Functional medicine understands a person’s health as a unique interplay between our body systems and how they integrate with one another. Our fluid overall bodily function is a series of processes that move both forwards and backwards, but the backwards motion should not necessarily be seen as negative: The function of some processes may increase or decrease in order to achieve optimal balance. Occurring naturally over time, the trajectory of adaptation is, in part, determined by the unique interaction of an individual’s genome (all your genetic information within your body) with their physical environment, diet, and lifestyle choices. 

 

Dr. Janine provides a system-oriented partnership that establishes a therapeutic relationship with the patient. Rather than focus on disease labels, she seeks to learn -- together with her patient -- more about the dynamic processes that resulted in the person’s dysfunction and that may lead to illness or dis-ease.

 

What exactly does “dis-ease” mean?

 

“Dis” is a Latin prefix meaning “having a privative, negative, separation or taking apart.” “Ease” stems from the Old French “aiser” meaning, “alleviate, mitigate, relieve from pain.” If you are at ease, you are relaxed, balanced, and/or not in pain. 

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When we put it together, when our physical self experiences “dis-ease,” it is in a state of imbalance which, over time, can have a negative effect on both the structure and function within the human body. These imbalances can result in adverse symptoms affecting us not only physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, ultimately, impacting our overall outlook and quality of life.

 

In order to determine what is driving a particular state of dis-ease, Dr. Janine typically approaches each patient with three questions in mind: