Functional Medicine

A Systems-Based, Root-Cause Approach to Health Care

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a systems-based, root-cause approach to health care. Instead of just treating symptoms, it asks: Why is this happening? What imbalances in the body are driving these symptoms?

It combines conventional science (lab tests, physiology, genetics, biochemistry) with a holistic view of the person (nutrition, lifestyle, environment, stress, relationships).

Core Principles of Functional Medicine

1. Root-Cause Focus

Instead of saying "You have IBS, take this pill," functional medicine looks for underlying drivers: gut microbiome imbalance, food sensitivities, stress, low enzymes, etc.

2. Systems Biology Approach

The body is seen as interconnected systems (immune, digestive, endocrine, detoxification, energy, nervous system) rather than isolated organs.

3. Personalized Medicine

Two people with the same diagnosis may have very different treatments because their root causes differ.

4. Patient-Centered

You're not just a "disease label" but a whole person. Lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, stress, and genetics are all part of the care plan.

Functional Medicine Tools

Advanced Labs

Gut microbiome mapping, food sensitivity tests, hormone panels, nutrient levels, toxin exposures.

Nutritional Medicine

Therapeutic diets, targeted supplementation.

Lifestyle Medicine

Sleep, exercise, stress management, relationships.

Conventional + Natural Therapies

Integrates medications when needed but often focuses on natural interventions first.

Example in Practice

Conventional Medicine:

"You have reflux. Take an acid-blocker."

Functional Medicine:

  • Tests gut function and diet
  • Finds the patient has low stomach acid, poor digestion, and a hiatal hernia
  • Treatment: digestive enzymes, diet change (removing trigger foods), stress reduction, targeted nutrients
  • Result: long-term resolution instead of symptom suppression

In short: Functional Medicine = science-based, root-cause, holistic health care that integrates conventional tools with nutrition and lifestyle.

Discover Root-Cause Healing

Experience the power of functional medicine combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine for comprehensive wellness.

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