Functional Medicine is

Patient centred: addressing the patient, not the disease. In conventional medicine, patients with the same disease typically get the same treatment. In functional medicine, programs are highly individualised, based on individual client needs, which take into account genetic and both internal (mind, body and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors.

Preventative: promoting health as a positive vitality rather than simply the absence of disease. Tests and treatments are designed to promote optimal function, prevent poor health and improve quality of life.

Integrative: combines the best of both traditional Western medical practices using the latest laboratory testing and what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet and exercise.

Investigative: practitioners take time with their clients to understand the complex web of interactions in their history, physiology and lifestyle that can lead to illness. Symptoms are addressed by looking for any underlying causes of the problem, which leads to more profound and longer lasting results.

Holistic: treats the body as an interconnected whole, and recognises the importance of these connections in health and disease.

Safe: programs have mild or no side effects, and other unrelated complaints often improve spontaneously.

Participatory: the client is respected, empowered, educated and encouraged to play active role in healing process.

I trained in functional medicine as a nutritionist. Contact me if you'd like to know more about how I can help you.