Naturopathic & Functional Medicine

NATUROPATHIC & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Take the first step toward a more balanced approach to your health. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you thrive.

Specialty Labs

Unlike conventional lab tests that focus on diagnosing diseases, specialty naturopathic and functional medicine labs take a deeper look at your body's systems, identifying imbalances before they become major health concerns. These advanced tests assess hormones, gut health, nutrient levels, inflammation markers, and more—providing a holistic view of your well-being. By uncovering root causes rather than just treating symptoms, these labs help create personalized, proactive health strategies for optimal vitality.

Mycotoxin Illness Recovery

Mycotoxin illness, caused by toxic mold exposure, can disrupt the body's immune, neurological, and detoxification systems, leading to chronic fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and more. Recovery requires a comprehensive approach, addressing both detoxification and healing at the root level. Through targeted nutrition, binders, lifestyle adjustments, and functional medicine support, you can restore balance, rebuild resilience, and reclaim your vitality.

Biodentical HRT

As we age, hormonal imbalances can lead to fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, weight gain, and other disruptive symptoms. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced by your body. This personalized approach helps restore hormonal balance, supporting energy levels, cognitive function, metabolism, and overall well-being—so you can feel like yourself again. We prescribe commercial, compounded and hormone pellet therapy.

Signs and symptoms of perimenopause and low estrogen levels in women include:
Hot Flashes
Vaginal Dryness
Low Sex-drive
Painful Sex
Sleeping Problems
Extreme Mood Changes And Irritability

Joint pain and inflammation

Changes with memory, focus and attention

Fatigue and weight gain

Signs and symptoms of Hypogonadism and low testosterone in males include:
Reduced Sex Drive
Reduced Stamina And Energy
Weight Gain
Reduced Strength And Muscle Mass

Medical Weight Loss

Sustainable weight loss is about more than just counting calories—it’s about addressing the underlying factors that affect metabolism, hormones, and overall health. Our medical weight loss approach combines personalized nutrition, metabolic optimization, and, when appropriate, medications such as GLP-1 Peptides (Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) to support long-term success. By identifying and addressing imbalances such as insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, and inflammation, we help you achieve a healthier weight in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.

Gut Health & SIBO

Your gut is the foundation of overall health, influencing digestion, immunity, mood, and energy levels. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria overgrow in the small intestine, leading to bloating, gas, pain, and food sensitivities. Healing the gut requires a comprehensive approach—identifying root causes, balancing the microbiome, and restoring digestive function through targeted nutrition, herbal or pharmaceutical antimicrobials, and lifestyle adjustments. A healthy gut means a thriving body and mind.

Heavy Metal Detox

Exposure to heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and chronic health issues. A proper detox goes beyond generic cleanses—it involves scientifically backed methods to safely mobilize and eliminate toxins while supporting your liver, kidneys, and cellular health. Through functional testing, targeted supplementation, chelation therapy, and lifestyle strategies, we help you detoxify effectively, restoring energy, clarity, and overall well-being.

Regenerative Medicine and PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative healing substance taken from your own blood. Within the PRP are growth factors which help to repair tissue injury and promote healing. PRP can also stimulate cell growth. PRP can be used in joints and tendons to reduce inflammation and pain, the hair to promote growth, and on the face to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging. PRP comes from your own blood, which eliminates any potential for foreign substance interactions.

PRP is obtained by drawing your own blood, then spinning it into a centrifuge to isolate the important healing growth factors. Theses growth factors are then injected into the targeted areas to promote the healing process.

Conditions we treat with PRP

Arthritis
Ligament Sprains/Strains
Partial Ligament Tears
Plantar Fasciitis
Tendonitis
Skin Wrinkles
Hair Loss/Replacement
Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual enhancement (males and females)

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) complete intensive four-year, graduate-level medical school programs and are required to pass professional board exams to become licensed as primary care physicians. In addition to studying pharmaceutical drugs, diagnosis and treatment like an MD, or DO, NDs also study natural and holistic approaches to treatment such as herbal medicine, nutrition and homeopathy. In the State of Hawaii, NDs are licensed to prescribe all pharmaceutical drugs with the exception of the controlled substances like opioid pain pills, addictive anti-anxiety and sleep meds, and medical marijuana.

A cornerstone of the naturopathic approach which differs from an MD, or allopathic approach, is the "therapeutic order." This is a set of guidelines that starts with minimally invasive treatments, such as diet and lifestyle habits, then moves on to herbs and supplements, then drugs, and finally, surgery. While more invasive, or "higher order," treatments may be appropriate for some patients and/or certain disease, we are often able to successfully treat and sometimes even reverse diseases using only the "lower order" therapies. NDs believe in the body's natural ability to heal and our treatments and decision-making reflects this belief.

The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order:

Reestablish the foundation of health - Identify cause and remove the obstacles to cure
Stimulate self-healing - Use the healing power of nature
Support weakened or damaged systems/organs - Build up deficiencies in diet or lifestyle
Address structural integrity - Correct alignment of bones and muscles
Treat pathology - With natural or substances or drugs depending on severity
Palliative treatment - Treat or suppress symptoms with natural substances or drugs depending on severity
Higher order interventions - Surgery or drugs to maintain health and life

Functional Medicine vs. Naturopathic Medicine

Functional medicine and naturopathic care share a focus on holistic health, but their approaches differ. Functional medicine emphasizes identifying and addressing the root causes of illness using cutting-edge diagnostic testing and personalized, science-based treatments. It integrates the best of conventional medicine with a systems-based approach to optimize your health and wellness. Unlike naturopathic care, which often centers on natural remedies and traditional healing practices, functional medicine combines advanced medical technology with lifestyle interventions like nutrition, stress management, and exercise to create a truly tailored plan. At The Koa Clinic, our functional medicine approach empowers you to take control of your health by addressing imbalances at their core and promoting lasting vitality.

Who Can Benefit From These Approaches?

Naturopathic and functional medicine are ideal for anyone seeking a holistic, personalized approach to their health. These methods are especially beneficial for individuals managing chronic conditions like digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, or autoimmune disorders, as well as those who feel their concerns haven’t been fully addressed by conventional medicine. They’re also perfect for proactive individuals looking to prevent illness, optimize their energy, or achieve long-term wellness by addressing the root causes of imbalance. Whether you’re navigating a complex health journey or simply striving for a healthier, more vibrant life, these approaches offer comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs.