What Is Functional Medicine? #
A different kind of healthcare model #
Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach to healing that aims to identify and address the underlying causes of disease, not just manage symptoms. Rather than asking, “What pill matches this symptom?” a functional medicine provider asks, “Why is this happening?”
By looking at the whole body as an interconnected system, functional medicine offers a more comprehensive way to restore health. It’s especially effective for people with chronic conditions, unexplained symptoms, or those seeking prevention-oriented care.
Whole-person focus vs. symptom suppression #
Where conventional medicine often offers quick solutions, prescriptions, procedures, or referrals, functional medicine seeks deeper answers. Practitioners explore how genetics, lifestyle, and environment interact to influence health over time.
Instead of isolating symptoms, the functional medicine model focuses on:
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Identifying patterns across body systems
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Understanding lifestyle, sleep, stress, and diet triggers
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Using diagnostics to guide individualized care plans
This holistic approach supports the body’s ability to heal itself without relying solely on medication.
Why It Works: The Root-Cause Approach #
Examples: Fatigue, gut issues, hormonal imbalance #
Functional medicine offers a framework for resolving the true origins of common concerns. Consider these examples:
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Chronic fatigue: May be tied to blood sugar instability, adrenal function, or mitochondrial health
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Digestive issues: Often connected to gut flora imbalance, leaky gut, or food sensitivities
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Hormonal disruption: Frequently rooted in inflammation, toxin exposure, stress, or dietary habits
Instead of managing these symptoms separately, a functional approach investigates the upstream drivers and treats them at their origin.
Long-term results over short-term fixes #
At One Kinetic, we don’t chase symptoms, we build lasting solutions. Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that prioritizes sustainable change over quick fixes. Rather than masking discomfort, we work to uncover and address the root causes of imbalance by looking at the whole person: body, mind, and environment.
Our focus is long-term healing through personalized care, prevention, and lifestyle medicine, anchored in our 6 Pillars of Health: movement, nutrition, sleep, stress, sunlight, and spirit. By partnering with our patients through education and empowerment, we aim to reduce reliance on medications and invasive interventions while improving vitality and quality of life for the long haul.
What to Expect at Your First Visit #
Personalized intake and testing #
The initial consultation is in-depth and collaborative. Patients complete a comprehensive intake covering everything from symptoms and past medical history to diet, sleep, environment, and emotional health.
Testing may include:
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Blood panels for nutrients, hormones, and inflammation markers
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Gut microbiome and digestive analysis
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Toxicity and food sensitivity tests
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Optional genetic or genomic screenings
The goal is to gather enough context to create a plan that’s truly individualized.
Lifestyle-based treatment planning #
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all protocol, functional medicine practitioners tailor a strategy that reflects your specific needs and goals.
Your care plan may include:
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Nutritional adjustments and targeted supplements
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Sleep hygiene protocols and circadian rhythm support
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Stress reduction strategies such as breathwork or mindfulness
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Movement and mobility guidance based on your lifestyle
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Environmental detoxification and habit restructuring
Plans are flexible and evolve with your progress.
Key Principles of Functional Medicine #
The “5 Whys” technique for discovery #
In functional medicine, asking better questions leads to better healing. One powerful method we often use at One Kinetic is the “5 Whys”, a root-cause discovery technique that helps unravel what’s really going on beneath the surface. For instance, someone might ask, “Why do I have high blood pressure?” The first answer may be stress. But why the stress? Dig deeper and the root may reveal poor sleep, driven by nighttime screen use, which stems from a deeper need to unwind.
This simple-yet-profound exercise uncovers the real drivers of imbalance. By mapping out patterns like these, our team can build customized care plans rooted in your story, not just your symptoms. It’s how we turn reactive health into proactive vitality, aligned with our belief that lasting wellness comes from treating the whole person, body, mind, and spirit.
Lab-based diagnostics and genomics #
Functional medicine often incorporates advanced testing that goes beyond traditional bloodwork.
Tools may include:
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Comprehensive metabolic and thyroid panels
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Stool tests for gut health and digestion
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Hormone mapping across the menstrual cycle
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Detoxification and methylation pathway analysis
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DNA-based tests to tailor dietary and supplement recommendations
These insights allow providers to address biochemical imbalances and support cellular health more precisely.
