Functional Medicine uses lab tests and genetics to determine micronutrient deficiencies, microbiome imbalances, hormonal irregularities, and underlying causes of disease.

These imbalances show up as digestive issues, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression, and chronic disease.

Functional Medicine treats common conditions of fatigue, depression, insomnia, weight gain, hormone imbalance, and gastrointestinal problems. It is especially successful at treating chronic conditions, like autoimmune disease and hypertension.

We start by restoring the 3 main body systems of hormones, digestion, and detoxification pathways.

As a licensed primary care provider in the state of California, I can order the most current research supported lab tests available. When I evaluate the results, I look at both standard and functional ranges, and utilize the entire imprint of your health to identify what your optimal ranges should be.

The tests my clients find most beneficial are: Adrenocortex Stress Profile (a saliva test by Genova Labs), GI MAP (a stool test by Diagnostic Solutions), Metabolomix+ (a urine test that measures the body’s cellular metabolic processes by Genova Labs), and the DUTCH Complete (a urine horomone test by Precision Analytical).

You can always start a program with a single test or with labs that you already have. I will work with your comfort level.

Functional Medicine looks at the same physiological and biochemical processes of conventional Western Medical doctors. In general, Western Medicine focuses on suppressing the symptoms you experience, while Functional Medicine focuses on the biochemical processes that created the symptoms in the first place.

For example, if you are sensitive to eggs, the Western Medical treatment is to remove eggs from your diet or to take medication after an allergic reaction. Functional Medicine seeks to understand why your body does not tolerate eggs and if/how it is possible to have a healthy digestion and immune system, so that you may eat eggs, if you wish.

If you have an autoimmune disease, like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Western Medicine prescribes a T-4 hormone replacement called levothyroxine, usually Levoxyl or Synthroid. In Functional Medicine, we view Hashimoto’s as an immune issue (the root) that is expressed in the thyroid (the symptom). Autoimmune patients often develop more than one autoimmune condition because the root of the immune system was not addressed. We focus on the root issue.

Adrenal Fatigue is a popular term, but is not an actual description of what is happening physiologically.

When stressed, your brain signals your adrenal glands to release cortisol to create physiological changes to help you cope with the stress. The act of releasing cortisol is in and of itself stressful to the body, so, with repeated stress, the brain slows down the signals to your adrenals to protect the body’s tissues from constant cortisol.

It’s not your adrenal glands that are worn out and cannot produce cortisol, it is actually your brain that has stopped sending signals to your adrenal glands. This brain and adrenal relationship is called the HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) Axis and “adrenal fatigue” can be better described as HPA Axis Dysfunction.

I can measure the health of your HPA Axis with lab tests.

Prices vary by test.

Because every patient is different, costs will vary depending on the complexity and needs of your case.

After your complimentary consult, I can provide specific pricing for potential labs.

Labs are not part of my fees. These lab fees are paid directly to labs.

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of hair-thin needles at key points on the body. These needles interact with the fascial network (our internal messenger system) to alter brain chemistry and stimulate internal responses, such as regulating hormones like cortisol, releasing pain-relieving endorphins, increasing circulation, reducing inflammation and more. Primary acupuncture benefits include managing pain, digestion, sleep and hormone-related health--as well as mental health issues like stress, anxiety and depression.

Acupuncture not only has the potential to help you feel better, but it can also help you look better. It’s an ancient Chinese beauty secret known to reduce wrinkles and inflammation while boosting collagen and elastin.

Acupuncture stimulates specific that have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. Because acupuncture points are designated areas of electrical sensitivity, inserting needles at these points stimulates sensory receptors. This then stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones (thought to be some 200 times more potent than morphine).

Endorphins play a significant role in the hormonal system, which is why acupuncture is effective in treating back pain, arthritis, PMS and infertility. The substances released as a result of acupuncture relax the body, and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states. Other physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system.

Western science posits that acupuncture triggers three primary mechanisms in the body:

Activation of Opioid System: Research has found that several types of pain-reducing opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture.

Changes in Brain Chemistry: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by altering the way in which neurotransmitters and neurohormones are released. Acupuncture has also been documented to affect sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes involved in regulating blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature. Modulation of subcortical structures of the brain may be an important mechanism by which acupuncture exerts its complex multisystem effects.

Changes in Blood Flow: Acupuncture and Oriental medicine affects the circulation of blood to the affected area, which helps to remove pain-causing chemicals and restore normal function.

Several neurobiological mechanisms account for how acupuncture works, from modulating neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine and serotonin, to working with the fascial tissue network of the body (Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, June 2014).

Acupuncture is capable of moderating brain functions through the regulation of central neurotransmitters (Acupuncture Therapy for Neurological Diseases, 2010).

Brain imaging study demonstrates acupuncture causes biochemical changes in the brain associated with changes in headache intensity of migraines (Journal of Pain Research, Apr 2018).

The therapeutic effects of acupuncture may stem from needle manipulation and mechanical signaling through the body’s connective tissue (The FASEB Journal, Oct. 2001).

Insights gained from acupuncture research have expanded the knowledge of how acupuncture works, including broadening the physiologic understanding of chronic pain and enhancing knowledge of connective tissues, and informed biomedical research (Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Jan. 2016).

Acupuncture decreases cortisol levels, which can directly impact stress levels (European Journal of Anaesthesiology, April 2007).

Current knowledge of acupuncture’s effects on the central nervous system provides insight on the treatment of hypertension with acupuncture (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Sept. 2011).

Acupuncture shows significant influence on cerebral blood flow in patients post-stroke (Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Jan. 2016).

There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. One reason is that they are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests- 25 to 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles.

While some feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of discomfort, sometimes followed by a mild sensation of tingling.

Most people find the experience relaxing, even fall asleep during sessions.

The acupuncture needle is a fine, disposable (one-time use), sterile, FDA-approved medical device. While acupuncture is a highly safe form of physical medicine, there are a few risks. These include bruising, muscle release (desired effect), and bleeding.

This varies by patient. Initially, once a week is recommended. After about four treatments, we discuss progress and prognosis. Once the issue has stabilized, patients can come less frequently to maintain improvement. This can be anywhere from every three to four weeks to every few months.

Wear something comfortable—ideally something you can push over your knees and elbows. It's helpful if you eat enough, so that you are not hungry. Please also keep your caffeine intake to a minimum prior to your appointment.

Your first treatment includes an initial interview/evaluation, so will longer than a normal session. Allow 80 mins for this first appointment. Subsequent treatments will last 50 minutes. Needles are generally in place for 30 minutes.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical disorders.

The WHO reports that acupuncture is effective for treating a wide variety of issues, including those related to pain, cardiology, gynecology, and gastroenterology.

Herbal medicine can be very effective alone or in conjunction with other treatments – including Western medical techniques.

While it is natural, herbs are potent and can have adverse effects if taken incorrectly.

Most pharmaceuticals originated from herbs. For example, aspirin was created as a chemical derivative from willow bark, taken for pain.

I work directly with your MD.

Some drugs and herbs can have adverse interactions, so I'll need your current medication list before prescribing herbs. If you are on medication, it's helpful if you come to your appointment with a list of medications and dosages. In addition, if you have any imaging studies (x-rays, MRIs, CT scans), please bring those as well.