MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW how poorly they feel until they feel better. In fact, most of us don’t recognize that fatigue, digestive problems, aches and pains, allergies, headaches, and more are not just annoying symptoms. They are early clues to impending diseases that can disable us and make life more difficult than it really needs to be.
We practice a new model of medicine that incorporates emerging tests and tools that help us identify the critical imbalances that are at the root of all illness. We practice patient-centered, not disease-centered, medicine.
There is a revolution happening in medicine today. Many people in the United States are actively searching for alternatives when in comes to their health care. Every year, Americans are spending more out-of-pocket money on medical services outside traditional, insurance-regulated healthcare. The public is seeking healthcare solutions that can provide them with comprehensive evaluations and non-invasive interventions. It is this transformed mindset that sets up the stage for functional medicine and diagnostic technologies which patients seek objective analyses such as lab tests with support that includes acupuncture, nutritional and botanical medicine, massage therapy, diet and lifestyle changes.
Functional medicine is Investigative. It treats symptoms by addressing underlying cause of the problem, which leads to more profound and longer lasting results. It is not Superficial. It doesn’t mask or suppress symptoms.
Functional medicine is Holistic. It treats the body as an interconnected whole, and recognizes the importance of these connections in health and disease. It isn’t dualistic – viewing the body as a collection of separate parts, each of which has its own doctor (i.e. cardiologist, podiatrist, etc.)
Functional medicine is Safe. Treatments have mild or no side effects, and other unrelated complaints often improve spontaneously. It is not dangerous with serious side effects or complications.
Functional medicine is Patient-centered. It treats the patient, not the disease. Treatments are highly individualized based on patient needs. It isn’t designed to treat a disease. In fact, patients with the same disease may need different treatments depending on their underlying causes.
Functional medicine is Integrative. The approach combines the best of both modern and traditional medicines and emphasizes an importance on diet and lifestyle. It is not limited, relying almost exclusively on drugs and surgery, in spite of their risks and complications.
Functional medicine is Restorative. Tests and treatments are designed to promote optimal function, prevent and reverse disease, and improve quality of life.
Functional medicine is Preventative. Guided by the ancient Chinese saying, “The superb physician treats disease before it occurs.” It doesn’t work by simply managing disease after it has already reached an irreversible state…
Functional medicine is Evidence-based. It is based on the latest research from peer-reviewed medical journals, and uncorrupted by corporate and political interests. It is not profit-driven nor based on outdated research and heavily influenced by profit-driven pharmaceutical and insurance companies.
