Functional Medicine-Where it all Starts
Integrative Medicine is the artful use of traditional and modern healing methods. Functional Medicine uses a whole body, whole person approach that focuses on wellness, and not just the suppression of symptoms. Using state of the art testing, and starting with the gut (which is the heart of the immune system), healing occurs primarily through removing toxic loads from the body, and increasing supportive nutrition for body, mind and spirit.
A client-centered approach refers to health care that is respectful of and responsive to individual client preferences, needs, and values, and that ensures that patient values guide all clinical decisions.
Client-centered care is the core of what the Institute for Functional Medicine calls the therapeutic partnership. This partnership empowers the client to take ownership of their own healing. Clients who are active participants in the development of their therapeutic plan feel more in control of their own well-being and are more likely to make sustained lifestyle changes to improve their health.
Functional Medicine is guided by six core principles:
An understanding of the biochemical individuality of each human being, based on the concepts of genetic and environmental uniqueness;
Awareness of the evidence that supports a patient-centered rather than a disease-centered approach to treatment;
Search for a dynamic balance among the internal and external body, mind, and spirit;
Interconnections of internal physiological factors;
Identification of health as a positive vitality, not merely the absence of disease, and emphasizing those factors that encourage the enhancement of a vigorous physiology;
Promotion of organ reserve as the means to enhance the health span, not just the life span, of each patient.
The first consultation includes:
A comprehensive health history
A physical exam
Development of a plan of care
What Do I Bring to My Appointment?
Yourself
Any recent lab testing
A list of questions/concerns/heal care goals
Functional Medicine Pricing (starting October 1, 2024):
Straightforward (1 problem): $200/hour
Complex (≥2 problems/issues) $400/hour
Resources
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Institute for Functional Medicine
The functional medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness.
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The National Women’s Health Network
We shape policy and support consumer health decisions; monitor the actions of Federal regulatory and funding agencies, the health care industry, and the health professions; identify and expose health care abuses; and mobilize grassroots action for women’s health.
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Aviva Romm, MD
Herbalist and Functional Medicine Specialist, and one of my teachers.
“Women's health needs a refresh, and that starts here! I'm Dr Aviva, MD, midwife, and herbalist. My mission is simple: to help you feel empowered in your health, confident in your body, and fired up about what you bring to the world!”