Frequently Asked Questions:

Natural Functional Medicine is a scientifically-backed approach to health and wellness that seeks to prevent, alleviate, and treat disease at its root cause.

Its primary focus lies in chronic and functional disorders, which often are:

• Long-lasting diseases
• Resistant illnesses to conventional treatments.
• Challenging conditions to diagnose

Natural Functional Medicine was recognized as an alternative and complementary approach to medicine:

•  In Several American states since 1901,

• In Germany since 1939,

• By the European Parliament in 1997

• And by the WHO in 2001.

Today, Functional Medicine is gaining recognition worldwide as an essential approach to healthcare, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. These countries are beginning to integrate functional medicine into their healthcare systems and even include it in the curriculum of some medical schools.

“In recent years, it has been estimated that over 50,000 Heilpraktikers are practicing in Germany.”

While the current healthcare system often manages chronic and functional disorders with symptomatic treatments, Natural Functional Medicine believes that these conditions can be reversed by identifying and addressing the root causes of the disease. It aims to strengthen and restore the whole organism instead of just managing symptoms.

Natural Functional Medicine offers personalized treatments, including:

• Correcting diet and lifestyle,

• Alternative disciplines,

• And natural biochemicals.

 For chronic conditions, lifestyle and dietary changes are mandatory to the treatment process, as they can significantly impact overall health.

The treatments are intricately customized to address each patient’s unique physical, emotional, and environmental needs.

Natural Functional Medicine is sometimes associated with concepts and practices of pseudoscience. However, it is essential to note that this is a mischaracterization of the field. In reality, Natural Functional Medicine is rooted in scientific evidence and relies on therapies proven effective through rigorous research and clinical experiences.

Functional Medicine is your personalized approach to unlocking your body’s full potential for a healthy life.

• This approach can benefit anyone who wants to improve their overall health and well-being.
• It’s especially valuable for individuals dealing with chronic health conditions or who have not found relief with traditional medical treatments.

Functional Medicine can benefit patients of all ages, backgrounds, and health statuses.

“Whether you’re a busy professional, a new parent, an athlete, or simply someone striving to optimize your health, Functional Medicine offers personalized guidance and support to help you achieve your goals.”

Functional Medicine can help enhance overall health and vitality by strengthening weakened immune systems, reducing disease susceptibility, and providing guidance on lifestyle for everyone, including particular cases such as pregnant women, postpartum women, and athletes.

Natural Functional Medicine is…

• A more personalized approach to healthcare

• A focus on addressing the root cause of illness rather than just treating symptoms

• A greater emphasis on lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management

• The potential to reduce the need for prescription medications and invasive procedures

• Improved overall health and wellbeing

• Increased energy and vitality

• Enhanced immune system function

• Improved mental clarity and focus

Functional Medicine can help with a wide range of chronic diseases, including:

• Metabolic diseases and syndromes such as high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

• Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto/Basedow thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,

• Digestive pathologies such as functional colopathy, gastritis, Helicobacter Pylori, GERD, and skin conditions such as mycoses, Candidiadis, eczema, dermatitis.

Functional Medicine can help with a variety of functional and behavioral disorders, including:

• Hormonal disorders,
• Undiagnosed slowed or accelerated metabolism,
• Menstrual disorders, Endometriosis, Polycystic ovary syndromes,
• Male and female infertility,
• Defective diseases:chronic fatigue, migraine, headache, Vertigo, pain,
• Depressive/anxious states, mood disorders,
• Bulimia, anorexia,
• And addictions to cigarettes or other substances.

Natural Functional Medicine offers a practical approach to managing stress and promoting mental health through:

• Identifying underlying imbalances in the body,

• Developing personalized treatment plans,

• Recommending natural remedies,

• Analyzing the emotional aspect of the patient.

By addressing both physiological and emotional factors contributing to stress and related mental health issues, this approach aims to address the root cause of the problem and provide effective, long-lasting relief.

Functional medicine is effective in many situations, including severe or advanced illnesses. However, like any scientific discipline, this medicine has its limitations and continually evolves its treatments based on scientific and experimental advancements.

What makes this approach so unique is that regardless of the initial therapeutic outcome experienced by patients for a specific illness, the majority of them daily observe the benefits of this medicine through improvements in their overall health. It is partly for this reason that it currently generates a great deal of interest.

In summary, the terms “functional therapy” and “naturopathy” are often used interchangeably because many functional therapists specialize exclusively in natural treatments, while the number of naturopathic practitioners with a deep understanding of human physiology is significantly increasing. The main distinction lies in the fact that some functional therapists – originally physicians – may also recommend conventional treatments as part of integrative medicine.

In our center, we take an integrative approach by examining patients from both perspectives of medicine but have deliberately chosen to focus on treating chronic diseases through natural therapies.

The functional therapist is a health professional with diverse knowledge and skills in natural therapies, including but not limited to herbal and nutritherapy.

This type of therapist is trained in multiple specialties and can be considered a generalist in the field.

It’s important to note that some people may believe that “all” natural biochemicals are gentle, take a long time to produce therapeutic effects, and may not provide immediate relief. However, some natural biochemicals can be potent and considered allopathic treatments, which means they are so powerful that they can be toxic if not properly administered, similar to synthetic medication. 

Still, the efficacy of a treatment is not solely determined by its strength or potency. It is crucial to consider various factors, such as whether the treatment is appropriate for a specific condition, the severity of the disease, and how the individual patient responds to the treatment.

1- We can observe immediate results in the symptomatic treatment of acute diseases through specific therapies, such as essential oils. These therapies not only alleviate symptoms but also target the recovery of certain conditions. However, the patient’s specific case, pain tolerance, and overall treatment response remain major factors influencing the final therapeutic outcome.

2- In the case of severe and chronic diseases, it becomes evident that a certain timeframe is necessary. The therapeutic outcome is no longer solely determined by the factors mentioned earlier but also by the following elements:

• Identification of all factors involved in the disease. Unexplored underlying causes can compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.

• Patient adherence to the prescribed protocol, particularly concerning dietary aspects.

• The body’s ability to restore its physiological functions, depending on the severity of the sequelae caused by the disease or the long-term side effects of medications consumed.

Dietary modifications are crucial for achieving results in the majority of conditions we treat. Particularly in the case of chronic and defective diseases, adhering to a specific diet is essential. Many autoimmune diseases stem from cross-reactivity with certain dietary substances. Metabolic disorders, characterized by compromised cellular respiration, necessitate a healthy diet for regulation. In the case of conditions like type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance and carbohydrate intolerance are prevalent, a high carbohydrate diet is not recommended. Functional conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome require a comprehensive diet and lifestyle overhaul for recovery. Nowadays, even certain acute diseases may require dietary adjustments when they become persistent and chronic.

Functional Medicine can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine in the following ways:

• One significant advantage of functional medicine is its diverse range of therapies, which typically do not exhibit systematic drug interactions or contraindications. A proficient practitioner can assist patients in harnessing the advantages of both conventional and functional medicine by meticulously evaluating each patient’s conditions and treatments.

• In some instances, integrating conventional and functional medicine approaches allows patients to benefit from a collaborative approach among healthcare providers. This collaborative approach can result in more effective treatment plans, enhanced communication, and improved health outcomes.

Natural functional and conventional medicine have differing approaches to treating illnesses but are not inherently contradictory. Although tensions and differences can arise, the optimal approach to healthcare is to acknowledge the strengths and limitations of both and determine the best treatment options based on individual patient needs and preferences. 

However, one of the core principles of Functional Medicine is to prohibit the excessive or prolonged use of medication in non-emergency scenarios and to avoid treating a disease without conducting a thorough investigation of its underlying causes.”

Natural functional medicine generally emphasizes non-pharmaceutical interventions and lifestyle changes as safer treatments, yet both approaches to therapy can have benefits and risks.

The safety of any treatment depends on various factors, such as:

• The specific condition being treated,
• The patient’s overall health,
• And careful evaluation and monitoring by a qualified healthcare provider.

Additionally, the potential toxicity of medications, whether obtained from natural or synthetic sources, is an essential consideration in medicine.

Functional Medicine consultations can be categorized into two main types:

1. The Initial Consultation: This serves as the patient’s first consultation in Functional Medicine.

2. Follow-up Consultations: These consultations are scheduled for patients committed to their treatment journey.
   

They typically span from one and a half to two hours, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s health in either of the following cases:

• To investigate the patient’s initial condition thoroughly.

• To analyze their progress and response to the treatment.

The Initial Consultation involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s health to determine the underlying causes of their condition. During this process, the therapist provides clear explanations to help patients understand their health concerns. Additionally, the therapist offers general recommendations to promote improved health and overall well-being.

The post-consultation follow-up assumes a critical role in ensuring the continuity of a patient’s treatment plan, as it facilitates ongoing monitoring of progress, detection of potential issues, and implementation of necessary adjustments to optimize patient outcomes. Specifically, it enables the following:

• Conducting a thorough review of new medical reports or analyses in collaboration with the patient.

• Adapting the treatment plan based on the patient’s progress, contingent upon their expressed preference to continue with the current approach.

• Empowering patients by equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to actively engage in their own healthcare.

• Encouraging patients to actively participate by fostering an environment that welcomes their questions and concerns.

The number of sessions needed will depend on various factors unique to each patient’s case, such as the nature and severity of their condition, their medical history, and their response to treatment.

1- A “Quick Check-up Session” is tailored to patients seeking supplementary information following a recent Functional Medicine consultation, discussing minor adjustments, or seeking emotional support. This session focuses on addressing concerns and does not involve modifying treatment protocols.

2- Post-Functional Medicine consultations are scheduled appointments that aim to maintain treatment continuity. Similar to the initial consultation, they involve a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition, which may require significant adjustments or new treatment plans. In such instances, the patient may be provided a protocol outlining the updated plan or providing detailed modifications.

The frequency of Post-FM consultation appointments varies based on the patient’s needs and condition.

Typically, such appointments occur on a monthly or quarterly basis, although they may be scheduled more or less frequently depending on individual circumstances.

Personal and family medical history is crucial in identifying potential risk factors and underlying conditions that may contribute to chronic illnesses. By understanding a patient’s medical history, functional medicine practitioners can provide more effective and personalized treatment plans.

During a functional medicine consultation, the practitioner explores any emotional factors contributing to a patient’s chronic illness. This may involve asking the patient about their stress levels, sleep quality, relationships, childhood experiences, and other factors impacting their emotional well-being.

Based on the patient’s responses, the practitioner can develop strategies to help the patient cope with their emotions and manage any underlying stress or anxiety.

The personalized and comprehensive protocol is typically delivered to patients within five working days of their consultation.

In cases of emergency, where immediate intervention can help alleviate specific symptoms, we promptly communicate initial recommendations to support our patients.

Patients can anticipate a comprehensive and customized protocol that includes a personalized and targeted diet plan, along with lifestyle adjustments tailored to their unique needs.

The protocol may incorporate complementary treatments, such as phytotherapy, aromatherapy, orthomolecular medicine, and recommendations in various alternative disciplines.

In most cases, the healthcare provider will initiate post-consultation follow-up appointments.

However, patients may also request follow-up appointments if they have concerns or questions about their treatment plan.

E-monitoring in functional medicine refers to the integration of online messaging systems as a complementary service exclusively available to patients who have already completed an ‘Initial FM consultation’ or ‘Swift consultation’ in specific circumstances. It offers a secure platform for patients to engage in written communication with their therapists, receive targeted guidance, and actively participate in their healing process.

