Functional medicine is a systems-based approach using modern biomedicine. Lab tests are used to find and address disturbances in the function of multiple systems, including hormone, digestive, detox, and metabolic systems. It is a patient-centered, systems-oriented approach that seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease. This modality aligns with our mission to provide personalized care that considers the whole person.

Core Principles:

• Individualized Care: Tailoring treatments based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
• Holistic Approach: Addressing the interconnectedness of bodily systems.
• Preventative Focus: Emphasizing lifestyle interventions to prevent disease progression.
• Collaborative Partnership: Engaging patients as active participants in their health journey.

Scientific Evidence:

• A study published in JAMA Network Open found that the functional medicine model of care demonstrated beneficial and sustainable associations with patient-reported health-related quality of life.
• Another study indicated that functional medicine-based shared medical appointments improved outcomes more than individual appointments and were less costly to deliver.

Connection to TCM:

Functional Medicine’s emphasis on individualized, root-cause analysis mirrors TCM’s diagnostic approach, which considers the unique constitution and lifestyle of each patient to restore balance and health.