What is Functional Medicine? A Beginner’s Guide to Root Cause Healing
- Dr Bret Ellington DACM, LAc
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
When most people walk into my clinic here in Westminster, CO, they’re not just looking for a quick fix—they want real answers. They’ve tried the medications, the standard tests, and maybe even heard, “everything looks normal,” while still not feeling normal. That’s where functional medicine comes in.
I like to think of functional medicine as detective work for your health. Instead of chasing symptoms, we look deeper—what’s really driving those headaches, the fatigue that won’t go away, or the stubborn gut issues that keep flaring up?
For me, root cause healing is about connection. It’s about listening—really listening—to your story. Because your symptoms aren’t random, and your body isn’t broken. It’s sending signals that something’s off, and our job is to figure out what that is.
So, What Exactly Is Functional Medicine?
At its core, functional medicine is about:
Identifying root causes – Whether it’s stress, nutrition, hormones, toxins, or gut imbalances, we don’t stop at “what” you’re experiencing—we ask “why.”
Personalized care – No two patients are alike. What works for one person may not work for another, so your plan should reflect you.
Integrating East and West – I combine functional medicine with acupuncture and holistic therapies. That way, patients get both modern science and time-tested traditions.
Functional medicine looks at the body as one connected system. If your digestion is off, it may be affecting your hormones. If you’re under constant stress, it could be fueling autoimmunity. It’s all connected.
Why Root Cause Healing Matters
Imagine trying to silence a smoke alarm without putting out the fire. That’s what treating only the symptoms is like. You might get short-term relief, but the real problem keeps burning.
Root cause healing is about putting out the fire. It takes a little more time and effort, but it means long-lasting health instead of temporary relief.
Over the past 20+ years, I’ve seen patients walk in frustrated, sometimes hopeless—and then completely transform once we uncover what’s really going on. Whether it’s rebalancing hormones, healing the gut, or supporting the immune system, root cause healing allows the body to do what it was designed to do: heal.
Who Can Benefit?
Patients often come to me for:
Gut health support – IBS, bloating, reflux, food sensitivities
Hormone balance – thyroid issues, adrenal fatigue, menopause/andropause
Autoimmune conditions – Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis, and more
Chronic fatigue and stress-related conditions
General wellness and prevention
If you’ve ever felt like something was “off” but couldn’t get clear answers, functional medicine may be what you’ve been searching for.
My Philosophy of Care
Every patient I see here in Westminster, CO comes with a story. Some need immediate relief so they can keep up with daily life. Others are ready to dive deep and rebuild their health from the ground up. Both approaches are valid, and both deserve compassion.
That’s why I start by listening. I want to know where you’ve been, what you’ve tried, and how you want to be cared for. Healing isn’t just about lab tests or supplements—it’s about being seen and heard.
Taking the First Step
If you’re curious about functional medicine and want to explore how root cause healing could change your health, I’d love to meet you. Together, we’ll uncover the “why” behind your symptoms and create a plan that fits your life.
If you don’t live close to the clinic, no problem! We offer virtual appointments to patients anywhere in Colorado and California.
Dr. Bret Ellington DACM, LAc, CFMP
Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine & Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
Serving virtual patients from Colorado and California