E-messaging therapy is categorized into two types:

1. Monitoring form: This option utilizes structured forms that need to be filled out. It is designed for tracking progress and gathering relevant information.

2. Daily monitoring: This service involves the use of the Telegram app for the purpose of monitoring patients in severe conditions.

These services are recommended by the therapist based on necessity and are not available for all patients.

Our messaging e-monitoring service is not recommended for every patient, but only in specific situations where it can be most effective. These situations may include:

• Need for support: For example, patients who are not familiar with functional medicine and need guidance to avoid misunderstandings or difficulties in applying their treatment plan.

• Daily monitoring: Patients with severe illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes, who require daily monitoring of their blood glucose levels along with drug withdrawal, or patients who have an acute disease that necessitates special attention and monitoring over time.

This service may provide a valuable resource to these patients, enabling them to receive support and guidance from their therapist as they navigate the challenges of their condition.

E-messaging monitoring is not available for all patients due to two primary reasons:

• Firstly, the core principle of functional medicine is to promote patient autonomy and self-management. It is important for patients to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to take control of their health. Continuous follow-up through E-messaging monitoring may hinder the development of patient independence.

• Secondly, the demanding schedules of our therapists also impact the selective implementation of e-messaging therapy. Due to limited availability, we must prioritize patients who need immediate and intensive support. By concentrating our efforts on those with the most significant necessity, we can ensure the utmost level of care and attention where it is most required.

Unlike traditional therapy that involves real-time communication through live chat or video conferencing, e-monitoring in functional medicine is conducted asynchronously through our secure messaging app and forms.

It is a short consultation for addressing common health conditions, providing general medical guidance, or conducting quick check-up appointments.

A Functional Medicine consultation is recommended for complex diseases requiring an in-depth assessment. In contrast, a swift consultation is suitable only for common health conditions for simple medical advice or quick check-ups.

It is essential to consider the complexity of your health issues and choose a consultation that suits your specific needs to benefit from thorough health examination and appropriate care. We have ensured to enrich our website, FAQs, and PDFs with information so that you can receive all the necessary guidance.

During a Swift Session, you can briefly discuss your question or concern with your therapist. Your therapist will provide you with expert advice and guidance.

Natural Functional Medicine practitioners can collaborate with medical doctors and specialists to provide integrative treatments that support patients with severe acute diseases.

Specific natural treatments, such as essential oils, have demonstrated efficacy in symptom management and are classified as allopathic treatments due to their therapeutic mechanism of action that opposes symptomatic progression.

 Often, one session is enough, but it’s not a rule. Some cases may require a follow-up session.

A professional advice session is a Q&A session designed to provide guidance and insights on patient care and treatment options in Natural Functional Medicine. These sessions can be beneficial for both students pursuing medical studies and healthcare professionals aiming to enhance their knowledge and improve patient care.

Professional advice sessions allow students to explore their interests, gain insights into natural treatment options, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of patient care.

Healthcare professionals can broaden their understanding of alternative treatment options, expand their knowledge of evidence-based therapies, and acquire the skills to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of their patients.

They can broaden their understanding of the latest evidence-based therapies and diagnostic tools because of the ongoing progress of functional Medicine in this field.

Functional medicine is a branch of integrative medicine that aims to address the underlying causes of disease by examining the whole person, including their lifestyle, genetics, and environment. It focuses on personalized, patient-centered care that considers each individual’s unique needs and circumstances.

• Healthcare professionals knowledgeable in functional medicine can use this approach to improve patient care by identifying the root cause of a patient’s health issue rather than just treating the symptoms.
• By addressing these underlying issues, a health practitioner can provide a more effective and sustainable treatment plan that may ultimately improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

The pricing structure for a Functional Medicine Consultation encompasses various elements, each contributing to its overall cost:

• Duration: While the average consultation typically spans around 1 hour and 30 minutes, it is worth noting that some instances may necessitate longer sessions, extending up to 2 hours or beyond. The intricate nature of each patient’s situation often calls for dedicated time and attention.

