What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is a deeply science based, yet natural and integrative approach to restoring health and balance. The latest research shows us that the physiological processes that happen within us are all interconnected. Understanding these physiological relationships allows us to see the beauty and complexity of your body’s functioning. The elegant practice of Functional Medicine views each of us as being genetically and biochemically unique.

This personalized approach supports the individual, not just the disease

Functional Medicine supports the innate healing mechanisms of the body naturally, rather than simply focusing on treating or suppressing the symptoms. Here lies the clear distinction and definition of Functional Medicine. Instead of asking, “Which drug treats which symptoms?” Functional Medicine asks vital questions that very few conventional doctors ask: “Why do you have this problem in the first place?” and “Why has function been lost?” and “What can we do to restore optimal function?” In other words, Functional Medicine searches for the root cause or mechanism involved with any loss of function, which ultimately reveals why a collection of symptoms emerges in the first place.

Functional Medicine is about causes, not symptoms. It is getting to the root of the problem and taking away these interferences naturally, so the body’s innate intelligence can start the healing process of body, mind and spirit.

An unrealistic expectation

We are not designed to be stressed, inflamed, infected, malnourished and exhausted and be expected to easily thrive, grow, reproduce, enjoy an ideal body weight, feel well, and live life to the fullest at the same time. This equation would be unrealistic. Contrary to conventional wisdom, chronic disease is not genetically predetermined, but results from a mismatch between our genes, our environment and our lifestyle. What we diagnose as a “disease” is the result of an imbalance in one or more core physiological processes. Here you can read more about this fascinating field of science: epigenetics.

Clinical Focus Areas

I work with a wide range of chronic and complex conditions, including:
• Allergies and asthma
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic fatigue and post-viral syndromes
• Cognitive dysfunction, brain fog, dizziness
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MAFLD)
• Fibromyalgia and central sensitization
• Food intolerances and gastrointestinal disorders
• Headaches and migraine
• Hormonal imbalances (including PCOS, PMS, menopause)
• Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction
• Methylation and detoxification issues
• Thyroid conditions (Hashimoto’s, Graves’)
• Trauma recovery and stress-related dysregulation
• Whiplash and chronic post-trauma symptoms

Disclaimer: The services provided by DNA Care are for educational and supportive purposes only and do not constitute a replacement for medical or psychological care, diagnosis or treatment.