“You’re doing everything right—so why are you still nauseated, exhausted, and stuck?”
That’s exactly what a 77-year-old woman asked me during her initial consultation. She had already seen a primary care physician, cardiologist, pulmonologist, naturopath, and energy healer. She ate a clean diet, took high-quality supplements, followed the Root Cause Protocol by Morley Robbins, and started bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Still, she suffered daily from crippling nausea and overwhelming fatigue.
Despite having gone through many diagnostic procedures, no clear diagnosis had been made. The nausea, she told me, was the most debilitating: “It’s always there underneath. Nothing makes it go away.”
A Different Approach
Since 2016 I have used Autonomic Response Testing (ART)—a muscle testing method developed by Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt—to assess for hidden stressors in the body. ART helps identify what the body is reacting to—whether it’s an infection, toxin, scar, or neurological disruption or interference field.
In this case, ART revealed two key interference fields:
A scar in her lower abdomen from a 1970s appendectomy
An area in the upper chest region near the left stellate ganglion, part of the autonomic nervous system
These areas were energetically “short-circuiting” her healing. They weren’t visible on labs or imaging, but her body was clearly reacting to them.
The Turning Point: Neural Therapy
The patient returned to my office for neural therapy, a treatment that uses procaine (a short-acting anesthetic) injected into interference fields to restore proper nerve signaling and autonomic regulation.
I treated:
The appendectomy scar
Thescar in the upper chest
The left stellate ganglion, which modulates sympathetic nervous system activity and has strong influence over digestion, nausea, and vagal tone
By the end of the visit, something remarkable happened.
Her nausea—which had fluctuated between a 3 and a 10—was completely gone.
She looked at me and said, “Usually it’s there at some level. But now—it’s just…gone.”
What Are Autonomic Response Testing and Neural Therapy?
Autonomic Response Testing is advanced form of muscle testing that uses special tools like signal enhancers and a polarization filter to detect dysfunction in the body’s regulation systems. It goes beyond symptoms and scans and asks: Where is the signal broken?
Neural Therapy uses local anesthetic injections to “reset” that broken signal. It’s not about numbing pain—it’s about restoring the body’s ability to self-regulate. When used together, ART and neural therapy can identify and treat root causes most doctors never see.
A Patient’s Journey Back to Hope
This woman has been gradually improving—her energy is better, joint pain has eased, and she’s walking and gardening again. But nausea held her hostage.
With one targeted treatment, that changed.
“I’m looking forward to being more active,” she said. “I consider my purpose in the world to be able to love and send that out.” “So I’m a lighthouse—whatever happens.”
If You’ve Been Told “Everything’s Normal”—But You’re Still Not Well
You’re not imagining things.
Your labs can look fine while your nervous system is in chaos. Your scans can be clear while your body screams for help.
If this sounds like someone you know, please share this with them.
When we recognize what others have missed, healing begins.
Explore the latest e-book therapy clinical research findings and understand how effective these innovative methods are in improving mental health outcomes.
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How does functional medicine treat diabetes?
Functional medicine manages diabetes by addressing root causes like inflammation, gut health, and hormonal imbalances through personalized lifestyle changes, nutrition plans, stress reduction, and supplements. It focuses on individualized, holistic care to improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and overall health.
How effective is functional medicine?
Functional medicine is effective as it focuses on addressing the root cause of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. By taking a holistic approach and emphasizing individualized care, functional medicine aims to improve overall health and wellness for long-term benefits.
How to become a functional medicine doctor?
Becoming a functional medicine doctor typically requires completing medical school, followed by specialized training or certification in functional medicine. Consider additional education in areas like integrative medicine, holistic health, or nutrition. Gain clinical experience in functional medicine practices and networking within the field.
Who practices functional medicine?
Functional medicine is practiced by Dr. Fred Bloem, specializing in holistic and integrative approaches to healthcare at his clinic in Maryland.
Does functional medicine work?
Functional medicine can be effective for many individuals seeking a more holistic approach to healthcare. By focusing on identifying root causes, personalized treatment plans, and overall wellness, functional medicine aims to address underlying issues rather than just symptoms, potentially leading to improved health outcomes for patients.
Does functional medicine take insurance?
Dr. Bloem does not participate in insurance plans, including Medicaid, and has chosen to opt out of Medicare. If you possess an insurance plan with out-of-network benefits, such as a PPO, there’s potential for reimbursement for a portion of your consultations or treatments once the out-of-network deductible is met. Dr. Bloem will furnish you with diagnosis codes and CPT codes, enabling you to submit a claim to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
What to expect from a functional medicine doctor?
Expect individualized treatment protocols, longer visits, and a focus on restoring function. Services like hormone replacement therapies, joint regenerative treatments, and holistic care are common. Dr. Bloem emphasizes education, partnership, and support along your health journey for quality and excellence in care.
Are functional medicine doctors good?
Functional medicine doctors are known for their individualized approach to healthcare, focusing on root causes and overall wellness. They often provide personalized treatment plans, longer consultation times, and a holistic view of health, making them a beneficial choice for those seeking comprehensive and proactive care.
How to find a good functional medicine doctor?
To find a good functional medicine doctor, consider these tips:
1. Research qualifications and experience.
2. Look for positive patient reviews.
3. Check if they offer a range of services.
4. Ensure they focus on personalized care.
5. Confirm their approach aligns with your health goals.
How much does a functional medicine doctor cost?
The cost of a functional medicine doctor can vary based on the services provided, location, and individual doctor's pricing structure. Functional medicine consultations typically range from $200 to $500 per visit, with additional costs for labs and treatments. However, insurance may not cover these services, so patients often pay out of pocket. It's recommended to inquire directly with the doctor for specific pricing details.
