Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine

I've been exploring into the world of Functional Medicine for about a decade now. Initially, I didn't use the term 'Functional Medicine' in my practice. Instead, I started with treatments focused on vitamins and lifestyle management. Over time, I broadened my perspective and thinking towards Functional Medicine.

Even today, many people aren't familiar with the term. Functional Medicine is also referred to as 'Complementary Medicine' or 'Alternative Medicine'. If I were to define Functional Medicine in a sentence, I'd say this: imagine the symptoms a patient presents with as the fruits of a tree. The reason for these fruits lies in the roots. Functional Medicine involves identifying the primary causes that lead to the development of a disease and guiding the patient towards treatments that target these causes.

Contrastingly, pharmaceutical treatments, which dominate mainstream medicine, often lean more towards symptom management rather than addressing root causes. For instance, the medication you take for high blood pressure doesn't treat the underlying cause of elevated blood pressure but simply lowers vascular pressure. So, when you stop taking the medication, the blood pressure rises again. The same goes for diabetes medication. Instead of addressing the reasons and causes that lead to elevated blood sugar levels, it artificially lowers blood sugar.

Metabolic disorders require a shift in lifestyle for effective treatment. However, due to the convenience of regulating them with medication, many patients prefer this over making the effort to change.

In my practice, I continue to experience various miracles that are hard to explain. Moving away from the traditional reliance solely on medication, and instead, effectively utilizing the functions of the 100 doctors within the human body, Functional Medicine empowers patients to harness their own healing potential. I firmly believe that this approach is the singular method to safeguard health and liberate oneself from disease." 

Dr. Timothy J Kang, L.Ac, Ph. D, CFMP

 

WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE?

Functional medicine is a medical approach that focuses on treating the underlying causes of a patient's condition, rather than just managing symptoms. It takes into account the individuality of each patient and considers their genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to their health issues. Functional medicine practitioners use a wide range of tools, from personalized nutrition plans and lifestyle interventions to advanced laboratory testing and innovative treatments, to help patients achieve optimal health and wellness. The goal of functional medicine is to create a personalized plan that addresses the root causes of a patient's health problems and promotes overall well-being.

HOW FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CHANGES THE WAY WE DO MEDICINE:
 
  • Functional medicine changes the way we do medicine by focusing on a more holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare. It recognizes that each patient is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to healthcare.
  • By taking into account a patient's lifestyle, environment, genetics, and health history, functional medicine practitioners develop individualized treatment plans that address the underlying causes of a patient's condition. This helps to prevent and treat chronic diseases, rather than just managing symptoms.
  • Functional medicine also often incorporates the use of advanced laboratory testing and technology to diagnose and monitor patients. This allows for a more precise understanding of a patient's health status and helps practitioners to tailor treatments to the patient's specific needs.
  • Overall, functional medicine encourages a partnership between patients and practitioners, empowering patients to take an active role in their own health and wellness. It shifts the focus from disease management to achieving optimal health and preventing chronic diseases.

     

    FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TESTING OPTIONS

    • General Wellness
    • Amino Acid Profiles
    • Male & Female Hormone Level Testing
    • SIBO, Digestive and Gut Microbiome Tests / Gut Health
    • Estrogen Metabolism Testing
    • Allergy Evaluation / Food Sensitivity and Gluten Intolerance
    • Genetic Testing
    • Lyme  & Tick-borne Disease Testing
    • Adrenal & Stress Testing
    • Stress / Adrenal Hormone Testing
    • Toxins / Heavy Metal Testing

    LABS WE USE : 3 X 4 GENETICS, Aero Diagnostics, CELL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, dnalife, DNA RX, IGeneX, KBMO DIagnostics, D.U.T.C.H (Precision Analytical), Sanesco, TruDiagnostic, Tiny Health, Vibrant Wellness, Vibrant America, ZRT Laboratory

     

    INITIAL EVALUATION:
    This involves a one-on-one consultation and evaluation which takes about 60-90 minutes. Please make sure to bring in your latest latest lab reports as it will be very beneficial before we perform any diagnostic procedures.

    FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS:
    A 45-60 minute long follow-up evaluation

    FORMS

      When you receive a form via email, it will be in a PDF file for you to print. Please take your time to fill out as much as possible, and email the completed forms at least a few days before your appointment. Be assured that Dr. Kang will personally review every form and questionnaire that you fill out.