Our Philosophy
Treat The Root Cause
Because that’s what’s really going on
The underlying philosophical approach at the Optimal Health Institute of Ohio is known as functional medicine. While we do not take the place of your primary care physician, we specialize in functional medicine to restore your optimal state of health. Your first appointment is a consultation with a functional medicine specialist.
Functional medicine Overview:
Functional medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century.
By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.
Functional medicine practitioners spend 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 complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
“The human body heals itself and nutrition provides the resources to accomplish the task.” – Roger Williams Ph.D.
Think Differently
A “traditional” medicine approach will only go so far
The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.
Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society.
Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as diet and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.
We believe in the importance of understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease, and using that knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients.
Our focus is on patient-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story, the we bring the patient into the discovery process and tailor treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.
Think Holistically
An integrative, science-based healthcare approach
We look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
At Optimal Health Institute of Ohio, we strive to integrate traditional Western medical practices with what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through:
- Exercise
- Use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques
- Prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.
We believe that the best healthcare outcomes are a product of thinking holistically about our patients lives and their well being.
“Dr. Nancy is such a brilliant and caring doctor. She spent more time with me in one office visit than most of my other doctors combined. I finally feel heard and my health is reflecting it! I have lost 30 pounds and sleep well every night!”