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Functional Medicine  -  How We Are Different

Dr. Harasha has been in the Functional Medicine space for over 5 years and has noticed a flaw in how it is usually practiced. When a doctor uses the standard care model of consult to consult we see problems, especially in F.M. We have seen a patient spend a lot of money to see an FM doctor for a visit, get sent off for very expensive testing, come back for a visit to go over the results and get handed a bunch of expensive supplements and told to check back in 3 months. What usually happens is the patient gives up during that time. They just spent a lot of money but are no different than when they started. FM programs need to be transformational to work. The patient starts in one condition and transforms their life so they can be in a better condition. Patients need to feel supported in order to transform. They need accountability and community support. They need to be able to check in with the doctor frequently and be able to ask for guidance and support.

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Dr. Harasha recognizes this and offers his FM programs in an online format. Patients receive access to the doctor 24/7, watch live videos, receive information on a regular basis and have community Q&A calls. Yes, there will also be lifestyle changes, some testing and some supplements but the goal is total transformation, and amazing results that are sustainable for a long time.

What is Functional Medicine?

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  • Functional Medicine (FM) addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, FM addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.

  • FM practitioners spend more time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and the management of complex, chronic disease.

  • FM practitioners often utilize innovative laboratory procedures and algorithms to practice proactive, predictive, personalized medicine that empowers patients to take an active role in influencing their unique expression of health and vitality.

  • Interventions may be passive and involve receiving a therapy in the office. However, they are more commonly active, and involve changes in diet, lifestyle, environment, ability to cope with stress, and nutritional or herbal supplements. In some more severe cases a referral to a medical doctor for pharmaceutical intervention is needed.

  • Do you use Chinese, Japanese, Korean or other form of acupuncture?"
    Dr. Harasha utilizes primarily Chinese style acupuncture with a focus on older styles that use Meridian Therapy instead of the newer TCM style acupuncture.
  • Does Acupuncture hurt?
    Acupuncture is surprisingly comfortable. Although you may feel a slight stick when the needle first goes in, the sensation dissipates while the needles are working. If you are particularly uncomfortable with needles acupuncture can be done with electrically stimulation or even Laser stimulation.
  • Does insurance cover acupuncture?
    Insurance very rarely covers acupuncture and if it does only for certain conditions. Major medical plans are least likely to cover but motor vehicle accident cases are more likely to cover it. Remember, we are partnered with ChiroHealthUSA to allow you to be a member of their plan allowing substantial discounts to all non-covered services.
  • How much acupuncture do I need?
    This varies great by individual and by the problems being addressed. It is common practice in Chinese acupuncture to have 10 visit treatment plans. Some doctors choose to have people come every day and others choose every week. Dr. Harasha chooses to determine the frequency by first assessing the Acugraph results and your symptom changes. If good progress is being made the frequency can be reduced. A common protocol is 3 visits per week the first week, 2 visits the second week and 1 visit per week thereafter. This protocol helps bring the body back into balance and symptoms start improving, however it is important to maintain that balance so your symptoms do not return. Sometimes changes in diet and lifestyle can maintain that balance. Other times herbal medicine or continued acupuncture treatments are required. Dr. Harasha will work with you to find out what is best for you. ​ People usually enjoy how much better they feel and like having a maintenance schedule to keep feeling that way. Again, this varies by the individual and their lifestyle and ranges from once a week to once every 6 weeks. The most common is once every 3-4 weeks. For acupuncture, a bare minimum is coming in at the change of every season (every 3 months) because a lot of things shift in our energy at that time and it is very beneficial to ensure that shift goes smoothly to avoid the next season being uncomfortable.
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