What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine is finding the root cause of your health problem and supporting your body so it can restore function. That will look different for every person, depending on the situation. I will look at you as an individual person, rather than as a body exhibiting a group of symptoms.
Do you think you can help me with my health problem?
I use an innovative approach to assessing and addressing your health concerns. Most physicians are trained to look only in specific places for answers, using the same familiar labs and diagnostic tests. Yet, many causes of illness cannot be found in these places. The usual tests do not look for food sensitivities, underlying infections, environmental toxin exposures, nutritional exposures and metabolic imbalances. Often, when using functional lab testing to identify and address these FOUNDATIONAL issues, clients begin to experience symptom improvement within a few weeks to months.
What is the process of the Functional Medicine experience?
My starting point is to take a thorough look at your Health History forms. This will help me better understand “Your Story”. It is a crucial piece of the investigation into the root cause(s) of your illness. Next, I want to hear from you. No detail is too small. In our discussion, I will gather details on your personal health history, current symptoms and wellness goals for the future. I will recommend functional lab tests that can be used to identify underlying contributors of disease based on your unique health history and symptoms.
Once we discover the root cause(s) of your illness, we will develop a personalized protocol to remove these causes and restore normal function. We will work together on this to make sure your protocol is one you can start on and stay consistent with to achieve your health goals. Protocols often include a combination of diet management, exercise, stress management, sleep optimization and natural supplements that can enhance function. At each follow up appointment we will check progress and adjust our plan to continue getting you that health transformation you've always wanted.
Do you offer Hormone Replacement Therapy?
I do not offer Hormone Replacement Therapy. Most perimenopausal or menopausal cases do not need hormone replacement therapy if foundational issues have been addressed (ie diet, digestion, Adrenal health, liver detoxification, exercise etc). I prefer using Nutrition, supplements and stress support to gently nudge hormones into balance.
Mercier Therapy
What is Mercier Therapy?
Mercier Therapy is a deep pelvic organ visceral manipulation technique. It is noninvasive, as the work is done on the abdomen and lower back. This technique relieves organ restrictions, restores blood flow and encourages movement in these organs and the surrounding pelvic area, which leads to optimal functioning.
How does Mercier Therapy work?
The Mercier protocol is a total of 6 therapy sessions that are 1 hour each. These are completed weekly to work through the abdomen, and accomplish the goal of releasing pelvic organ restriction. This is an additional therapy I offer for Functional Medicine clients. When looking at women’s health issues, or any chronic condition, there are often several factors at play. This therapy will be an additional physical technique for women used in conjunction with other recommendations to optimize health.
This protocol can be used to assist women with the following:
- Natural fertility preparation
- Regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation
- Normalize the hormone and endocrine system
- Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
- Decrease anxiety and stress
- Offer support for issues like PCOS and Endometriosis
- Help relieve pain and support healing from C-section, hysterectomy and other abdominal surgeries