A new wave of wellness in our community
According to research by McKinsey, eighty-two percent of US consumers now consider wellness a top priority in their everyday lives. People all over the country are exploring new ways to take care of their bodies and minds, and we’re seeing that same shift happen here in Long Beach.
The city’s active, coastal lifestyle has always encouraged movement and connection, but more people are now approaching wellness with greater intention. From shopping at the Bixby Knolls Farmers Market to joining weekly yoga classes on the bluff, they’re choosing habits that support both physical and mental well-being.
For many, embracing holistic health care has become a natural extension of this change in mindset.
Instead of relying solely on medications or temporary fixes, locals are turning to approaches like chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture to address the root causes of health issues and support long-term wellness.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the reasons behind this shift, what holistic care really means, and how it’s making a difference for individuals and families throughout Long Beach.
Why Long Beach residents are seeking alternatives
Since opening Bixby Knolls Wellness Center in 2018, we’ve seen an increasing amount of Long Beach residents actively seek out holistic health care as both an alternative and complement to traditional care. Here are some of the most common reasons we hear from patients:
Sick Care Not Health Care
Many people are feeling discouraged by a health care system that often feels rushed and impersonal. They spend months or even years managing symptoms, visiting different specialists, and cycling through medications that bring only temporary relief.
It can start to feel like no one is asking the most important question: why is this happening in the first place?
That frustration often stems from what many now call “sick care” — a system focused on treating illness after it appears, rather than preventing it in the first place. This reactive model keeps people stuck in a cycle of waiting until something goes wrong before taking action.
Holistic health care takes a different approach. It’s proactive, aiming to uncover root causes and strengthen the body’s natural ability to heal. Instead of chasing symptoms, it helps people stay well, balanced, and resilient—before sickness ever sets in.
Curiosity about natural, non-invasive options
There’s a growing awareness that medications and surgery aren’t always the only paths toward healing—and a desire to avoid unwanted side effects like fatigue, digestive issues, and long recovery times.
As a result, more people are seeking natural, non-invasive options like chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine to help their bodies heal safely and sustainably.
Desire for personalized, long-term support
Too often, health care feels like a one-size-fits-all system focused on quick fixes rather than lasting results. But more Long Beach residents are beginning to understand that real healing takes time, attention, and consistency.
Instead of short-term solutions, they’re looking for long-term support from providers who see the whole picture. It’s a shift toward more collaborative, personalized care. The kind that helps people not only feel better, but stay healthy for the long run.
The mind-body connection is no longer niche
Stress. Burnout. Anxiety. Trauma.
These aren’t just mental or emotional issues. They take a toll on the body as well, and more locals are starting to connect the dots between their mental health and their physical well-being.
You can see that shift all around Long Beach. People are carving out time for yoga on the Bluff, booking massages after long workweeks, and exploring therapies like breathwork, meditation, and sound healing to help them feel grounded again.
Wellness is no longer just about staying fit. It’s about feeling centered, calm, and connected, inside and out.
What is holistic health care?
So far, we’ve discussed why people throughout Long Beach are embracing a different approach to healing. But what does holistic health care actually mean?
At its core, holistic care is about looking at the whole person, not just a single symptom or diagnosis. Whereas traditional health care often focuses on managing pain or masking discomfort, holistic care looks for the underlying causes that may be contributing to those symptoms, such as stress, posture, lifestyle habits, or nervous system imbalance.
Instead of asking, “How do we make this pain go away?” a holistic provider might ask, “What is causing your body to respond in this way, and how can we help it heal naturally?”
The goal isn’t just to treat what’s wrong. It’s to help your body function better, feel stronger, and stay well over time.
Holistic care also recognizes that your physical, mental, and emotional health are all connected. When one area is out of balance, the rest of your body often feels it too. That’s why so many people (and wellness centers like ours) combine different types of care to support overall wellness.
Some common holistic approaches include:
- Chiropractic care to improve alignment and support the nervous system
- Massage therapy to reduce stress and ease chronic tension
- Acupuncture to balance energy and promote natural healing
- Nutrition or lifestyle counseling to fuel your body for better function
- Mind-body practices like yoga or breathwork to help you reconnect with yourself
The exact treatments will vary from person to person, but the philosophy is the same…
Treat the person, not just the problem.
Is holistic health care right for you?
Holistic health care is a great choice for anyone who wants to take a more active role in their well-being. Maybe you’ve felt dismissed in traditional medical settings, are managing stress that shows up in your body, or are simply tired of temporary fixes and want lasting support that helps you feel your best.
You don’t have to be in pain or facing a major health crisis to benefit from holistic care. In fact, one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is people seeking support before something goes wrong.
It’s a good fit if you value:
- Natural, non-invasive approaches that work with your body rather than against it
- Time with your providers, not just quick appointments and prescriptions
- Personalized care plans that consider your history, lifestyle, and goals
- Prevention-focused care that keeps your body in balance before issues escalate
Another common misconception is that you have to choose between holistic and conventional care. You don’t.
Many of our patients see us alongside their primary care doctors or specialists. Chiropractic care, massage therapy, and other holistic modalities often complement traditional medicine by enhancing recovery, reducing stress, and supporting overall health.
A healthier Long Beach, one person at a time
The growing interest in holistic health care isn’t just a passing trend. It shows that Long Beach residents are taking a more proactive approach to their well-being, with a focus on balance, prevention, and long-term health rather than quick fixes.
At Bixby Knolls Wellness Center, we’re proud to be part of that shift. Our integrated team offers chiropractic, massage, and other holistic therapies designed to help your body function better and feel its best. Most importantly, we take the time to understand your needs, uncover the root causes of your discomfort, and create a treatment plan that supports the whole you.
Ready for a more intentional and aligned approach to your health? Schedule an appointment or give us a call to learn how we can support your wellness journey with holistic care.
Because when one person in our community feels better, all of Long Beach grows a little healthier, too.
