SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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How Does Herbal Therapy Complement Other Therapies?

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In recent years, herbal therapy has gained popularity due to the increasing interest in alternative medicine. Herbal supplements tend to be more affordable and accessible compared to pharmaceuticals. However, it is important to be careful where you source your herbal products, as they are not subject to the same rigorous testing as modern medications.

Herbal therapy uses plants and plant-based supplements to promote wellness and is often used to aid with various conditions. While herbal therapy can be beneficial on its own, its benefits can be enhanced when combined with other therapies.

Join me as we explore what herbal therapy is and what other therapies complement it to provide a holistic approach to health and wellness.

What is Herbal Therapy

Herbal therapy, also known as herbal medicine, is a holistic approach to health and wellness that uses plants’ natural and beneficial properties. Using herbs, flowers, roots, and bark, it is used to address specific conditions. Herbs have been used for centuries for their therapeutic effects and are some of human history’s oldest forms of medicine. Herbal supplements can be prepared as consumables, creams, or powders. Much like modern medicine, herbal supplements can be consumed orally or used topically, such as in creams and balms. The benefits of some herbs can be felt by simply smelling them. Herbs can work synergistically with the body to aid natural healing processes.

The herbs used in herbal therapy can be unique and exotic, like ginkgo biloba and st. John’s wort, or are herbs commonly found in a kitchen and used for cooking, garlic, and rosemary. Plants like aloe vera and lavender have beneficial properties. The goal of herbal therapy is to find the root cause of your ailment to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.

Acupuncture

Herbal therapy can be combined with acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving the insertion of needles as thin as hair into specific points on the body. Herbal therapy can be used to provide a stronger intervention targeting organs, systems, or conditions. When combining the two practices, you create an all-natural holistic approach to healing. Each is uniquely made for every individual health concern.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help by manipulating the body’s soft tissues to help ease pain and reduce stress. When getting a massage, herbal oils and balms can be included in massage therapy sessions. This creates a massage therapy that is enriched with aromatherapy. It can then greatly enhance the relaxation from the massage therapy session. As well as relieving muscle tension and promoting healing. Aromatherapy may help improve overall mental and physical wellness. 

Chiropractic Care

Herbal therapy can help support chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and nervous system health. When combined with herbal therapy, it can help address underlying inflammation. This can make adjustments and manipulation of the joints easier for the chiropractor. This, in turn, can make patients feel more at ease and less pain going into a session. Much like with massages, a chiropractor can use balms or ointments made from herbal supplements on the skin’s surface to help alleviate tension and relax the muscles. It can also be used as aromatherapy which may help accelerate healing 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 contact us and ask 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.

Top 5 Red Flags To Look Out For When Finding a Herbal Therapist

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Herbal remedies and supplements are some of the oldest forms of medicine in human history. In recent years the popularity of using herbs for treatments has increased due to how affordable and easier to get they are compared to their pharmaceutical counterparts. Unfortunately, because the testing on herbal supplements isn’t tested and regulated as strictly, you need to practice precaution when buying them. 

For this reason, finding a high-quality herbal therapist is important, and today we’ll go over the top 5 red flags you need to keep in mind when finding an herbal therapist.

Unrealistic Claims

When looking for an herbal therapist, one of the biggest red flags is unrealistic claims. Because of the lax regulations on herbal therapies and supplements, there is often very little one can do to verify their claims. The claims may often be extravagant or a quick-fix solution too good to be true. Unfortunately, most times, when something is too good to be true, it usually is. While herbal therapy can be used in treatments, there are limitations, like in most forms of treatment. While herbal therapy can be an effective treatment in some cases, it’s not a cure-all.

Herbal therapy can be complex; it is best practice to keep expectations grounded to avoid being taken advantage of.

Lack of Personal Attention

Herbal therapy is usually designed and customized based on the patient’s needs and conditions. Therapists who promote a generic, one-size-fits-all solution through herbal therapy are often trying to get sales. They won’t listen to you carefully and just try to get you to buy the product. A reputable herbal therapist will take the time to speak with you. Understand your condition, answer questions, and recommend a personalized plan.

Disregards Your Safety

Much like the previous entry, this can fall under a lack of personal attention. However, it’s important enough to get its section. Any good herbal therapist will ask you if you are taking medications. Even over-the-counter medications can have adverse reactions with some herbs. This can lead to unexpected results.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Respiratory disease

While the overall risk associated with ginkgo biloba is negligible for most adults, it can have an adverse reaction when combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen or aspirin. There are many different reactions between herbs and pharmaceuticals. An herbal therapist should be aware of them and be capable of letting you know about them when asked. A herbal therapist should be able to conduct thorough assessments and consider contraindications.

