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FAQ
1) What is Functional Medicine, in plain English?
Functional Medicine looks at why a health pattern is happening, not just what it’s called. It connects symptoms to underlying drivers (such as stress physiology, sleep/circadian rhythm, nutrition status, gut function, inflammation, metabolic health, and environmental load) and builds a practical plan to restore balance and resilience.
2) Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. Many clients come because they feel “not quite right”, are stuck in recurring symptoms, or want preventive optimisation. If you already have a diagnosis, we can still work upstream on drivers that influence how you feel day to day.
3) Is this a replacement for my GP, specialist, or dentist?
No. PN4W provides functional medicine and nutrition support alongside medical and dental care. If you have severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, you should seek urgent medical help. I’m also happy to coordinate with your clinician or dentist when appropriate.
4) How is your approach different from “standard healthy advice”?
General advice is useful, but it’s not always enough. PN4W focuses on your patterns over time and your individual context—what has shifted, what’s been compensating, and what’s keeping recovery interrupted. The goal is a plan that’s realistic, tailored, and trackable.
5) How do the consultations work?
There are three types of consultations:
• Phase 1 (Clarity): a broad check-in to prioritise the most important next steps.
• Phase 2 (Depth): a deeper exploration of patterns and drivers to build your personal health creation plan.
• Phase 3 (Precision): a targeted plan for one or two specific goals, with clear priorities and monitoring.
You can start with Phase 1, or begin directly with Phase 2 or Phase 3 if appropriate.
6) How soon might I notice changes?
It depends on the pattern, how long it’s been present, and what’s driving it. Some people feel shifts quickly (sleep, energy, digestion), while other goals take longer. I aim for early “wins” where possible, then build sustainable progress step-by-step.
7) Will you recommend supplements and botanicals?
Sometimes—if they are appropriate, safe, and likely to help. Supplements are never a “magic bullet”. They’re a supportive tool alongside nutrition, lifestyle, and foundational physiology (sleep, rhythm, movement, stress regulation). I prioritise minimal effective inputs and clear tracking.
8) Do I need functional lab testing?
Not always. Testing can be helpful when it changes decisions, adds clarity, or helps track progress. If testing is considered, I’ll explain what it can and cannot tell us, the costs and practicalities, and whether it’s worth doing in your case. Testing is always optional.
9) Is Functional Medicine evidence-based?
PN4W uses evidence-informed practice: established physiology, nutrition science, and clinical reasoning, combined with your individual context and response tracking. Where high-quality research exists, we use it. Where evidence is mixed or still emerging, we prioritise safety, clear consent, and measurable outcomes — using a “test–measure–adjust” approach rather than assumptions. This work complements, and does not replace, medical or dental care
10) What does “health creation” mean?
Health creation means building resilience before problems become entrenched. It’s less about “fixing” the body and more about optimising the expression of what the body already has—supporting regulation, recovery, and long-term capacity through realistic, repeatable habits and targeted support.
11) Do you work with dental health and the oral–systemic connection?
Yes, where relevant. Oral health and systemic health influence each other through inflammation, immune signalling, microbiome and barrier function, blood sugar regulation, nutrient status, and stress physiology. PN4W can support pre-dental readiness and recovery alongside your dentist’s care, especially when healing, gum health, or inflammation patterns are a concern.
12) Who is this not suitable for?
PN4W is not an emergency service and doesn’t replace medical care. If you have red-flag symptoms (severe chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, suicidal thoughts, or rapidly worsening symptoms), seek urgent help. If you have complex medical conditions or are under specialist care, we can often still work together, but I will prioritise safety and coordination.
13) Do you offer online and in-clinic consultations?
Yes. Consultations are available online and in Central London (by appointment). Most clients find online works very well, and in-clinic is available where it adds value.
14) How do I book if I don’t see an online calendar?
Use the contact form. Choose the phase you’re interested in (or “Not sure”), share a short message, and I’ll reply with next steps and appointment options. Bookings are confirmed via invoice/payment link.
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