Functional medicine (FM) is much like Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in that both view and treat the body holistically. Both require discussions about your past and present health history to create a base for care.
Unlike TCM, however, which uses pattern differentiation based on TCM science, pulse taking and tongue viewing, FM uses Western medical testing to assist with making an accurate diagnosis. FM tests involve using samples of saliva, stool, blood and urine. They are usually used to diagnose an existing condition but it can also be useful for predicting future health problems. I use both FM and TCM data to help me develop a specific Treatment Plan for you.
FM testing provides a lot of useful information. The tests can indicate if there are food sensitivities, digestive infections, hormonal imbalances, intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut), and much more. I can also evaluate regular blood tests, that you are likely use to having requested by your medical doctors. These tests compare your results to accepted “normal” ranges that have been established by the lab. FM has determined “functional” ranges for groups of people that aren’t always in agreement with “normal” ranges. This can be especially helpful for people who have “normal” lab results but still suffer with debilitating symptoms.
If FM testing is performed, generally results are available within one to two weeks. Once I have your results, we will schedule a follow up appointment to review the findings and either continue with the plan you’re following or make changes. I do my best to help you understand what the findings mean so you have more control over your own health care. I call this Self Health!
Functional Medicine Tests offered through AcuPlus:
Adrenal Stress Profiles
Female & Male Hormone Profiles
Comprehensive Digestive Analysis
- Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine (SIBO)
- Leaky Gut- Intestinal Permeability Assessment
- Lactose Tolerance Breath Test
- Parasitology
- Yeast/Candida
- Neutrigenomics (genetic testing with corresponding nutritional recommendations)
Samples are collected using kits prepared for each test. For saliva and stool testing, I will give you a free kit to collect the sample at home, then you bring it to AcuPlus to be FedEx’d to the labs. For blood tests involving only small blood samples using finger pricks, I will do the testing at AcuPlus and FedEx the sample to the lab. If we need larger blood samples, I will give you a kit to take to a local lab for processing.
Once the results are available from any of these testing methods, the testing lab will send them to me for us to evaluate. I typically use FM testing to support the Treatment Plan protocol for many of my patients. I’ve noticed that when most people see the hard evidence of dysfunction in their body systems, they become much more motivated to implement treatment protocols and practice Self Health.
Call AcuPlus today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with me to learn if Functional medicine testing is appropriate for your current health complaints.