Unlock 5 Secrets to Functional Medicine You Wish You Knew Earlier

Unlock 5 Secrets to Functional Medicine You Wish You Knew Earlier

5 Secrets to Functional Medicine You Wish You Knew Earlier

Introduction

Functional medicine is a game-changer in the healthcare industry. It’s not just about treating symptoms; it’s about treating you. But what are the secrets that make it so effective? Let’s dive in.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is an individualized, patient-centered approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of diseases. Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats symptoms, functional medicine aims to treat the individual as a whole.

The Five Secrets

Ready to unlock the secrets? Here they are:

Secret 1: The Root Cause Approach

Functional medicine is all about finding the root cause of your health issues, not just treating symptoms. This approach is beneficial because it offers long-term solutions, rather than quick fixes.

Secret 2: Personalized Treatment

No two individuals are the same, and functional medicine recognizes this. Treatments are tailored to suit your unique needs, ensuring better outcomes.

Secret 3: Integrative Care

Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with alternative therapies. This means you get the best of both worlds. For instance, acupuncture can be an integral part of your treatment plan.

Secret 4: Nutrition as Medicine

Food is more than just fuel; it’s medicine. Functional medicine often incorporates nutrition plans tailored to your needs, helping you achieve optimal health.

Secret 5: Mind-Body Connection

Your mental health plays a significant role in your overall well-being. Functional medicine often includes therapies like clinical hypnotherapy to ensure that your mind is as healthy as your body.

How to Get Started with Functional Medicine

  1. Research: Understand what functional medicine is and how it can benefit you.
  2. Consult: Schedule a consultation with a functional medicine practitioner.
  3. Plan: Work with your practitioner to develop a personalized treatment plan.

The Role of Acupuncture in Functional Medicine

Acupuncture can be a powerful tool in functional medicine. It can help with pain management, stress relief, and even fertility.

The Importance of Nutrition

Nutrition is often overlooked in conventional medicine but is a cornerstone in functional medicine. A balanced diet can significantly improve your health.

Naturopathic Medicine and Functional Medicine

Both approaches aim to treat the individual as a whole. Naturopathic medicine can complement functional medicine treatments effectively.

Conclusion

Functional medicine offers a more personalized, integrative approach to healthcare. By focusing on the root cause, offering personalized treatments, and integrating various therapies, it provides a comprehensive solution to health and well-being.

What questions should I ask my functional medicine doctor?2023-09-25T15:45:52+00:00

When you’re preparing for your first consultation with a functional medicine doctor, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure you’re getting the most personalized care possible. Some questions you might consider asking include:

  1. What tests will be conducted to determine the root cause of my symptoms?
  2. How do you tailor treatment plans to individual needs?
  3. What role does nutrition play in my treatment?
  4. How do you integrate other therapies like acupuncture or naturopathic medicine into the treatment plan?
  5. What is your approach to mental health?

These questions can help you understand the doctor’s approach and how it aligns with your health goals. The Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for your first appointment with a new doctor, which can be applied to functional medicine as well.

For more information on what functional medicine entails, you can visit Red Leaf Wellness’s Functional Medicine page.

What is an example of functional medicine?2023-09-25T15:46:32+00:00

Functional medicine often involves a multi-faceted approach to treating chronic conditions. For instance, if you’re dealing with chronic pain, a functional medicine doctor might not only prescribe medication but also recommend acupuncture and a specialized nutrition plan. This approach aims to treat the root cause of the issue rather than just alleviating symptoms. The Institute for Functional Medicine provides various case studies that offer real-world examples of functional medicine in action.

For a deeper understanding of how acupuncture can be integrated into a functional medicine treatment plan, you can visit Red Leaf Wellness’s Acupuncture page.

What are the basics of functional medicine?2023-09-25T15:47:10+00:00

The basics of functional medicine revolve around a patient-centered approach that seeks to identify and address the root cause of diseases. It integrates traditional Western medical practices with alternative therapies like acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, and nutrition. The Cleveland Clinic offers an excellent overview of the basics of functional medicine.

For more details on the role of nutrition in functional medicine, you can refer to Red Leaf Wellness’s Nutrition page.

What is the difference between integrative medicine and functional medicine?2023-09-25T15:47:31+00:00

While both integrative and functional medicine aim to treat the whole person, they differ in their approach. Integrative medicine combines Western medicine with alternative therapies but may not always focus on finding the root cause of a condition. Functional medicine, on the other hand, is rooted in identifying and treating the root cause of diseases. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health provides a detailed explanation of integrative medicine.

For more information on how functional medicine integrates various therapies, you can visit Red Leaf Wellness’s Functional Medicine page.

What is the difference between naturopath and Functional Medicine?2023-09-25T15:48:58+00:00

Naturopathic medicine and functional medicine both focus on holistic care and the individual needs of the patient. Naturopathic medicine often relies more on natural remedies and might not integrate Western medicine to the extent that functional medicine does, though both are highly integrated at Red Leaf Wellness. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians offers more insights into what naturopathic medicine involves.

For a comparison of how naturopathic medicine can complement functional medicine treatments, you can refer to Red Leaf Wellness’s Naturopathic Medicine page.

Specialists on our Team:

Tammy Lalonde, CEO and Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧

Position: CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism
Categories: Acupuncture, Addictions, Administration, Allergies, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Auto-Immune Health, Back Pain, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Cardiovascular Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Inflammatory Disease, Chronic Pain, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Depression, Diabetes, Digestive Health, Electrostimulation, Emotional Health, Fertility, Fibromyalgia, Functional Medicine, Gender Reassignment, Guillain-Barre, Headaches & Migraines, Herbal Medicine, HIV and AIDS, Hormone Health, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Lupus, Men's Health, Menopause, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Myasthenia Gravis, Neurological Health, Oncology, Pain Management, Post-Covid Syndrome, Pregnancy, Prostatitis, Psoriasis, PTSD, Respiratory Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Seniors Health, Service, Sexual Dysfunction, Soft Tissue Injury, Specialization, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thyroid Disorders, Vasculitis, Whiplash, Women's Health

Caring for people is my passion and one of the greatest callings life has to offer.  I am a seasoned Paramedic and Acupuncturist with extensive experience assisting patients as they cope with obvious and invisible injuries. I have been there for those in desperate medical, psychological or traumatic situations, delivered beautiful babies in vehicles parked along the side of the road, and administered care in such odd locations as on a domestic airliner at 30,000 feet or when flying emergency medevacs over Arabian desertscapes. I know full well how to care for those in true crisis but have also witnessed so many more whose illnesses and injuries could be traced back to their treatment of the body as a whole, whether through their diet, fitness levels, or neglect. As my career has evolved, so has my focus, which has shifted to helping a greater number of people early on to prevent minor issues from evolving into larger and costlier illnesses.  In my practice I have found a niche offering by pairing these strengths in emergency care and women’s health with the respected skills and techniques from top practitioners in oriental medicine. All care is focused on returning the body, mind, and spirit to a whole.

My academic preparation closely incorporates oriental medicine with Western healthcare. My passions build on natural strengths in highly stressful complex interactions, care management, and treatment of anxiety, depression and PTSD – particularly amongst Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. Within North America and the Middle East I have enjoyed a long standing career as a respected clinician, clinical educator, fire and emergency medical dispatcher.  I hold active licensure/registration with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the California Acupuncture Board, and the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA).  I am a past Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and a present member of the CAA Competence Committee.


Education:

  • Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Master of Science (MS) – Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Master of Science (MS) – Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, cum laude, South Baylo University
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) – Holistic Science, South Baylo University
  • Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University

Licensure

  • RAc – Registered Acupuncturist of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
  • RH – Registered Herbalist of the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA)
  • LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist of the California Acupuncture Board
  • Dipl.Ac – Diplomate of Acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Tammy Lalonde, CEO and Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧

CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism

Caring for people is my passion and one of the...

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy 🇬🇧

Position: Naturopathic Medicine
Categories: Adolescent Well Being, Adrenal Function Testing, Allergies, Anxiety, Auto-Immune Health, Back Pain, Bells Palsy, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Botanical Medicine, Bowen Technique, Cardio-Metabolic Health, Cardiovascular Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity Testing, Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), Children's Health, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Inflammatory Disease, Chronic Pain, Comprehensive Hormone Testing, Comprehensive Stool Analysis/Testing, Concusssion, Dementia, Detoxification Therapies, Diabetes, Digestive Health, Emotional Health, Environmental Medicine, Environmental Toxin Testing, Epilepsy, Female Hormone Testing, Fibromyalgia, Food Sensitivity Testing, Functional Medicine, Gender Reassignment, Headaches & Migraines, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Health, Hormone Health, Hydrotherapy, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Intestinal Permeability Testing, Lifestyle, Male Hormone Testing, Multiple Sclerosis, Musculoskeletal, Naturopathic Medicine, Neurological Health, Organic Acid Testing (OAT), Pain Management, Parkinsons, Post-Covid Syndrome, Prostatitis, Psoriasis, Respiratory Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Salivary Hormone Testing/Dutch Testing, Sciatica, Shingles, Sinuses, Sleep Disorders, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stool Analysis, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thyroid Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, Travel Health, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Vitamin D Testing, Weight Management, Whiplash

