What is Functional Naturopathy?

Functional Naturopathy is a science-based and lab-guided approach to health that seeks to uncover the underlying cause of symptoms and then restore proper function to the body by correcting the root dysfunction. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, Functional Naturopathy recognizes that symptoms/diseases are simply the manifestations of underlying dysfunction in the body’s main systems. By focusing on underlying mechanisms and root causes, the symptoms (whatever they may be) tend to resolve on their own.

Functional Naturopathy differs in significant ways from conventional medicine:

• Instead of improving symptoms without improving function, it improves symptoms precisely because it improves function.
• Works from the inside out.
• It does not diagnose or treat disease, but rather focuses on improving the underlying health of the main body systems. To paraphrase Functional Medicine physician Mark Hyman, it is the system of “why” – Why this symptom, why this disease?

What is the difference between Functional Naturopathy and Functional Medicine?

They are very similar. Both recognize the importance of the body as a system and the crucial need for addressing the underlying cause(s) of symptoms/disease via a systems-oriented approach. Both approaches focus on individualized care as they seek to understand how each person’s environment, background, and experiences have contributed to their current health complaints. Both approaches spend fairly large amounts of time interviewing each person, doing the necessary detective work to uncover the most likely contributors to illness. I coined the term “Functional Naturopathy” in order to distinguish how I might be different from other Functional Medicine practitioners and to clarify what you can expect from me. As a Traditional Naturopath, I am a 100% drugless practitioner. While I am not unconditionally opposed to the judicious use of medications, my goal in my practice is to always strive to find solutions that are completely natural and in line with a truly Naturopathic tradition.

Also, as a Naturopath, I do not in any way diagnose or treat disease. This is certainly in line with the spirit of Functional Medicine, but unlike many of the medical doctors (MDs, DOs, etc.) within the Functional Medicine movement who are licensed and qualified for diagnosing and treating diseases, this is not the role or the right of the Naturopath.

Briefly, the goal of Functional Naturopathy is to:

• Recognize the inherent ability of the body to heal once proper order and function is restored.
• Identify and remove obstacles to healing.
• Correct and/or remove any root dysfunction(s) in the interconnected body systems.

Both Functional Medicine and Functional Naturopathy are valuable systems of healing. In my practice, however, the application of this healing philosophy is carried out without the use of medications, without a focus on disease, per se, and with an eye to traditional Naturopathic principles.

How do I make an appointment? 

The best way is to set up your own appointment, here!

What will I need for my first appointment?

Please fill out the intake form, here, and bring any recent lab results you may have from any other practitioners you have seen in regards to your current health status.

What is your payment policy?

Due to the fact that we are a small, family business payment must be made at the time services are rendered. Thank you for your understanding!

What forms of payment do you accept?

We gladly accept cash, personal checks, credit cards, and online payments (PayPal and Square; a 3% processing fee may apply for debit, credit card, and online payments). Return checks will incur a $25 fee to your account.

Do you accept insurance? 

We are a direct-pay practice and do not accept insurance, though your visits can sometimes be submitted to healthcare sharing groups (we have the most experience with Samaritan Ministries). See your individual group policies or member service to see if your need qualifies.

Do you offer financing? 

We offer 6-month, interest-free financing through Paypal Credit for purchases of $99 or more.

What if I can’t make it to my appointment?

Please cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment. Cancellations without notice will be billed at the full rate of the scheduled appointment, due within 2 weeks, or at your rescheduled appointment within those 2 weeks. Remember, this is small, family-run office and we cannot afford to have appointment slots “wasted”! If you need to cancel due to an emergency that prevents notice, please call us as soon as possible and we will be glad to consider waiving the fee on a case-by-case basis!

How will I receive my lab results?

Test results are reported via the laboratory directly to me at my office. In most cases, you will be required to schedule a follow-up appointment in order to obtain the lab results. This is so that we can go over the results together in detail and develop a lab-guided protocol for addressing the findings. If you would like lab results without a follow-up appointment, I will be glad to provide them to you, but I will not be able to provide commentary or guidance on the results without a paid appointment.

When will I receive my lab results?

Once submitted, most lab results are back within 2-3 weeks, but may take a month or sometimes longer depending on the lab. Rest assured I will be back in touch with you as soon as possible once your lab results have been released to me by the lab(s).