Poor Communication

Having clear and open communication between the herbal therapist and the patient is incredibly important. Not only does it inform the patient of any treatment they may need, but it can help calm a patient to know that they’re being cared for. If your herbal therapist has evasive responses to your questions or is unable to answer them outright, that is a massive red flag. It shows their inadequacy in the subject and can risk putting you in harm’s way.

Unprofessional Location

While the regulations on herbal therapy and supplements may be lax, it doesn’t mean there are no standards for herbal therapy. A clean and well-established environment is necessary for providing effective and safe herbal therapy. A poor establishment can serve as an indicator for other concerts that could be related to an herbal therapist’s practice. 

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask 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 Does It Mean To Find The Best Chiropractic Care?

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Over the years, chiropractic care has become a widely accepted practice. So much so that many insurance companies often cover chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare focusing on managing pain and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, primarily concentrating on the spine.

When searching for chiropractic care, you should always look for the best provider to meet your unique needs and provide effective and secure treatment. Remember that chiropractic care should be a partnership between you and the chiropractor. Finding the right one for you can make a huge difference.

Remember that the “best chiropractic care” can differ from person to person; however, we’ll attempt to help you find the right one. Today we’ll explore a few key factors to consider when finding the best chiropractic care.

Chiropractor Qualifications

Chiropractors need to complete the required education and training. Making sure a chiropractor has the required licenses and certifications ensures expertise and competence. It indicates a chiropractor’s knowledge and assures patients of the chiropractor’s skills. A chiropractor with additional training can give further insight into a patient’s condition.

Getting an adjustment by an unqualified chiropractor can be incredibly dangerous. It can increase the likelihood of injury, worsening symptoms, or other complications. We highly recommend never to have any spinal manipulation done by someone unfit. 

Feedback and Reputation

Positive first-hand experience from friends and family can be beneficial. Referrals from trusted sources such as friends and family can help separate good chiropractors from the best. Occasionally asking your primary healthcare provider or other healthcare professionals can point you in the right direction. People working in the medical field often pay more attention to minor details, increasing the weight and importance of their opinions. Awards can help decide on great chiropractors as well. For example, SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach won back-to-back Best of Long Beach awards for 2022 and 2023.

Another great way to find the best chiropractor is to search online reviews and testimonials. Reviews are a great way to gauge the overall experiences of their patients. Typically if a patient isn’t satisfied with the chiropractor, they’ll make it known online. Keep in mind that some dishonest chiropractors may have false reviews. Since no one is perfect, it’s necessary to always read through the review instead of solely relying on the overall rating.

Communication

Feel free to be direct with a chiropractor if you can speak with chiropractors and ask them about their practice and treatments. Evaluate how well the chiropractor communicates with you. The best chiropractor will be able to listen attentively to your concerns. They should be able to explain the treatment and suggest or even recommend other treatment options if chiropractic is not enough or the wrong treatment for your personal issue. A great chiropractor will also involve a patient in the decision-making.

If you notice a chiropractor is trying to push you for long-term treatment while not justifying why properly, it should be seen as a red flag. This signifies that they only try to get your money and don’t care about your well-being.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask 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 Does Cupping Work?

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Woman Getting Cupping Treatment At a Spa. Cupping Therapy. Treatment used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for pain relief and other health benefits.

One of the oldest forms of medicine, cupping, has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries. Nowadays, you may see celebrities and athletes with round marks going down their backs. These are surely the result of cupping therapy. Although many patients report feeling better after cupping therapy, some people may not understand how cupping works.

Join us today as we go over how cupping therapy works and the benefits of cupping.

What is Cupping Therapy

For thousands of years, cupping therapy has used flames to heat a horn or glass cup, this heat creates a negative pressure in the cup, and once placed upon the skin, the soft tissue is pulled into the cup. Although some still use flames when performing cupping therapy, many now opt for plastic or silicone cups with a suction pump. This makes it easier for the practitioner to get the same amount of pressure on every cup, though some still prefer the traditional method, which provides a similar result.

How does it Work?

The skin, fascia, connective tissue, and muscle can become stuck and reduce the range of motion. Think of it as though you were wearing a sweater. If it’s too small and tight, it can restrict mobility, and if you force it, you can damage or tear the shirt. The cups use negative pressure to pull the soft tissue under the skin. This improves blood flow to the area being treated. The new blood flow brings fresh oxygenated blood full of nutrients. The added blood flow promoted healing and quicker repair of the damaged tissue. Alternatively, you may also receive a cupping massage, and this is where the cups are slid around the areas being treated. These results are more akin to a deep tissue massage, except a cup is used instead over the area of pain or concern.

When visiting SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach, CA., you’ll be evaluated by the therapist to see the extent of damage to the injury. If, during the evaluation, it is discovered that there is shooting pain or an issue directly involving the spine, Cupping may not be the correct method to aid recovery. 