Who is the father of functional medicine?
The father of functional medicine is Dr. Jeffrey Bland.
Who is a functional medicine doctor?
A functional medicine doctor is a healthcare provider who focuses on treating the root cause of health issues rather than just addressing symptoms. They take a holistic approach, considering factors like lifestyle, environment, genetics, and individuality to create personalized treatment plans for patients.
Why see a functional medicine doctor?
Seeing a functional medicine doctor like Dr. Fred Bloem can provide personalized treatments, including hormone therapy and regenerative joint therapies, to improve overall wellness. Dr. Bloem offers advanced solutions to chronic conditions and focuses on root cause analysis for lasting results.
Are there functional medicine doctors in Canada?
Functional medicine doctors focus on treating the root cause of health issues, rather than just symptoms. Yes, there are functional medicine doctors in Canada offering personalized and holistic approaches to health and wellness. You can search for functional medicine practitioners in Canada through directories like the Institute for Functional Medicine or local listings. Make sure to do your research and choose a practitioner that aligns with your healthcare needs and values.
Is a DO a functional medicine doctor?
A DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) can specialize in functional medicine, like Dr. Bloem. Functional medicine focuses on addressing root causes of illnesses rather than just symptoms, making it a common choice for many DOs.
What is a functional medicine doctor?
A functional medicine doctor focuses on treating the root cause of health issues rather than just the symptoms. They utilize a holistic approach, considering the individual as a whole, incorporating nutrition, lifestyle factors, and personalized treatments to optimize health and prevent disease.
Do functional medicine doctors have MD?
Yes, functional medicine doctors can have an MD degree. Dr. Fred Bloem, mentioned on this page, practices holistic and functional medicine with an MD background. Functional medicine doctors integrate traditional medical education with a focus on treating the root cause of illnesses for comprehensive care.
Why functional medicine?
Functional medicine focuses on treating the root cause of health issues instead of just symptoms. It offers a holistic, patient-centered approach by addressing lifestyle, environment, and genetics to promote overall wellness and prevent future problems. This personalized care aims to optimize health, not just manage diseases.
Why choose functional medicine?
Functional medicine focuses on addressing the root cause of health issues through personalized treatment plans, prioritizing holistic well-being. This approach emphasizes patient education, longer visits for a thorough understanding of health concerns, and individualized care to achieve optimal wellness.
Can functional medicine doctors prescribe medicine?
Yes, functional medicine doctors can prescribe medicine as part of their treatment plans. They have the ability to prescribe medications, supplements, and other therapies based on a comprehensive understanding of the patient's health and individual needs. Functional medicine focuses on addressing the root cause of health issues to promote overall wellness.
Is a functional medicine doctor an MD?
Yes, a functional medicine doctor can be an MD, such as Dr. Fred Bloem, who practices holistic medicine, hormone replacement therapies, and regenerative joint therapies. Dr. Bloem offers treatments for chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, emphasizing an individualized approach to patient care and wellness.
Are functional medicine doctors real doctors?
Functional medicine doctors, like Dr. Fred Bloem, are licensed medical professionals with training in functional medicine. They provide comprehensive medical care, focusing on addressing the root causes of illnesses and emphasizing prevention and lifestyle changes to improve patients' overall health and well-being.
What to look for in a functional medicine doctor?
When looking for a functional medicine doctor, consider factors such as experience in areas like hormone replacement, regenerative therapies, and holistic approaches. Look for a practitioner who offers individualized treatment plans, longer consultation times, a focus on root causes, and a commitment to patient education and empowerment. Prioritize providers with positive patient reviews, a dedication to addressing complex health issues, and a willingness to work with you to achieve your health goals.
Why functional medicine is better?
Functional medicine focuses on addressing the root cause of health issues, providing personalized care, longer visits, and individualized treatment plans for optimal wellness. This approach can lead to improved outcomes by treating the whole person rather than just symptoms, promoting long-term health and healing.
What credentials certify functional medicine expertise?
Functional medicine expertise can be certified by organizations like the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM), and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). These credentials validate a practitioner's training and proficiency in functional medicine approaches.
What diseases does functional medicine target?
Functional medicine targets a wide range of diseases and conditions, including hormonal imbalances, weight issues, joint problems, chronic illnesses, Lyme disease, and cancer. Dr. Fred Bloem's practice specializes in holistic approaches to address these health concerns.
How personalized is functional medicine treatment?
Functional medicine treatment is highly personalized, focusing on individualized protocols for hormone replacement, anti-aging, joint therapies, Lyme disease, and integrative oncology. Dr. Bloem offers longer visits, unique treatment plans, and regenerative therapies to address each patient's specific health needs, emphasizing a holistic approach to total wellness.
What therapies do functional medicine doctors use?
Functional medicine doctors use a variety of therapies, including bioidentical hormones, weight loss programs, joint therapies (such as laser and platelet-rich plasma), holistic treatments like autonomic response testing, detoxification, IV therapies, and regenerative technologies. They also offer Lyme disease treatments, integrative oncology, ozone therapy, and additional services like EBOO and major autohemotherapy.
How does functional medicine approach chronic illness?
Functional medicine addresses chronic illness by focusing on identifying and treating the root cause of the condition rather than just managing symptoms. This approach involves individualized treatment plans, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and addressing underlying imbalances for long-term healing and improved health outcomes.
What distinguishes functional medicine from conventional medicine?
Functional medicine focuses on addressing the root cause of illness by looking at the body as an integrated system, emphasizing patient-centered care, and utilizing a personalized approach to treatment through lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and holistic therapies - in contrast to conventional medicine's symptom-based approach and reliance on pharmaceuticals.
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