As a functional medicine practitioner, I approach health and wellness differently from conventional medicine. Functional medicine is a patient-centered, individualised approach to healthcare that aims to identify and address the underlying imbalances that lead to disease, rather than simply treating symptoms. It focuses on the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
There are several reasons why functional medicine can improve patient health over and above conventional medicine. Here are five key reasons:
Focus on Root Cause: I take a comprehensive approach to healthcare and aim to identify and address the underlying causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. I do this by using the latest laboratory tests to identify the underlying imbalances causing or may lead to disease. These tests may include comprehensive blood work, gut health testing, hormone testing, and genetic testing. By using these tests, I can provide a more personalised treatment plan that addresses the root cause of a health issue, providing long-term solutions that improve overall health.
Personalised Care: I take a patient-centered approach to healthcare and design treatment plans based on my clients' unique health history, genetics, and lifestyle factors. This personalised approach can lead to more effective and sustainable health outcomes.
Emphasis on Prevention: Functional medicine places a strong emphasis on preventing disease before it occurs. By promoting healthy lifestyle habits and identifying and addressing risk factors, functional medicine helps my clients maintain optimal health and prevent chronic disease.
Integrative Approach: Functional medicine combines the best of both conventional and alternative medicine to provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare. By using evidence-based treatments and therapies, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and supplements, functional medicine can improve overall health and well-being.
Empowerment: Functional medicine empowers clients to take an active role in their own health and well-being. By providing education and support, I help clients make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle habits, leading to improved health outcomes over time.
In addition to this personalised functional medicine approach, The TRUST Method adds three elements which I believe are the missing links to wellbeing. These are:
Understanding our epigenetics through lab tests and anecestral healing - an epigenetic test shows us our biological age (not chronological) and identifies the factors causing damage and degradation to our organis and tissues. This allows us to bio-hack our biological age by approx. 3 years. Ancestral healing looks at the epigenetic patterns passed down by our family, allowing us to further understand our roots. We all have behavioural traits passed down from our parents e.g. A1 personality, shy, artistic, scientific; and we are also affected by our ancestors' history and culture e.g. famine, war, alcoholism, abuse, etc. These can affect how we are in the world and our health. Through ancestral craniosacral therapy sessions, Nicci supports clients to identify and integrate these epigenetic patterns so they no longer feel triggered by situations, they have more scope to cope and can tap into the huge resource and support of their ancestors.
Yoga, Meditation, and Breathwork: We can't under-estimate the power of these tools to improve physical and mental wellbeing. They can help reduce stress, improve sleep, increase flexibility, and improve overall mood. By incorporating these practices into a client's treatment plan, I can help patients achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle touch therapy that can improve wellbeing by releasing tension and stress in the body. This therapy focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the bones, membranes, and fluids that surround the brain and spinal cord. By using gentle touch, I help my clients to improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. Touch is an essential aspect of human health and wellbeing. Craniosacral therapy has been shown to have numerous physical and emotional benefits, including:
Pain Relief: to help alleviate pain by reducing the perception of pain signals in the brain. It also triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
Stress Reduction: to help reduce stress by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increasing levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation.
Improved Immunity: to boost the immune system by increasing the production of natural killer cells, which help fight off infections and diseases.
Emotional Regulation: to help regulate emotions by promoting feelings of safety and security. Craniosacral therapy can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
For more information about my work, and how I can support you, please book a free 15 minute call
