neuropathy can include:

  • Amyloidosis
  • Diabetes
  • HIV
  • Chemotherapy
  • Trauma
  • Alcoholism
  • Drug abuse

Your Heart and Peripheral Neuropathy

We don’t need to go into detail about the functions of your heart or how important it is to your health and well being. But Peripheral Neuropathy can affect and damage different nerves. Some of the nerve damage can block or interfere with signals between the heart and blood vessels which can lead to serious symptoms like:

  • Palpitations
  • Hypertension
  • Irregular Heartbeat
  • Blurred Vision
  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Chest Pain

Because of the varied symptoms, oftentimes this form of neuropathy can be misdiagnosed, making it more difficult to treat and study.

Managing your Symptoms

With many conditions, learning to manage your symptoms is important in order to recover and heal. Peripheral neuropathy is no different. 

Drinking a cup of water first thing in the morning, even before getting out of bed can help regulate blood pressure and may improve orthostatic intolerance, a condition involving symptoms associated when standing but improve when lying down.

Reduce the number of large meals that can lower your blood pressure during digestion. Instead have more frequent but smaller meals throughout the day.

Reduce consumption of sodas, energy drinks, coffee or other heavily caffeinated drinks as they may increase production of urine and reduce blood volume.

Exercise is a great way to increase blood volume and physical function. You can exercise wherever you feel comfortable whether it be a gym, at home or a local park. Ideal exercises include swimming, yoga, Tai Chi or other low impact exercises that won’t cause orthostatic stress.

Along with leading a proactive lifestyle to help with your condition, you should also avoid the following:

  • Alcohol 
  • Extremely Hot Environments
  • Smoking
  • Standing Quickly from a Lying Position

Don’t forget to take the appropriate steps to prevent, control and recover from Peripheral Neuropathy. At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach and Lakewood CA we now offer regenerative cellular tissue therapy, which may be covered by Medicare. By administering HCTPs (Human Cellular Tissue Products) in affected areas, the body may be able to repair nerve damage.

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 and Lakewood, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

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

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