Functional medicine is an approach that examines root causes rather than symptoms, and offers a different approach than traditional Western medicine. The team at Austin Quan Yin in Austin, Texas, takes a functional medicine approach when working with clients who come in with problems related to endocrine or hormonal function, immune problems, digestive problems or metabolic problems.

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine is an area of medical practice that focuses on looking beyond your symptoms to determine the root cause of your health problems. It differs from Western medicine, which all-too-often begins with symptoms and fails to consider potential systemic factors. 

One way to understand a functional medicine approach is to think of all the complex ways that all of your body’s organs and systems are interconnected. A problem in one area might originate with causal factors from a completely different part of your body. Functional medicine acknowledges and honors those links.

Common problems or issues addressed with functional medicine include:

• Inflammation and pain
• Adrenal problems (stress, fatigue, insomnia, digestive problems)
• Blood sugar problems, such as low blood sugar and insulin resistance
• Digestive problems ( stomach pain, bloating or gas, IBS, Leaky gut, constipation or diarrhea)
• Microbiome problems
• Autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s, Psoriasis, Ulcerative colitis
• Hormone disruptions for woman and men
• Thyroid problems  (feeling cold, sluggish metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, thinning hair)
• Blood problems such sub clinical anemia and iron overload issues such as hemochromatosis
• Anxiety, insomnia, lack of focus or concentration
• Skin problems not related to contact dermatitis

What are some functional medicine tools?

At Austin Quan Yin, the team offers numerous functional medicine tools to help determine the cause of your current health concerns. Their focus is on leveraging the power of evidence-based testing, assessment, and treatment to achieve impressive outcomes. 

A metabolic assessment is a great place to begin. Blood tests and urine testing provide insight into how your organs and systems are functioning. The results can uncover nutritional imbalances or deficiencies, pH levels, adrenal stress and inflammation, as well as many other clues about your current metabolic state and organ function.

Functional organ assessment is also a powerful tool. Exploring the way your body handles detoxification, digestion, cognitive loads, waste elimination, respiration, and other vital needs can help guide your treatment path in a way that is customized to your current state of health.  

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What functional medicine treatments are available?

Once the team has identified areas of impaired function, they can help you find treatments that can help. Your body has a powerful innate healing ability, but sometimes needs a bit of support. 

Lifestyle modifications can go a long way toward improving health and wellness. Making positive changes in your nutrition plan is a good place to focus your efforts. Your provider works with you to improve your relationship with food and give your body the nutrients needed to thrive. Supplementation can help deliver essential vitamins and minerals, or help restore balance.