1. Unlike traditional medicine, which separates health care into specialties, functional medicine takes a holistic approach. It recognizes connections among various systems in the human body and treatments are customized based on individuals’ unique constitutional needs.
2. Traditional medicine often relies on extreme interventions such as harsh chemical medications and surgery, which can further dysregulate the body and cause myriad unwanted side-effects. Functional medicine keeps its focus on prevention and healing. Treatments with non-pharmaceutical natural medicines, herbs and lifestyle interventions is highly effective not just as relief of symptoms but as lasting resolution of underlying root cause. The incidence of side-effects is comparatively rare with holistic medicine.
3. Whereas traditional medicine addresses symptoms, functional medicine digs deep to the root cause of dis-ease, correcting long-standing imbalances in the body so that you heal from the inside out.
4. Traditional medicine has a disease model, which is organized around identifying and removing pathological processes. Functional medicine, while also effective in identifying and treating disease, additionally follows a philosophy and practice that supports living your best life fully. Quality of life, disease prevention, and longevity are the goal posts in this progressive approach.

Integrative functional medicine is effective because it targets the root cause of dis-ease to restore optimal health. It takes a holistic approach, which accounts for the interconnectivity of the body, emotions, mind and spirit. The diagnostic methods are precise and comprehensive, and the treatments are natural and individually customized. Because no two people have the exact same set of factors contributing to their presenting symptoms, when your unique underlying cause is uncovered, treatment is highly personalized and effective.

Starting in my adolescent years, I began experiencing physical and emotional symptoms that my doctors had no explanation for. They attempted treating with medications that only worsened my condition and left me feeling even more confused. When I learned about holistic medicine and the mind-body connection in college, I took matters into my own hands. My healing journey took  me on a deep dive into psychology, yoga, energy healing, Chinese medicine and functional medicine. I identified and was able to address the root cause of my symptoms and heal from the inside out. I also discovered that what I was doing was actually preventing illness and supporting me to thrive in all areas of my life. It ignited a passion and I knew I had to share this with others. Every day I am grateful to be of service doing what I love. 

Anyone who wishes to truly heal at a deep level and live a life of vitality and wholeness.

People of all ages and backgrounds come to see me for myriad health and wellness needs. Most commonly people seek to prevent disease, to heal trauma and support their mental and emotional wellbeing, to receive facilitation and guidance on their spiritual journeys, and to heal a wide variety of physical issues. As a primary care general family doctor and healer, I am trained to work with the full range of human health and wellness needs, and refer to other providers when necessary.

Pre-session: You may have found me online, or you were likely referred to my practice by another doctor/provider, or a friend or family member. The pre-session begins on our introductory phone call. We get to decide if we’d like to work together.

If you book a session, you will receive a questionnaire and share with me any pertinent medical history and lab results, etc.

At the first session, I hold a sacred space and attune to you as you to share what brings you in and what you would like support with. We begin the inquiry of contributing factors over your lifetime, and identify key triggers and areas in your life that can benefit from support.

It’s like working on a puzzle – together. I seek as much as possible to level any hierarchy by honoring and incorporating your values, beliefs and boundaries. I perform necessary assessments and we discuss tests that may be helpful to uncover the root of your concern. We co-create a treatment outline as well as “homework assignments” for you to optimize any or all (the environmental, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) spheres of your life. The treatment portion of the session will draw from a wide range of modalities such as acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, somatic/emotional processing or counselling, nutritional counselling, essential oil acupressure, energy healing, targeted massage and bodywork, recommendations for herbs and supplements, and, as needed, referrals to support providers.

Keep in mind, there are infinite possibilities for how a session may unfold. You are a unique individual on a unique journey. I see my job as to meet you where you are, hold a space and guide your healing process at a pace and in a way that suits your needs. I approach my role as supporting your empowerment to be knowledgeable about and sovereign in your health and wellness care.

As this bigger picture unfolds, the treatment/what’s needed is revealed. I work together with you to support your unique unfoldment and healing journey.

Some results are immediate. Depending on what is going on and your unique constitution, it may take any number of sessions to reach your ultimate wellness goals. The approach is highly personalized – your first session will paint a picture and help ascertain approximately how many sessions you may require. Many people start as patients – meaning they have a specific issue or concern that they want resolved. They end up becoming clients, where they reach a place of thriving and coming in for tune-up sessions as needed for prevention and maintenance of vitality.

It is a supremely high level of care that is safe, effective, multi-faceted and uniquely customized to each individual. Treatment requires active participation on the part of the patient in the form of investment of time and energy in their healing journey. Like a Sherpa, the practitioner guides and supports – yet the work of recovery and healing really takes place in you. It is a process of discovery every step of the way that uncovers what has been hidden all along: your authentic, radiant self.

Come as you are. Dress comfortably, and plan to have some time to yourself afterward. You are welcome to bring any past labs, medical notes, journals, test results, or any information that you feel may be relevant to what you would like to work on. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Phone and video sessions are available at regular appointment hours. Virtual sessions are very effective for counselling and emotional/somatic processing, health coaching, reviewing labs, supplements/herbs and nutritional support. In-person sessions add the benefits of interaction, enhanced diagnostic accuracy, body work and hands-on therapeutic techniques.