Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine is a highly individualized approach to medicine that focuses on identifying the underlying causes of illness, rather than simply treating a list of symptoms. Whereas conventional medicine focuses on treating the symptoms of a disease, Functional Medicine focuses on treating the person who has a disease, taking into account that we are all genetically and biochemically very different. Just because two people have the same problem, does not mean that problem stems from the same place.

So, instead of asking the question “What drug matches up with this illness?” Functional Medicine asks the critical questions that few conventional doctors ask:

• “Why do you have this problem in the first place?”
• “Why has a loss of function occurred?”
• “What steps can we take to restore function?”

Functional Medicine digs deeper, to discover hidden imbalances that are causing chronic health problems. We look at nutritional deficiencies, toxic burdens, food allergies and sensitivities, chronic stealth infections, hormonal disruptions, and lifestyle issues, such as the physical stress of frequent travel or chronic sleep deprivation.  When the root cause of an illness is uncovered, it reveals why a set of symptoms is there to begin with!

Functional Medicine is not a total abandonment of traditional Western medical practices.  We use medical diagnostics, such as labs and imaging studies.  But we use conventional treatments and prescription medication only when necessary, and as part of a larger treatment plan.  Alternative medicine is the primary focus, which emphasizes diet, nutritional supplements, detoxification programs, and stress management techniques.