What is Functional Medicine?

The Approach

At the Healing Collective, we utilize functional medicine to address the underlying causes of dis-ease, looking at each patient as a unique individual and exploring healing from the inside-out. Functional medicine is excellent at supporting prevention, maintaining wellness, and healing long-standing chronic conditions. Functional medicine uses an evidence-based, investigative approach to determine the root cause of illnesses. By utilizing detailed questioning and listening, laboratory analysis, diagnostic studies, & lifestyle interventions, we can uncover long-desired answers and an effective treatment plan.
 

The Diagnosis Process

In order to identify the root cause or "seed" of the condition(s) we gently walk our patients through a detailed medical intake process. Through the process we aim to establish a precise understanding of the current state of health, when health began to decline, and what the triggers, causes, and correlations were. We gather additional information, through individualized & detailed laboratory testing. 



Laboratory testing recommendations are made after the initial appointment, and may include any of the following: 

- Blood tests: thyroid, hormones (women & men), metabolic panels- kidney/liver/electrolytes; complete blood count- anemia, clotting, white blood cells; cardiovascular- cholesterol & inflammation; blood sugar, vitamin levels, infections- EBV (Epstein Barr infection, cytomegalovirus, Lyme disease, Hepatitis, fungal infections, H. pylori, sexually transmitted infections. etc.; autoimmune disease markers, genetics, migrating motor complex/SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), food allergies/intolerances

- Stool tests: infections, digestion, inflammation, microbiome balance

- Urine tests: hormones, neurotransmitters, infection, kidney function, iodine, mold

- Saliva tests: adrenal glands

- Breath tests: SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), H. Pylori

- Sinus culture tests: MARCONS & other bacterial infections, mold infection, fungal infection

- Vaginal tests: pap smear screening, infections- bacterial, yeast, STI/STD (sexually transmitted infections/diseases) 

The Relationship & Care Process

The Healing Collective honors the connection between mind, body and spirit, and we actively support you in returning to a state of balance and wellness. Patients are often advised to make significant lifestyle changes and to invest in themselves and their treatment process. This may include adopting new dietary habits, practicing relaxation techniques, increasing physical movement, integrating supplementation, completing functional medicine laboratory studies, and committing to the healing process until wellness is achieved. With functional medicine, the emphasis is on a partnership that involves and empowers the patient. The most successful results come from the most active, engaged and dedicated patients.