Services

At the Center for Functional Medicine we consider sexuality to be a vital component of optimal health. We partner with our clients to identify underlying physical or hormonal imbalances as well as any relationship or emotional issues that may be present. We then recommend appropriate treatments, which may include bio-identical hormones, medications, herbs, vitamins, counseling and, when necessary, medical procedures.

The Center for Functional Medicine welcomes LGBTQ patients.

The Center for Cancer Guidance at The Center for Functional Medicine allows patients to be an active participant in their health care; to expand beyond the dynamic where doctors, drugs, radiation or surgery fight the disease. Our caring and compassionate staff is dedicated to addressing each patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Our gifted and credentialed health care providers are committed to offering the most promising “alternative” and “complementary” treatments for cancer, including those that are currently in therapeutic trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. We have always believed that our Program should serve a model for caring for patients with cancer. This belief is becoming a reality as The Center for Cancer Guidance is now being presented at cancer care medical meetings across the United States.

Initial Consultation (the first step):

This is a visit with the Center’s Founder and Director, Joel M. Evans, M.D., and involves a thorough interview discussing the medical history as well as an assessment of the emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a diagnosis of cancer. Laboratory testing specifically useful for cancer patients is also discussed, such as: measuring the effectiveness of the body’s ability to rid itself of toxic chemicals, an assessment of antioxidant (anti-cancer compound) levels, discovering which foods stress the immune system, and determining the level of exposure to known cancer causing substances. The strengths, as well as the limitations, of the scientific literature on the different healing traditions and therapeutic modalities will be explained in a way that guides each patient (both men and women) as they decide on the “first steps” of their Integrative Cancer Care Program and define its goals and objectives.

Therapeutic Visits:

Visits with specific health professionals for the therapeutic modalities selected during the initial consultation are then scheduled, which may include: Naturopathic Medicine – The evidenced-based use of nutrition, herbs and supplements that have been shown to increase the effectiveness and decrease the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation. Prevention of recurrence becomes a focus at the completion of conventional cancer treatment. Mind/Body Medicine – Utilizing the power of the mind to heal the body. There is a large body of scientific data describing the ability of the mind to affect many aspects of our physiology of special importance to cancer patients, including immune system function, energy levels, and pain control. In addition, The Mind/Body Medicine Program offers support groups and individual counseling in prayer, imagery, hypnosis, stress reduction, conflict resolution and the maintenance of close connection with friends and family; all of which have been shown in the medical literature to improve cancer survival. Traditional Chinese Medicine – This healing system has been practiced for over 5000 years, utilizing acupuncture, chi gong, tai chi, diet and herbs. We use the different techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine in many ways to restore the “vitality” that is so often lost with cancer treatment.

Reflexology and Craniosacral Therapy:

Techniques that involve gentle pressure on the feet, hands, head and neck to optimize the flow of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord in order to reduce stress, anxiety, headaches, and nausea.

Quality Assessment:

An important element of our Program patients re-visit with Joel M. Evans, M.D. to assess whether the Therapeutic Visits are meeting the individualized treatment objectives outlined in the Initial Consultation. This is also the opportunity for new clinical information as well as subjective experience to change the treatment objectives. The timing of the initial, as well as subsequent, Quality Assessment visits is different for each patient and reflects the needs of each patient as well as the specifics of their Integrative Cancer Care Program.

Many of our clients who come to us seeking nutritional advice are overwhelmed by the conflicting recommendations presented by the media. Governmental bodies, celebrities, internet sites, and well-meaning friends all describe different versions of a “healthy” diet.

Should everyone eliminate gluten and grains? Is butter a part of a healthy diet or a risky choice? Are eggs a good source of protein, or are they associated with cardiovascular concerns? Is coconut an acceptable form of saturated fat? These are just some of the questions we are asked on a regular basis, and the answers are simple: These questions have different answers for different people. How to determine the right dietary approach for an individual is the focus of Functional Nutrition, where nutritional recommendations are tailored to the individual.

At the Center for Functional Medicine, individualized nutritional and dietary recommendations are the product of a comprehensive process that combines the results of detailed laboratory testing, the latest scientific information and personal food preferences. We provide state of the art educational tools and offer personalized, supportive coaching on the therapeutic use of micronutrients (vitamin and mineral) and macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat) to help our patients meet their goal of obtaining optimal health.

The Center for Functional Medicine defines Mental Wellbeing as the full integration of the physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of our lives. We understand the central role of peace and joy in the perception of the lived experience, and are committed to helping our patients rediscover and experience whatever serenity and happiness they feel they may have lost.

In order to identify the underlying issues that are standing in the way of Mental Wellness, we perform a comprehensive evaluation for hidden sources of Inflammation in the body, abnormalities in the gut/brain axis, food sensitivities and nutrient deficiencies, all of which can be pivot points leading to depression, anxiety and mood imbalances. We also offer weekly meditation classes, spiritual workshops and personalized spiritual counseling sessions to assist our clients in transforming stress and finding deeper meaning and purpose in their lives.

Comprehensive treatment plans are personalized and co-created with our clients to address their physical imbalances and bring in various mind/body techniques in order to restore their vitality and enhance the quality of their lives.