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor who has been serving the communities of Ottawa and Edmonton since her graduation from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004. Her extensive background in Naturopathic Medicine has paved the way for diverse opportunities, including her involvement in the regulation of natural health products at Health Canada and her roles as a health advisor and physiology instructor at the Guanacaste Waldorf School in Costa Rica. Her current residence is in Rio Terrace, situated in the west end of Edmonton, where she lives with her husband and three children.

Dr. McCarthy’s utmost dedication lies in fostering the health and well-being of families. As a mother herself, she deeply understands the profound concern parents hold for the health of their children, and she shares the common desire of many parents to seek natural remedies and approaches. Dr. McCarthy also acknowledges the responsibility many individuals feel in providing care for their aging parents, which fuels her commitment to advocating for complementary health practices for seniors. Her extensive experience in administering Naturopathic Medicine to patients, as well as addressing the health issues of her own family, positions Dr. McCarthy to offer invaluable counsel and support.

Expanding beyond family health, Dr. McCarthy’s expertise extends to addressing a diverse range of health matters for individuals of all ages. Her particular areas of interest and proficiency encompass:

  • Offering solutions for behavioural concerns in children
  • Assisting seniors in achieving improved aging, increased energy, and overall well-being
  • Implementing biotherapeutic drainage to reduce individuals’ toxic load
  • Providing treatment for digestive ailments
  • Utilizing the Bowen Technique to facilitate healing for pain and various injuries, including concussions

Dr. McCarthy’s legacy as a dedicated advocate for holistic wellness and an accomplished Naturopathic Doctor ensures that her patients receive comprehensive support and guidance towards optimal health.

Education: 

Licensure: 

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy 🇬🇧

Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor who has been...

Headshot of a smiling woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing a rust-colored sweater and a heart-shaped pendant necklace.

Dr. Olivia Wiebe 🇬🇧

Position: Acupuncture, Herbalism
Categories: Acupuncture, Anxiety, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Electrostimulation, Emotional Health, Facial Cupping, Facial Rejuvenation, Gua Sha, Headaches & Migraines, Herbal Medicine, Hormonal Health, Hot Flashes, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Menopause, Moxibustion, Pain Management, Pregnancy, Stress, Women's Health

Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a compassionate and holistic approach to wellness. Graduating from MacEwan University in 2017 with a diploma in Acupuncture, Olivia’s journey into this ancient healing practice began during her high school years, where she first experienced its transformative effects. This initial exposure led her to a profound understanding of the body’s complex interplay with lifestyle and environment, shaping her therapeutic approach.

Equipped with deep knowledge in yin/yang theory, 5-element theory, meridian channels, and organ diagnosis, Olivia views health as a harmonious balance between physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Her commitment to expanding her expertise led her to pursue an additional 2.5 years of study in Chinese Herbology at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. This rigorous training, coupled with her experience in Western Herbology, has enabled her to integrate a rich tapestry of herbal wisdom into her practice.

Olivia’s therapeutic focus includes alleviating aches and pains, addressing insomnia, stress, and anxiety, and enhancing women’s health, among other areas. She is passionate about assisting her patients in every step of their healing journey, regardless of their familiarity with Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Olivia is an avid nature enthusiast, often found embracing the tranquility of the river valley or indulging in forest bathing with her beloved dog. She is also a skilled pianist, classically trained through the Royal Conservatory, and has shared her love for music by teaching piano lessons for over a decade.

At our clinic, Olivia Wiebe stands as a testament to the power of integrative care, combining her rich knowledge of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a deep-rooted passion for natural healing. Whether you are new to Acupuncture or seeking advanced care, Olivia welcomes all questions and looks forward to guiding you on your path to wellness.

Education

  • Diploma of Acupuncture, MacEwan University

Certifications/Licensure

  • Registered Acupuncturist – College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Headshot of a smiling woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing a rust-colored sweater and a heart-shaped pendant necklace.

Dr. Olivia Wiebe 🇬🇧

Acupuncture, Herbalism

Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional...

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