Functional medicine takes a more proactive, preventative approach to your health. Instead of waiting for lab values to fall outside of “normal,” we interpret blood work through functional ranges—tighter ranges that reflect what’s optimal, not just what’s disease-free. This helps us catch early signs of stress, sluggish metabolism, nutrient imbalances, and hormonal shifts long before they become bigger issues.

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We also look at blood work differently than most conventional offices. Your doctor may only run the basics, but we often order additional markers that reveal deeper patterns—things like more complete thyroid panels, inflammation markers, nutrient levels, or metabolic indicators. These extra pieces help us understand why you’re feeling the way you do, and take proactive measures to restore optimal health.

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Beyond blood work, we may bring in advanced functional testing to round out the picture. Stool testing can show how well you’re digesting, absorbing, and maintaining a healthy microbiome. Hormone testing can highlight whether your stress or reproductive hormones are in rhythm. Organic Acid Testing (OAT) offers insight into energy production, nutrient needs, detox pathways, microbial balance, and even mold and fungal exposure—giving us a deeper understanding of what may be influencing your symptoms.

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I also love to utilize Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) with most people because it’s both inexpensive and incredibly revealing. It offers a clear look into your mineral blueprint and how your cells are functioning. If you’d like to learn more, you can visit our dedicated HTMA page.

 

This level of insight, especially in combination with the restorative effects of acupuncture, helps to create a truly personalized, preventative approach to your health—one that supports your body on every level