Integrating nutrition, sleep, and movement #
At One Kinetic, every care plan is rooted in what we call the six pillars of health: exercise, diet, sleep, stress, sunlight, and spirit. These foundational elements work together to help patients heal and thrive naturally, no shortcuts, no one-size-fits-all protocols. We tailor movement practices to meet individual goals, build anti-inflammatory nutrition plans around your body’s needs, and emphasize the power of deep, restorative sleep.
Stress is addressed with resilience-building practices, while natural sunlight is used to reconnect with circadian rhythms and boost mood. Finally, we nurture the spirit by helping you align with purpose, relationships, and inner vitality. This lifestyle-based approach is more than a philosophy, it’s the architecture for long-term, sustainable wellness.
Who Can Benefit from Functional Medicine? #
Ideal patients and conditions #
Functional medicine can be transformative for individuals who:
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Feel unwell despite “normal” labs
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Are managing multiple chronic conditions
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Prefer to avoid unnecessary medications
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Seek a preventative, proactive approach
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Want to understand their body more deeply
Commonly treated conditions include:
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic bloating
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Hormonal conditions like PCOS, PMS, or thyroid dysfunction
Common misconceptions cleared #
Myth: Functional medicine is anti-science
Fact: It’s rooted in systems biology, clinical research, and precision diagnostics
Myth: It’s only for people who avoid conventional care
Fact: Functional medicine complements primary care, especially for those with chronic or complex issues
Myth: It’s out of reach for most people
Fact: While it does involve an investment, many patients find it saves time, money, and energy over time by reducing emergency care and failed treatments
Functional Medicine in Santa Cruz #
Local healing rooted in science and nature #
Santa Cruz is uniquely suited for a functional medicine lifestyle. With its access to sunlight, ocean air, hiking trails, and a wellness-oriented community, the environment itself supports healing.
At One Kinetic, we align your care plan with the rhythms of the natural world and the cultural energy of Santa Cruz. We don’t just help you heal, we help you reconnect with the vitality that surrounds you.
One Kinetic’s personalized care model #
Led by Dr. Loki Doan and grounded in decades of experience across Eastern and Western medicine, we offer personalized, evidence-based care that treats the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. Every treatment plan is collaborative and tailored, integrating advanced lab diagnostics with the foundational “6 Pillars of Health”: movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management, sunlight, and spirit. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care, our mission is to empower your healing with tools that honor your individuality and restore lasting vitality.
Your Next Step Toward Better Health #
What to expect when booking #
If you’re ready to explore functional medicine, here’s how to begin:
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Book a free 15-minute consultation with a One Kinetic provider
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Discuss your symptoms, goals, and what you’ve already tried
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Receive guidance on the best next step, whether it’s testing, acupuncture, or a full health optimization plan
There is no pressure, only clarity.
Encouragement to begin your wellness journey #
You don’t have to settle for “normal” labs and persistent symptoms. You deserve a care model that listens, investigates, and empowers. Functional medicine offers a path back to energy, resilience, and long-term well-being, especially when guided by a clinic that treats you like an individual, not a diagnosis.
Ready to explore what’s possible for your health? Visit One Kinetic’s Booking Page to take your first step.
Building a stronger local presence and embracing digital transformation starts with the right support. At One Kinetic, we’re here to help you thrive—both online and in wellness.
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Affordable Wellness & Preventive Care: Explore personalized therapies like acupuncture, functional medicine, and peptide therapy that elevate your health naturally and effectively.
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Complimentary Wellness Consultations: Not sure where to begin? Book a free consultation and get expert guidance tailored to your health goals and lifestyle.
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Learn with One Kinetic: Understand how our approach—blending Eastern and Western medicine—can unlock long-term vitality. Dive into our vision, values, and healing methods.
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Specialized Programs & Services: Whether you’re looking to reduce chronic pain, optimize your energy, or age gracefully, our therapeutic services and holistic plans are designed around you.
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Get in Touch or Schedule a Visit: Reach out with questions, schedule your visit, or book an appointment online—we’re ready to support your journey to better health.
Visit our contact page or explore our offerings to take the first step toward a stronger, healthier you.
