What Is Functional Medicine?
We Treat the Whole You.
- Looks beyond symptoms
- Identifies root causes
- Integrates labs + lifestyle
- Science-driven personalized plans
How It Works
Consultation
Lab Testing
Care Plan
Ongoing Support
Services
Gut Health
Hormones/Thyroid
Inflammation/Autoimmune
Metabolism/Weight
Success Stories
Benefits
Energy
Digestion
Hormones
Sleep
Inflammation
Longevity
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by “functional medicine”?
Functional medicine is an alternative to “conventional” health care approaches that have traditionally centered on easing or “treating” the symptoms of disease. With our approach, Dr. Tateoka:
- Prioritizes identifying and treating the underlying or root causes of the disease or condition, and not just managing the symptoms
- Takes a holistic view, understanding and accounting for the many different connections between various parts of your body or “systems” – no single organ or part of your body exists in isolation; it can affect or be affected by other organs and parts
- Empowers you as a client to actively participate in your journey to better health, which supports sustained wellness
- Personalizes treatments based on your unique needs and history, so we can effectively target risk factors associated with your lifestyle, environment, and more
- Emphasizes modifiable interventions to support your best quality of life and health; for instance, guidance on nutrition and lifestyle is a central part of any treatment plan, instead of a “side” service secondary to things like medications
How does functional medicine compare to “conventional” medicine?
The above aspects are in contrast to traditional approaches to health care. For example, diagnoses and treatments have been based on symptoms, but do not look beyond the diagnosis. Dr. Tateoka digs deeper, beyond your diagnosis, to uncover and resolve the unique and complex combination of factors responsible for autoimmune issues, depression and anxiety, GI distress, hormone imbalances, mood disorders, thyroid problems, weight loss resistance, and other conditions. Functional medicine “in action” involves taking positive steps, such as uncovering the root causes of poor quality sleep, to provide actionable guidance on stress management, sleep hygiene, and other factors, rather than simply prescribing medication. Medicine may offer a short-term solution, but it does not address the underlying causes of symptoms. It is essential to address the underlying problem, as this approach is the path to sustained improvements and better health.
What services are involved with functional medicine?
Functional medicine is a personalized approach to health and healing. No two journeys are the same, and advanced testing to uncover the root causes of illness will differ depending on each individual’s symptoms and goals. Rooted in a functional medicine approach, White Onyx Functional & Aesthetic Medicine orders tests that are designed to identify even the most subtle imbalances. This provides a complete and in-depth understanding of potential health challenges, which helps us isolate the underlying source(s) of any symptom or change. An advanced functional testing approach differs from conventional labs, that tend to only “flag” issues when diseases are already present. We can effectively identify dysfunction before your symptoms worsen and develop into a full-blown illness. In addition to being a highly reliable approach, functional medicine testing also emphasizes prevention and protecting your health, rather than merely reacting to the effects and complications of the disease.
What tests do you use?
Our approaches are personalized, and our advanced labs go beyond standard blood tests and other conventional diagnostics. Our nutritional, digestive (gut health/microbiome), hormonal, genetic, and environmental tests gain detailed insights into your unique biochemistry and detect the subtleties that support both healing and preventative care. Additional tests might look for food sensitivities and markers for inflammation. These advanced services may be performed in various ways, using and analyzing samples such as saliva, urine, stool, and blood.
How do you use these tests?
Dr. Tateoka and our team in Gardner, MA, use the combination of symptoms, goals, and lab test results to develop your individualized treatment plan – one that will elevate your health and well-being to new heights. Your plan may include prescriptions and supplements, but functional medicine encompasses so much more than the solutions found in a bottle. It is also about incorporating meaningful changes into your life to address all aspects of health and wellness.
Take the first step today – Click any “Book Now” button today to schedule your wellness consultation at our office in Gardner, MA.