• Patient’s Case: For those patients seeking to embark on a path of natural therapies, an additional protocol may be recommended to complement the consultation, which is not included in the basic consultation fee.

• Time Investment in Protocol Development: Crafting a comprehensive protocol tailored to each patient’s unique needs demands considerable time, effort, and expertise from the therapist. The therapist’s commitment extends beyond the consultation itself, involving meticulous work and thorough analysis to establish an effective treatment plan. These invaluable investments of time and expertise are factored into the overall cost of the consultation.

• E-messaging Monitoring: The complexity of individual cases may vary, with some requiring minimal follow-up and others necessitating ongoing monitoring. In situations where continuous monitoring is deemed necessary, such as in the case of severe conditions, the inclusion of e-messaging monitoring services may impact the pricing structure.

The pricing structure for Follow-up consultations adopts a similar approach, considering various factors that contribute to the overall cost:

• Session Duration: Follow-up consultations typically span 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s progress and necessary protocol adjustments. This duration ensures ample time for thorough discussion and examination of the patient’s evolving needs.

• Protocol Adjustments: Based on the patient’s response to the initial treatment plan, refinements, and modifications may be necessary. In the context of chronic diseases, treatment management unfolds along a progressive trajectory, encompassing a series of therapeutic stages that gradually pave the path toward establishing a definitive protocol. This approach, which applies to many patients, assumes particular significance in chronic diseases requiring careful navigation and personalized intervention. 

• Monitoring Requirements: In some instances, patients with severe health conditions may require a period to develop self-management skills. Consequently, during the second phase of treatment, there may be an ongoing need for daily monitoring or the submission of clarification request forms. This ensures uninterrupted continuity of care. Recognizing that these additional services impact the overall pricing structure is essential.

While sessions are generally less expensive, it’s important to note that they provide a different level of care than FM Consultations. Since sessions are focused on addressing specific concerns or symptoms, they do not involve a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s overall health or a personalized treatment plan.

As with Functional Medicine consultations, the price of sessions can also vary depending on various factors, such as the duration of the session and any additional services that may be required.

For example, a shorter session addressing a minor issue may be less expensive than a more extended session that involves a summary of recommendations or a quick monitoring messaging service, which may come at an additional cost for specific health conditions.

The pricing of a professional advice session in functional medicine is contingent upon various factors, including the duration of the session and the scope of services offered. The cost can vary accordingly, with session durations typically starting at a minimum of 30 minutes.

E-messaging monitoring consists of two types: monitoring forms and ongoing support for patients with severe conditions. Charges for monitoring forms are based on the time required to respond to patient messages, while ongoing support for severe conditions is included in a comprehensive package. Pricing for these services is determined based on individual patient needs.

At our online center, we want to emphasize that insurance does not cover our services.

Natural Functional Medicine remains an alternative to traditional medicine within the current healthcare system. As a result, most insurance companies need to provide coverage for these types of services.

We understand that this can be a challenge for some patients, but we are committed to providing a high level of care and expertise to help you achieve your health goals.

The payment for our services needs to be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled appointment.

This ensures our team has enough time to process the payment and confirm the appointment. The appointment may be canceled or rescheduled if the payment is not received within this timeframe.

While we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, we kindly ask that you provide us with a minimum of 24 hours notice in the event of a cancellation or if you need to reschedule your appointment. Our practitioners have specifically reserved their time for you, and a sudden cancellation or failure to attend not only disrupts their schedule but also hinders other patients from accessing the care they require.

Therefore, we have implemented a cancellation policy that necessitates a minimum of 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Regrettably, we are unable to issue refunds for missed appointments or appointments that are cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

We sincerely appreciate your comprehension and cooperation in this matter.