Nutritional Therapy & Functional Medicine
What is the difference between complementary, alternative, integrative, and functional medicine?
Complementary medicine is a non-mainstream healing practice used together with standard conventional medical treatment while alternative medicine is used in place of conventional western medicine treatment. Integrative medicine is a coordinated, “whole person” approach that combines conventional Western medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies. Functional medicine is a systems-biology-oriented model that focuses intensely on finding and treating the root causes of chronic disease rather than just managing symptoms. Nutritional therapy blends this model using nutrition, supplementation, emotional, and lifestyle management.
What can functional medicine help restore?
In this practice the focus in on restoration, recommendations, evaluations, reviewing labs, and assessment. Functional medicine can be particularly helpful for individuals with specific health issues, including:
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer)
Digestive issues (e.g., IBS, leaky gut, Crohn’s, obesity)
Hormonal imbalances (e.g., PCOS, thyroid dysfunction)
Metabolic problems (e.g., type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance)
Chronic fatigue, migraines, and inflammation
Skin disorders, allergies, and mood issues
Chronic pain
Heart disease
How can someone be supported using functional medicine and nutritional therapy?
Getting started with Functional Medicine is a thorough and customized process. Here’s what it often includes:
Initial Assessment: A detailed review of medical history, lifestyle, nutrition, and symptoms
Advanced Testing: Labs may assess inflammation, nutrient levels, gut bacteria, hormones, or toxin exposure
Personalized Plan: Tailored protocols may include dietary shifts, supplement support, stress reduction strategies, and exercise routines
Ongoing Monitoring: Plans evolve as your body heals, with follow-ups ensuring long-term success
Every recommendation is made with your unique biology and goals in mind.
Why don’t we take insurance?
While some insurance plans may cover functional medicine, many providers choose not to work with insurance companies. Despite this, functional medicine can save money.
We do not take insurance for nutritional therapy & functional medicine at Healing Pathways because of the time commitment it takes to analyze patterns and pathways. The level of complexity may determine costs such as blood chemistry analysis or other tests