Functional Medicine—Herbs, Nutritional Supplements, and Homeopathy

My path to natural healing started with an interest in herbal medicine (both Chinese herbs and Western herbs) and nutritional supplements. I later studied drainage homeopathy ( not to be confuse with classical homeopathy) and added that to my repertoire. Each has its own unique benefits. I offer consultations to review your current regimen and to help design a program to achieve your health goals.

Herbology

Chinese herbal medicine is based on centuries old empirical knowledge plus modern scientific understanding of physiological and biochemical effects on the cells, tissues, and whole person. Prescription of Chinese herbs is always done in formulas (both modern and classical) and based on a diagnosis according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Western herbs are also useful in natural therapeutics. I use the highest quality herbal extracts available to achieve clinical results.

Multivitamin pills on a clay plate, on a vintage wooden table, with a sprig of mint

Functional Medicine

My study of Functional Medicine has given me a broad background in the use of nutritional medicine. This field is heavily research based in functional approaches to addressing health concerns and relies on science-guided nutritional approaches. Using metabolic assessment and lab testing are crucial. Attention is paid to intestinal barriers (so called “leaky gut”), liver detoxification, sugar metabolism and utilization, thyroid and adrenal function, digestive function, inflammation, and chemical toxicity to name a few. Treatments are based on diet, lifestyle, and nutritional supplementation.

Functional lab testing may include:

  1. GI MAP
    The GI-MAP (Microbial Assay Plus) is unique in the field of comprehensive stool testing. It relies exclusively on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more, by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested.The gut microbiome, in particular, plays a critical role in mediating the effects of diet and other factors on health, including digestive, immune, metabolic and neuroendocrine functions. Assessing GI health with the proper tools can help get to the root cause of chronic illness. Link: https://www.diagnosticsolutionslab.com/tests/gi-map
  2. ORGANIC ACIDS TEST (OAT)
    Organic acids are products of the body’s metabolic pathways. Evaluation of these downstream metabolites from various metabolic pathways provides insight into important areas related to gut health, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurotransmitter status, indicators of detoxification and macronutrient breakdown and nutritional status. This makes organic acid testing a valuable tool to assess the functional need for essential nutrients, diet modification, antioxidant protection, detoxification, and other therapies.  Link https://mosaicdx.com/test/organic-acids-test/

There are 4 clinical priorities to consider when supporting the body’s ability to self-regulate:

  1. Hepatic (liver) bio-transformation
    This includes detoxification of environmental toxins (including heavy metals and toxins such as Bisphenol A or glyphosate) as well as the body’s metabolism of hormones.
  2. Balancing blood sugars and blood sugar utilization
    Important in addressing systemic inflammation. Diet and lifestyle may contribute to Insulin Resistance (IR) and reactive hypoglycemia.
  3. Essential fatty acid (EFA) support
    EFA support is essential to address pro-inflammatory and anti- inflammatory balance and its key role in its effects on hormones and hormone receptor sites.
  4. Normalize Gut microbiome and intestinal barrier integrity
    Gastrointestinal (GI) considerations are important here including intestinal barrier integrity and GI pathogens (such as bacteria, fungi, parasites). Loss of immune barriers may contribute to allergies and other conditions.

Homeopathic Drainage

Finally, I utilize homeopathic drainage as part of my arsenal of natural remedies. Bio-therapeutic drainage allows the body to eliminate toxins in a way that supports the body’s normal function. It is not the same as herbal and diet based detoxification programs. Bio-therapeutic drainage is a method that helps to open the body’s organs of elimination (skin, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder, and bowels) and provide a safe way to detoxify at a cellular level.

I personally utilize UNDA homeopathic remedies in my practice.  The remedies are made from plants and minerals that are diluted several times. These low potency remedies have a resonance that is the same inside a cell and thus acts at this level. This significantly modifies the body’s internal environment allowing efficient elimination of toxins. UNDA numbered remedies are able to detoxify organs, normalize glandular systems, and manage functional stresses.