Blackbat, I don't deal with Functional Medicine Institute since I'm not in CA, however, I recently started seeing a functional medicine doc. They try to get to the root/cause of the problem. I had some genetic workup done, vitamin & mineral work up done as well as a ton of other work up. They can tell you what you are deficient in and what you are toxic in and then form a plan of treatment. I am still in the beginning stages with the functional medicine doc, but let me tell you, she has uncovered so many issues and we are not done yet. I'm looking forward to better health. The functional medicine doc tries to use alternatives to the typical Rx therapies that may be safer or better for you. They work with diet, supplements, exercise, essential oils, homeopathy etc. I had just started using essential oils before going to see the functional medicine doc. I can tell you, when you get the right oil for your issue, it helps!