Naturopathic Philosophy & Functional Medicine

“Our innate state is one of health.” – Henry Lindlar

What Can Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Treat?

Functional medicine is a comprehensive approach to healthcare that emphasizes treating the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms, rather than just managing them. It takes a systems-oriented approach to identify and address any imbalances in the body that may be contributing to health problems. Functional medicine combines conventional medicine, alternative therapies, and lifestyle interventions to help individuals achieve optimal health. It is effective in treating a wide range of health issues, including chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Functional medicine can also be used to address mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Additionally, it can be used to prevent disease and promote overall health and wellness.

Naturopathic Philosophy

Naturopathic medicine differs most from allopathic medicine in its philosophy and principles. Rather than focusing on eliminating symptoms and external invaders from the body, naturopathic medicine sees these as signs pointing to imbalances and compensations that are meant to be listened to. Naturopathic philosophy is rooted in stimulating the self-healing processes of the individual by eliminating imbalances in health determinants and supporting the Vis. The Vis is an innate energy and widespread intelligence that is recognized in many different backgrounds; it is equivalent to Prana from Hindu & Ayurvedic traditions, the Chinese principle of Qi, ancient Roman Anima, ancient Greece’s Pneuma, Ruh of the Islamic tradition, Ruah of Hebrew tradition, Reiki of Japan, and the Christian Holy Spirit.

Therapeutic Order

The following shows the naturopathic therapeutic order, which is ranked from lowest-force to highest-force intervention. While allopathic medicine is built on levels 6 & 7 primarily, in naturopathic medicine we believe in starting with the lowest-force intervention as possible. However, support from any or all other levels can be used simultaneously to strengthen the individual while undergoing higher-force interventions that tax body systems.

Traditionally, the naturopathic therapeutic order is set up as a pyramid to show that our foundation is always to create the conditions for health along with recognizing the body’s innate ability to heal itself. We create an environment for optimal health in each individual primarily through education, balancing their determinants of health, and by removing obstacles to healing.

Going down the therapeutic order, the more expensive and intrusive therapies get. This does not mean that higher-force interventions like surgery or chemotherapy are never needed – these are amazing modern advances – but addressing the first levels will always increase and speed healing, and can have curative effects, unlike the temporary effects of symptom suppression.

Establish the conditions for health
Stimulate self-healing processes
Support engaged systems & restore weakened systems
Address structural integrity
Natural supplements to restore & regenerate
Pharmaceuticals to relieve symptoms
Surgical removal/chemotherapy

Naturopathic Medicine Heals

The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine are rooted in Latin. These principles outline the focus and oath of a naturopathic physician.

Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

1. First do no harm — Primum non nocere

Following three basic guidelines:
• Use the least force necessary to diagnose and treat, using methods that minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
• Avoid the harmful suppression of symptoms when possible.
• Acknowledge, respect, and work with the individual’s self-healing process.

2. The Healing Power of Nature —Vis Medicatrix naturae

Identify and remove obstacles to healing to augment the inherent self-healing process of the individual, which is ordered and intelligent.

3. Identify and treat the cause — Tolle causam

Identify and remove the root cause of illness, rather than eliminating or suppressing symptoms.

4. Treat the whole person — Tolle Totum

Treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors, among others.

5. Doctor as teacher — Docere

Educate patients to establish a relationship of partnership and to empower them to regain control of their health.

6. Prevention — Pravenire

Prevent illness by assessing risk factors, heredity, and susceptibility to disease in order to form appropriate interventions in partnership with patients.

What to Expect in a Functional Medicine Visit

A 15-20 minute discovery call will be scheduled where we uncover your health history, establish your health goals, and decide the best course of action to take. At this time, if labs are indicated recommendations will be made for any specialty labs that can help us identify your unique imbalance. This can range from comprehensive blood tests, urine hormone metabolites, stool tests, micronutrients, mold tests, OAT tests, and more. These can be paid for out-of-pocket or results can be sent over from a primary care or specialty physician.

You will then be on boarded as a new patient and will begin the process of completing our functional medicine forms. Once both forms and lab results are received, we will schedule your first appointment where we will have an in-depth review of your results and provide you with your unique treatment plan, which includes targeted supplements and specific lifestyle recommendations. During this time we will also dive deeper into your foundations of health including diet, movement, sleep, stress, and more.

Depending on the individual case, follow-ups will be scheduled every 4-8 weeks to track your progress and update your individualized treatment plan as needed. Between appointments, you will have access to our Charm health portal which allows you to message our In Whole Health team at any time with questions that may arise during the process.

Is Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Safe?

Naturopathic and functional medicine can be safe when practiced by licensed and well-trained professionals. As with any form of medicine, there are potential risks and side effects, but qualified practitioners will work alongside you and your wellness team to minimize these risks and tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs.

What Will I Feel?

Functional medicine intakes are unique in that your whole health history from conception to the present day will be covered and considered. Not only will you feel heard during our intake process, but also while building your individualized treatment plan due to established collaboration. With constant access to our In Whole Health team through the Charm Health portal, you will also feel continued support.

With ongoing support in making lifestyle changes, guidance on daily practices to incorporate, and targeted supplementation to follow, you can expect to feel your body return to its innate state of optimal health. This is an undeniable feeling of vitality and the opposite of a constant rollercoaster of depletion

How Do I Prepare for my Functional Medicine Visit?

Ensure that you fill out our forms promptly as this will help our team thoroughly review your health history and prepare for your visit. Have your most recent lab work on hand, and schedule appointments that allow for the full time of the visit (up to 2 hours).

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call or office consultation

Let’s talk about your health