What do the Marks Mean

The common concern about cupping therapy is the round marks left behind after treatment. Many people see people on TV with round marks and wrongfully assume they are bruises. These aren’t bruises and are more like hickies caused by the suction. This can give the misconception that cupping therapy is painful. On the contrary, many patients find cupping relaxing and satisfying when cups are released.

Not all the marks are the same; some are darker, while others are lighter. The scars left behind on the cups are more than just the result of cupping therapy. They can help you learn how you’re progressing and how long it takes to recover fully. The darker the mark, the longer for it to fade away. This also means more attention will be needed in that area. These marks often take about a week to fade. Lighter marks disappear entirely after a couple of days and tend to signify that that area is working correctly. 

What does Cupping Help with?

While most people look at cupping therapy to help with muscle pain in their back, cupping therapy has been used to help with a variety of conditions, such as:

  • Fevers
  • Poor Appetite
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Cramping
  • Leg Pain
  • Joint Pain
  • Headaches
  • Mental Health

For many conditions, cupping can help by increasing blood circulation. Nonetheless, you need to be able to clear out stagnation and toxins for the body to recover naturally. While cupping has shown beneficial effects on the physical health of a patient, due to the relaxing nature of cupping, it can help people with their mental health. By improving sleep quality, the body can physically and mentally recover better, alleviating stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask 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 5 Questions to Ask Before Starting Myer’s Cocktail?

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We’ve all seen an IV drip on tv shows or in hospitals used to deliver fluids and medicine to patients. But the same kind of IV can be used therapeutically. Though instead of providing medication, Myer’s cocktail IV therapy offers a perfectly crafted blend of vitamins and minerals directly to the bloodstream for its beneficial properties.

It’s natural for you to have questions about how this is possible, and today we’ll try and answer the five questions patients have before starting Myer’s cocktail IV therapy.

What is Myers Cocktail IV therapy?

Myer’s cocktail IV therapy is a great way to administer a high dose of vitamins and minerals directly to the bloodstream so the body can use them immediately. The blend of vitamins and minerals in Myer’s cocktail includes Vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex, Magnesium, and Calcium—nutrients the body needs to manage energy levels and proper immune system health. As we get older, the way our bodies absorb nutrients begins to change. While for some people a simple multivitamin will suffice to keep their body in balance, some people may need to be more direct. IV therapy delivers the vitamins and minerals directly to the bloodstream, this means it completely bypasses the digestive system. This system can sometimes not absorb the nutrients at their fullest concentration; sometimes, the nutrients aren’t absorbed. By going straight to the bloodstream, the body can make immediate use of the vitamins and minerals and their fullest concentration providing their benefits quickly.

What is Myer’s Cocktail IV Therapy Good for?

The benefits of the Myer’s cocktail IV therapy are numerous and based on how out of balance the nutrient in one’s body is. Some of the benefits Myer’s cocktail can provide include:

  • Boosts Immune System
  • Improves Blood Circulation
  • Enhances Mood
  • Alleviates Migraines
  • Rehydrates
  • Helps with Hangovers
  • Fights Fatigue
  • Improves Skin Health
  • Promotes Relaxation
  • Reduces Anxiety and Stress

IV therapy can be incredibly versatile. Depending on each case, Myer’s cocktail IV therapy can help based on the body’s needs.

How Long Does Myer’s Cocktail Take to Work?

There isn’t an exact timeline for every patient. Everybody is unique and will respond differently. Once Myer’s cocktail IV therapy is administered, some patients report a difference within 30 to 45 minutes, usually the amount of time the body needs to absorb nutrients. However, some patients may require more time and visits to see a significant difference.

How Often Should I Do a Myer’s Cocktail IV Therapy Protocol?

This, too, depends on each person and condition. Typically the regularity of the IV therapy will be discussed. Some patients use Myer’s cocktail IV therapy to maintain a healthy lifestyle and may receive a session once or twice per month.

If you are doing IV therapy as a program for recovery, you may be recommended to receive more. Based on how you feel and how well you respond to treatment, visiting us at SOHMA twice weekly is recommended until your condition improves. After which, the frequency will be adjusted or terminated based on how you feel.

Does Myer’s Cocktail IV therapy have any Side Effects?

Trained professionals should always administer Myer’s cocktail IV therapy to reduce the risks of infections. Though much like many treatments, there is always an inherent risk. This is why you should communicate your medical history with our staff. Vitamins are natural and known to be safe, but the vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes in the IV blend may interact with prescribed medications. Some medications can have a contrasting effect with the nutrients provided in the IV therapy which can cause potentially unsafe conditions. It’s best practice to let us know what medication you’ve been prescribed, and we can let you know if there may be any potential harm.

Myer’s Cocktail Right for Me?

If you want to return to balance and play, ask us about Myer’s cocktail IV 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 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 Beac, 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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