The Ultimate Guide to Functional Medicine: A New Wave Approach to Root-Cause Healing
- Dr. Ashley Irizarry
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Introduction: Moving Beyond Symptom Management
For decades, conventional medicine has excelled at crisis care — treating infections, performing surgeries, and managing acute illness. But when it comes to chronic conditions like fatigue, anxiety, inflammation, or hormonal imbalance, too often patients are left with temporary symptom relief and little lasting change.
At New Wave Medicine, we practice Functional Medicine, an evidence-based approach that looks deeper — identifying and treating the root causes of illness rather than masking symptoms. This model blends the best of modern diagnostics with holistic, lifestyle-centered healing to restore balance in both mind and body.
What Is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine (FM) is a personalized, systems-based approach that focuses on how and why illness occurs, and how to restore optimal function through individualized care.
Unlike traditional medicine — which often divides the body into separate specialties — FM views the body as an interconnected ecosystem, where the gut, hormones, brain, immune system, and environment all influence one another.
The Core Principles of Functional Medicine
Root-Cause Analysis – Every symptom has an underlying driver (inflammation, nutrient deficiency, stress, toxins, infection, etc.).
Personalized Care – No two patients are the same; treatment plans are tailored through advanced testing.
Systems Biology Approach – Understanding how the gut, hormones, brain, and metabolism work together.
Patient Empowerment – Patients become active participants in their healing journey.
Prevention-Focused – Supporting longevity and vitality, not just disease management.
“Functional Medicine is the medicine of why, not just the medicine of what.” – Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
The Functional Medicine Process at New Wave WA
We’ve refined a structured yet holistic framework called “The New Wave Method”, combining advanced diagnostics, root-cause analysis, and personalized protocols.
Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment
Every journey begins with an in-depth consultation that explores your medical history, lifestyle, nutrition, mental health, and environmental factors.
We use state-of-the-art testing to identify imbalances in:
Gut microbiome and digestive health
Hormone and thyroid function
Inflammation markers
Nutrient and mitochondrial status
Toxic load and metabolic efficiency
Step 2: Personalized Functional Plan
Based on your results, our providers design a customized healing plan that may include:
Targeted Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory, whole-food meal plans
Micronutrient & IV Therapy: To replenish deficiencies and boost cellular repair
Hormone Optimization (HRT): Supporting adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormone balance
Gut Restoration: Healing dysbiosis and leaky gut to reduce systemic inflammation
Mind-Body Medicine: Breathwork, meditation, and therapies like Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) for emotional integration
Step 3: Ongoing Support & Reassessment
Functional Medicine is not a one-time fix — it’s a partnership. Our team continually monitors your progress, adjusting your plan as your body heals and adapts. The goal is sustainable wellness, not temporary relief.
The Science Behind Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine bridges biochemistry, genetics, and lifestyle science. Research shows that chronic illness often stems from cellular dysfunction caused by factors like:
Chronic inflammation
Gut microbiome imbalance
Mitochondrial dysfunction (energy deficits)
Hormonal disruption
Environmental toxins
By addressing these drivers, FM restores balance across all systems.
The Gut-Brain-Hormone Triad
Recent studies confirm that gut health, brain chemistry, and hormones are intimately linked. A disrupted gut microbiome can alter neurotransmitter levels and hormone metabolism, contributing to anxiety, depression, fatigue, and metabolic imbalance.
Read next: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection
Also explore: The Science of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT)
Key Benefits of Functional Medicine
Health Concern | Root-Cause Focus | Functional Medicine Approach |
Chronic Fatigue | Mitochondrial, Hormonal Imbalance, Chronic or Occult Infection, Medication Side Effects, Mental Health Condition | Nutrient therapy, IV drips, HRT, medication management or deprescribing, immune support or antimicrobial therapy, mental health support through lifestyle modifications, stress management, supplements, medication or KAP |
Anxiety & Depression | Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction, Nutrient deficiencies, Trauma, Seasonal changes, hormonal imbalance | Gut healing, neuroplasticity support (KAT), trauma processing (KAT), circadian rhythm support, HRT and hormone balancing |
Weight Gain | Metabolic Resistance, Hormone Imbalances | Insulin sensitivity protocols, lifestyle optimization, HRT and hormone balancing |
Autoimmune Conditions | Inflammation, Gut Permeability, Trauma | Elimination diet, microbiome balancing, trauma processing (KAT) |
Hormonal Imbalance | Adrenal + Thyroid Dysfunction | Bioidentical HRT, stress modulation, supporting healthy hormone metabolism, optimizing menstrual health, addressing nutritional deficiencies |
How Functional Medicine Differs from Conventional Care
Conventional Medicine | Functional Medicine |
Focuses on disease and diagnosis | Focuses on systems and root causes |
Uses standardized treatments | Creates personalized care plans |
Reactive and symptom-based | Preventive and proactive |
Isolated specialties | Integrated body systems |
Doctor-centered | Patient-centered |
Advanced Therapies at New Wave WA
We combine traditional Functional Medicine with advanced restorative therapies for accelerated healing:
IV Nutrient Therapy – Restores cellular energy and reduces inflammation
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Supports energy and metabolic and mood balance
Peptide Therapy – Encourages tissue repair and anti-aging
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) – Enhances neuroplasticity and emotional healing
Aesthetic Regeneration – Aligning inner wellness with outer confidence
Getting Started: Is Functional Medicine Right for You?
If you’re struggling with symptoms like:
Low energy or brain fog
Chronic inflammation or pain
Digestive distress
Hormonal fluctuations
Mood instability or anxiety
…then Functional Medicine could be the missing piece in your health journey.
FAQs About Functional Medicine
Q: How is Functional Medicine different from integrative medicine? A: Functional Medicine focuses on identifying and correcting biochemical and physiological root causes, while integrative medicine combines traditional and alternative modalities for holistic care.
Q: Is Functional Medicine covered by insurance? A: Some diagnostic testing and labs may be covered, but visits and memberships are typically an investment in long-term health and prevention.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: Many patients feel improvement within weeks, but sustainable healing develops over several months of consistent care.
Take the First Step Toward Root-Cause Healing
At New Wave Medicine, our mission is to help you reclaim your energy, balance, and clarity — from the inside out. Through advanced testing, personalized nutrition, and integrative therapies, we create the blueprint for lasting wellness.
✨ Schedule your Functional Medicine consultation today