Frequently asked questions
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine is a science-based, patient-centered approach that focuses on finding and addressing the root causes of health concerns, rather than only treating symptoms. We believe the body functions as an integrated system — your digestion, hormones, immune system, energy, and emotional health all influence one another.
Instead of asking "What diagnosis do you have?", we ask "Why is this happening?" and "What can we do to restore balance?"
What happens during the initial appointment, and what's included?
Your first appointment (60 minutes) is much more than a short consultation — it's a deep, whole-body health assessment. Unlike conventional visits that may last only 10–15 minutes and focus on symptoms, this session gives us the time to listen, explore your history, and identify the true root causes of your concerns. It includes:
- A Functional Medicine Timeline (from birth to now) to reveal the patterns driving your symptoms
- Review of previous labs, with functional testing ordered if appropriate
- A discussion of your personal health goals
- Identification of core imbalances using the Functional Medicine Matrix
A comprehensive, individualized treatment plan built around your physiology, lifestyle, and goals
What is the Functional Medicine Matrix, and what areas does treatment address?
- A Functional Medicine Timeline (from birth to now) to connect the dots and reveal patterns driving your symptoms
- Review of previous labs, and functional testing ordered if appropriate
- A discussion of your personal health goals, so your plan aligns with what matters most to you
- Identification of core imbalances using the Functional Medicine Matrix
- A comprehensive, individualized treatment plan built around your physiology, lifestyle, and goals
What is the Functional Medicine Matrix?
It's the framework we use to see the "whole picture" of your health. It looks at seven interconnected systems:
- Assimilation (digestion & nutrient absorption)
- Defense & Repair (immune function)
- Energy (cellular energy production)
- Biotransformation & Elimination (detoxification)
- Transport (circulation of nutrients, hormones, oxygen)
- Communication (hormonal, neural, immune signaling)
- Structural Integrity (cellular and tissue strength)
Does this only address the physical body?
No — we also care about Mind, Body & Spirit. True healing happens when all three are supported and aligned. We also recognize the power of meaningful relationships and community as vital parts of well-being; connection nourishes us just as much as food or rest.