Functional and integrative medicine is a holistic healing-oriented approach to chronic conditions. Functional medicine doctors take a person’s whole body, mind, and spirit into consideration. During a functional medicine evaluation, your doctor will cover all aspects of your lifestyle, genetic history, and environment to get to the root cause of your condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, “During a physician consultation, you talk with a doctor trained in integrative medicine and health. Together, you develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals for health and well-being.” Within functional medicine, the doctors emphasize compassionate care so that you feel supported throughout your healing journey. A functional medicine doctor addresses the root cause of disease with a more comprehensive approach. This is a stark difference from conventional medicine, where patients with chronic conditions are often given a prescription medication just to address the symptoms.
If you are experiencing a chronic health condition such as digestive ailments, chronic pain, hormonal disorders, skin issues, mood disruptions, or more, a functional medicine doctor may be exactly what you are looking for to start improving your quality of life and begin healing! On the other hand, if you seek preventative, rejuvenate, or anti-aging care, a functional medicine doctor will help you streamline your health and naturally achieve your goals.
San Diego has a wide variety of functional medicine services. Our team has hand-selected this list of functional medicine centers that provide innovative, alternative approaches for chronic conditions.
What does it mean to be a Functional Medicine Doctor?
Functional medicine doctors, like regular doctors, have typically gone through traditional medical school training. Functional medicine doctors take a whole-body and root-cause approach to your wellness, whereas conventional doctors often do not go beyond your symptoms. Functional medicine doctors will then often supplement their approach to your treatment plan with certifications in other holistic healing modalities. For example, many functional medicine doctors also have a background in naturopathic medicine, eastern medicine, meditation, acupuncture, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbalism, mindfulness, chiropractic care, and therapeutic practices, to name just a few.
Your functional medicine doctor will use the most innovative and evidence-based approaches for your natural treatment. They will often run a series of diagnostic tests such as blood or hormone tests to ensure that they use the best treatments and supplements for your healing journey.
Many functional and integrative medicine practices also offer team-based care where a functional medicine doctor works with various specialized therapists. These therapists will focus on different aspects of your mind, body, and spirit. Whether it is a one-person clinic or multi-person team, a functional medicine doctor will create an in-depth treatment plan tailored to your chronic condition or preventative care goals.
As you progress with your treatment plan, you will find that consistency and routine are essential. Listening to your functional medicine doctor and intentionally implementing your plan is entirely in your hands. Your functional medicine doctor will track your progress and alter your healing journey when necessary. It is good to remember that healing takes time. With a good amount of patience and commitment in your treatment plan, you will begin healing your body from the root up. When you have a chronic condition, you can be assured working with a functional medicine doctor is your best approach. They will be with you during your entire journey to ensure you are in the best place mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Conventional Doctors vs. Functional Medicine Doctors
Functional medicine doctors take the time to get to know you as a whole person in order to get to the source of the chronic disease that you are experiencing. They also offer the best in natural preventative care. In contrast, conventional medicine doctors often conduct a brief evaluation and then often prescribe medication to minimize the symptoms you are experiencing. This is neither the most sustainable nor most preventative approach because it does not get to the root cause of the disease. It also does not lead to an understanding of what created these conditions within your own body. Innovative research and personalized treatment plans are the critical part of functional medicine that conventional medicine lacks.
It is also important to note that the factors that lead to a chronic condition are never the same for any person. Each person has a unique reason for their condition due to lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. Healing the body from the root and making changes in these areas is how to overcome chronic disease. Simply managing symptoms will lead to even more harmful effects on your mind, body, and spirit.
Your Unique Relationship with your Functional Medicine Doctor
Your relationship with your functional medicine doctor may feel more like a healthy and compassionate partnership than your past experiences with conventional medical doctors. Functional medicine doctors treat you with an individualized and unique treatment approach. You will feel seen and heard in all aspects of your well-being. According to the AMA Journal of Ethics, “Integrative medicine training reaffirms the importance of beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for patients, and patient autonomy.” Functional medicine doctors genuinely want to see your body thriving in its optimal wellness state.
If you are not presently experiencing a chronic condition, it is still a good idea to visit a functional medicine doctor to begin preventative, rejuvenate, and anti-aging care. Starting a relationship with a functional medicine doctor will be the best decision you can make for a long and healthy life!
The Best Functional Medicine Doctors in the greater San Diego area
Several functional medicine doctors in the San Diego area provide a wide range of services to meet your unique healthcare needs. Below is a guide to the top functional medicine doctors and clinics in San Diego, California.
1. Advanced Functional Medicine
The team of functional medicine doctors at Advanced Functional Medicine in San Diego are committed to restoring your health. They offer treatments for a variety of chronic conditions. Instead of using harmful or unnecessary drugs to heal your body, mind, and spirit, Advanced Functional Medicine takes a natural and holistic approach through implementing lifestyle changes and other therapies to optimize your health.
Their services include:
- Metabolic Disorders
- Cardiovascular Conditions
- Chronic Pain
- Digestive Issues
- Migraines
- Joint Pain
- Hormonal Problems
Insurances accepted: Advanced Functional Medicine is not compatible with any insurance.
website: https://www.advfunctionalmedicine.com/
address: 5405 Morehouse Dr Ste 135 San Diego, CA 92121
2. Regenerative Wellness – San Diego
Functional medicine doctor Bryan Drain, ND founded Regenerative Wellness San Diego to help people find profound and life-changing therapies. The practice focuses on regenerative and naturopathic treatments to address your condition from the root cause. Regenerative Wellness offers the most innovative treatments to help you get your health and life back into your own hands.
Their services include:
- IV Therapies
- Ozone Therapy
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
- Exosome Cell Therapy
- Poly-MVA Therapy
- NAD+ Therapy
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Metabolic Cancer Treatment
- Naturopathic Consultations
Insurances accepted: Regenerative Wellness San Diego does not accept insurance.
website: https://regenwellnessca.com/
address: 1060 University Ave A211 San Diego, CA 92103
3. San Diego Naturopathic
San Diego Naturopathic was founded by functional medicine doctor Peter Wannigman, a licensed naturopathic doctor and pharmacist. His practice focuses on treating the root cause of your illness instead of just simply treating the symptoms. Dr. Wannigman will take a look at many factors contributing to your imbalance including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Their services include:
- Wellness Programs
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Wellness Coaching
- Bioidentical Hormone Replenishment
Insurances accepted: San Diego Naturopathic is outside of most insurance networks.
website: https://docwanni.com/
address: 2878 Camino del Rio S Ste 404 San Diego, CA 92108
4. Bressler Daniel J, MD
Dr. Daniel J. Bressler, MAD, FAC, founded this personalized integrative medicine practice to offer you a comprehensive approach to your healing. The practice is dedicated to optimizing your health through mainstream medicine, alternative techniques, and lifestyle changes. His priority is to understand you as a whole person including your physical, mental, and emotional health in order to meet your needs and goals.
Their services include:
- Science-Based Natural Medicine (herbs, medical foods and supplements)
- Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement for both women and men.
- Functional Medicine (use of expanded biomarkers and physiological testers)
- Optimal Wellness and Longevity
Insurances Accepted: Dr. Daniel Bressler will provide you with the necessary documentation to submit to your insurance company.
website: https://drdanielbressler.com/
address: 501 Washington St Ste 705 San Diego, CA 92103
5. Nature & Science Medicine Natural Health Clinic
Nature and Science Medicine Natural Health Clinic was founded by functional medicine doctor Nikodemas McNulty, ND. The clinic has a focus on offering you the most compassionate care and innovative treatments available. Nature and Science Medicine uses the most up-to-date and research based treatments alongside traditional natural therapies in order to meet all of your holistic healthcare needs.
Their services include:
- IV Therapy and Vitamin Injections
- Sports Medicine
- Hormonal Health
- Mental Health and Mood
- Gastrointestinal Health
- Supportive Cancer Care
- Preventative Medicine
- Pediatric Care
- Nebulizer Treatments
Insurances accepted: Nature & Science Medicine does not take insurance at this time.
website: https://nsmedicine.com/
address: 740 Garden View Ct Ste 207 Encinitas, CA 92024
6. Nourish Medical Center
Nourish Medical Center was founded by functional medicine doctor Adrienne Steward. The clinic’s values include helping you find solutions to your questions and concerns, and helping you achieve the results you are seeking. The large team of functional medicine doctors focuses on proactive healthcare and addresses your entire physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. They also offer holistic medical care to your entire family including pediatric consultations.
Services included:
- Medical Visits
- Labs
- Pediatric Consultations
- Nutrient IVs & Shots
- Coaching
- Hair & Skin Consultations
Insurances accepted: Nourish Medical Center does not accept insurance at this time.
website: https://www.nourishmedicalcenter.com/
address: 10505 Sorrento Valley Rd Ste 225 San Diego, CA 92121
7. Mona Ezzat-Velina, MD
Functional medicine doctor Mona Ezzat-Velina, MD founded this practice to help you discover your hidden health potential. She focuses on developing meaningful and long-term relationships with each of her patients. Dr. Ezzat-Velina provides the most state-of-the-art testing and treatments to help you get to the root cause of your health issues.
Services included:
- Individual Wellness & Corporate Wellness
- Comprehensive Assessment
- Personalized Vitality Plan
- Addressing Nutritional Needs
- Fatigue Issues
- Weight Loss and Management
- Chronic Disease
- Brain Fog and Cognitive Issues
Insurances accepted: Mona Ezzat-Velina, MD will provide you a superbill for you to send to your insurance provider.
Website: https://www.monaezzatvelinovmd.com/
address: La Jolla, CA
Sources:
https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/ethics-education-and-integrative-medicine/2004-11
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/integrative-medicine-health/sections/orc-20464566\
