Naturopathic & Functional Medicine
Instead of just treating one part of you, we focus on finding the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized plan that supports your body's natural ability to heal.
Doctors Trained in Both Worlds
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 such as herbal medicine, nutrition and homeopathy. In the State of Hawaii, NDs are licensed to prescribe all pharmaceutical drugs with the exception of controlled substances like opioid pain pills, addictive anti-anxiety and sleep medications, and medical marijuana.
The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order
A cornerstone of the naturopathic approach — and how it differs from an allopathic (MD) approach — is the "therapeutic order": a set of guidelines that starts with the least invasive treatments and moves toward the most invasive only as needed.
- Reestablish the foundation of health — identify the cause and remove obstacles to cure
- Stimulate self-healing — use the healing power of nature
- Support weakened or damaged systems — build up deficiencies in diet or lifestyle
- Address structural integrity — correct alignment of bones and muscles
- Treat pathology — with natural substances or drugs, depending on severity
- Palliative treatment — treat or suppress symptoms as needed
- Higher order interventions — surgery or drugs to maintain health and life
While more invasive "higher order" treatments may be appropriate for some patients, we're often able to successfully treat — and sometimes reverse — disease using only the "lower order" therapies. NDs believe in the body's natural ability to heal, and our decision-making reflects this belief.
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, integrating the best of conventional medicine with a systems-based approach. Naturopathic care often centers more on natural remedies and traditional healing practices. At The Koa Clinic, our functional medicine approach empowers you to take control of your health by addressing imbalances at their core.
Who Can Benefit
Naturopathic and functional medicine are ideal for anyone seeking a holistic, personalized approach to their health — especially those managing chronic conditions like digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, or autoimmune disorders, as well as proactive individuals looking to prevent illness and optimize long-term wellness.
Targeted, Root-Cause Programs
Advanced testing and personalized protocols that go beyond conventional labs to identify imbalances before they become major health concerns.
Specialty Labs
Advanced testing that assesses hormones, gut health, nutrient levels, inflammation markers and more — uncovering root causes rather than just treating symptoms.
Mycotoxin Illness Recovery
Toxic mold exposure can disrupt the immune, neurological and detoxification systems. We address both detoxification and root-level healing through targeted nutrition, binders and lifestyle adjustments.
Regenerative Medicine & PRP
Platelet Rich Plasma, drawn from your own blood, delivers growth factors that repair tissue and stimulate healing — used for joints, tendons, hair restoration and skin rejuvenation.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
BHRT uses hormones molecularly identical to those your body naturally produces, helping restore balance for energy, cognitive function and metabolism. We prescribe commercial, compounded and pellet therapy.
Gut Health & SIBO
Your gut is the foundation of overall health. We identify root causes, balance the microbiome, and restore digestive function through targeted nutrition and antimicrobial support.
Medical Weight Loss
A personalized approach combining nutrition, metabolic optimization and, when appropriate, medications such as GLP-1 peptides — addressing insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction and inflammation.
Heavy Metal Detox
Scientifically backed methods to safely mobilize and eliminate toxins like mercury, lead and aluminum, while supporting liver, kidney and cellular health.
Conditions We Treat With PRP
Ready to Get to the Root Cause?
Call or text (808) 638-3343 to schedule your first appointment.