Acupuncture & Functional Medicine Center
Call to make an appointment
R. Scott Moylan, DACM, M.S, L.Ac
Essex Junction, VT
(802) 288-8160
Functional Medicine
In-person and Telemedicine now available
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that seeks to address the underlying causes of disease, rather than simply treating the symptoms. It is an evidence-based approach that combines the latest advances in medical science with a holistic, patient-centered approach.
Functional medicine practitioners take a whole-person approach to health, considering factors such as nutrition, lifestyle, genetics, environment, and mental health when assessing and treating patients. They use a range of tools and techniques to identify and address imbalances in the body, such as advanced lab testing, nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, and lifestyle counseling.
The goal of functional medicine is to help patients achieve optimal health and wellness, rather than just treating individual symptoms or diseases. By addressing the underlying causes of disease and promoting overall health, functional medicine can help patients achieve long-term, sustainable health outcomes.
Functional medicine can be used to address a wide range of health concerns, including chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and mental health issues.
Functional Testing
Functional Blood Chemistry: This type of testing uses a comprehensive panel of blood tests to evaluate a patient's overall health and identify any underlying imbalances or deficiencies.
Functional blood chemistry testing looks at a wide range of biomarkers, including markers for inflammation, insulin resistance, liver function, nutrient status, and more. This type of testing can help identify potential health risks before they become more serious, and provide valuable insights into how to optimize a patient's overall health.
GI MAP Testing: The GI MAP test is a comprehensive stool analysis that uses DNA sequencing technology to identify the presence of harmful bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses in the gut. This type of testing can help identify the root causes of digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea, and provide targeted treatment options to restore gut health.
DUTCH Testing: DUTCH testing stands for "Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones," and is a type of hormone testing that provides a comprehensive analysis of a patient's hormonal status. The test measures the levels of various hormones, including cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and more, and can help identify imbalances that may be contributing to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings.
Food Sensitivity Testing: Food sensitivity testing involves measuring a patient's immune response to specific foods to identify potential triggers for inflammation and other health issues. This type of testing can be helpful for patients with a range of conditions, including autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, skin conditions, and more.
Overall, functional testing can provide valuable insights into a patient's overall health and help identify the root causes of health issues. By addressing these underlying imbalances and deficiencies, functional medicine practitioners can help patients achieve optimal health and wellness.
Benefits of Functional Medicine
1. Patient-centered approach: Functional medicine takes a patient-centered approach to healthcare, which means that practitioners work closely with patients to understand their unique health concerns and goals. By taking a personalized approach, functional medicine can provide more effective and sustainable treatment options.
2. Addressing root causes: Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on treating symptoms, functional medicine seeks to identify and address the underlying root causes of health issues. This can help patients achieve long-term, sustainable health outcomes, rather than just managing symptoms.
3. Integrative approach: Functional medicine combines the latest advances in medical science with a holistic, integrative approach to health. This means that practitioners consider a wide range of factors that can influence health, such as nutrition, lifestyle, genetics, environment, and mental health.
4. Preventative focus: By identifying and addressing potential health risks before they become more serious, functional medicine can help patients take a proactive approach to their health and prevent future health issues.
5. Collaborative care: Functional medicine practitioners often work closely with other healthcare providers, such as nutritionists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals, to provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare. This collaborative approach can help patients receive more effective and coordinated care.