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. By looking at the interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, the Functional Medicine model facilitates healing by restoring balance and bringing the mind and body back into alignment
Common Conditions Supported In A Functional Medicine Practice
- Auto Immune
- Chronic Disease
- Chronic Infections
- Detoxification
- Psychological and
Neurological - Hormone Imbalances
- Gastrointestinal
- Fatigue
- Asthma
- Crohn’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Celiac Disease
- Eczema
- Hashimoto’s Disease
- Lupus
- Osteorthritis
- Psoriasis
- Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
- Cold Sores
- Parasites
- Tick-borne Pathogens
- Epstein-Barr Virus
- Cytomegalovirus
- Hypothyroidism
- Acid Reflux
- Leaky Gut
- Candida
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Adrenal Fatigue
Functional Medicine: A 21st Century Approach
Functional Medicine is a 21st century approach to evaluating and managing patients suffering from chronic conditions. It is based upon identifying the underlying cause of the disease process or the chronic pain. Rather than treating the symptoms, functional medicine incorporates a whole body analysis, with emphasis on dietary and lifestyle changes. Through careful analysis of genetic influences, environmental factors such as toxic exposure and dietary habits, we can begin to identify the complex web of chronic disease and illness.
Modern medicine is great in the management of the acute condition; however, it falls short in the management and prevention of chronic disease. It focuses too much on the magic bullet technique, where one pill fixes the condition for all patients. Unfortunately, this often results in undesirable side effects, leaving patients looking for other courses of treatment.
What Is Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine is a very specific method and analysis, which incorporates the actual art and science of medicine. At Camarillo Functional Health, Dr. Michael Veselak focuses on treating chronic patients in and around Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks & Westlake Village by examining their case from a functional perspective. This means, he will examine each case through labs, medical history, bloodwork, etc. to find the root cause of each problem. Dr. Veselak interprets blood work in a functional range, tightening up the typical lab ranges so he can better address patterns of dysfunction leading to the chronic disease process.
He will assess each patient based on family history, environmental exposures and past medical conditions. Often times, with chronic complex cases, it is necessary to utilize special labs to properly identify the true cause of the chronic condition. These specialized tests will assess genetic factors, heavy metal toxicity, viral or bacterial exposure, Lyme’s disease, Autoimmunity, SIBO, Parasites, Nutrition, Amino Acid and Neurotransmitter deficiencies, Pyroluria and Gut Permeability. In doing so, Dr. Veselak will gain a deeper understanding of how the body is functioning, where imbalances may take place, and a clear direction as to how to resolve the core issue of the chronic condition.
Serving Patients In Ventura County
At Camarillo Functional Health, we commonly see patients throughout Ventura County. We are also accustomed to working with distance patients. Dr. Veselak consults with patients all over the world suffering with chronic illness such as Neuropathy, Spinal Stenosis, Migraines, Complex Regional Pain Syndromes, Fibromyalgia and Failed Back Surgeries. As a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, Dr. Michael Veselak treats these complex cases by applying the whole body approach of functional medicine. By incorporating specific strategies of nutrition, diet and exercise, many of our patients suffering from chronic pain and disease have improved dramatically, including those with Rheumatoid Arthritis and AutoImmune Conditions.
It is important to remember that every patient is unique and the cause and support recommendations will vary depending on the patient.
Patient Reviews
Dr. Veselak has helped me immensely regarding my inner health issues. The program he assigned for me was geared specifically for my needs and it made my everyday quality of life that much better. Had I not been seen by him, nor trusted him when I did, my discomfort and inflammation in my body would have been much worse! He educated me, guided me, and motivated me. For that, I am grateful! I highly recommend anyone that has ANY questions regarding Functional Health to contact him as he is extremely knowledgeable in this department!
Marilyn M
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Veselak and his office. I have gone to see him on a handful of occasions over the past year and a half for back, neck and shoulder pain that I had been experiencing since my early twenties (I’m 30 now).
When I first came into his office he examined me and asked me questions about my health and diet. He explained to me that I had a lot of inflammation in my stomach which was causing me pain in my shoulders, back and neck. I was shocked that he discovered that since I have had stomach issues my whole life (that had never been properly diagnosed) and I didn’t mention that to him until afterward.
Long story short, I started eliminating certain foods from my diet starting with dairy and then Gluten. Soy was next but I was impatient and decided to get allergy tested. Come to find I am allergic to so many things like yeast and beans?! but the number one culprit is SOY. I have been eating soy my whole life, especially during my 7 years as a pescetarian. After cutting out soy as much as possible and cutting back on coffee, I have gotten so much relief from my stomach pain and it’s helped my neck and shoulder pain as well. I still have some issues with my back due to years of bad posture at a computer, but I will be going to get adjusted every few months to keep that in check. After his adjustments I feel so much better!
Dr. Veselak has helped me so much. He is the only Dr. I have ever met who tries to find the root cause of my problems instead of just masking them with medications. I will be forever grateful.
Mandy M
