What is Functional Medicine?

 

Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach to wellness that emphasizes personalized care, empowering individuals to make informed health choices based on their health history, lab findings, goals, and experiences. It aims to identify and address the root causes of diseases, illnesses, and pain.

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Doctors in the field of Acupuncture are well-equipped to utilize functional medicine effectively due to their comprehensive training and holistic perspective. Dr. Gabriella Rivera DAOM CFMP of Front Porch Acupuncture and Functional Medicine has been helping patients improve their health through functional medicine and holistic health practices since 2003.

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At Front Porch Acupuncture and Functional Medicine, we prioritize patient-centered, individualized care. Dr. Rivera, DAOM, CFMP integrates multiple treatment methods to uncover and address the underlying causes of your pain or health concern.

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Unlike approaches that merely alleviate symptoms, functional medicine considers the body as an interconnected whole to identify underlying issues contributing to illness. This approach is grounded in science, driven by curiosity, and centered on respect for the patient.

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What to Expect from Functional Medicine Care

*At Front Porch Functional Medicine 

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Functional medicine is suitable for everyone, regardless of where they are on their wellness journey or age.  The process begins with a consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking a holistic and integrative approach to health. At Front Porch Functional Medicine our steps include:

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1. Reviewing your personal health history

2. Conducting a physical examination

3. Performing specialized, patient-specific diagnostic tests/labs

4. Identifying your unique health and wellness goals

5. Discussing treatment options

6. Developing a personalized treatment plan

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Throughout each phase of care, your unique biochemical individuality will be taken into account. This means that a treatment plan effective for another patient with the same condition may not be the right one for you. Instead, the interconnections of your physiological and lifestyle factors will serve as the foundation for creating a tailored, effective plan for long-term wellness.

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Functional Medicine Goals:

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The core goal of functional medicine is identifying the underlying causes of illness by considering each patient's health history. At Front Porch Functional Medicine, we recognize that illness often results from multiple underlying factor in the unique experience of each person's life.

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Our aim is not merely to suppress symptoms. Instead, functional medicine focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of symptoms. By addressing these underlying issues, symptoms subside, and the body is brought back into balance, promoting sustainable long-term health.