Functional Medicine
We are experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders.
Current orthodox medicine practised by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.
Often the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society.
There’s a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice. In the area of complex, chronic illness there is a gap between emerging research in basic sciences and integration into medical practice is enormous.
Many physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.
Functional medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach. It better addresses the healthcare needs of the current society and way of living. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.
I spend time with my patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
I use an integrative, science-based healthcare approach. Functional medicine looks “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
Functional medicine uses “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations botanical/herbal medicines,nutritional supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.
Functional medicine Pathology Testing
- Female and male salivary hormones
- Adrenal function testing – involved in energy, metabolism, mood, inflammation, blood sugar levels
- Organic Acid analysis – metabolic analysis and cellular energy profiles
- Gastrointestinal analysis – digestive enzymes, yeasts, parasites, intestinal permeability
- Cardiovascular profile
- Thyroid function testing
- Neurotransmitter testing important in mental health disorders, depression, anxiety, mood, sleep, hormone regulation and metabolism
Conditions Treated
Shelley’s Naturopathic services give you the tools and knowledge to take control of your own health, rather than giving you a quick fix. While she can simply relieve problematic symptoms, the cause will also be addressed.
More information about some of our available treatments:
Appointments
Making an appointment is easy.
Simply call 0450 273 119 or email to organise your appointment.