A Holistic Approach to Health

Functional Medicine takes a whole-person approach to health, recognising that the individual who has a disease is more important than the name of the disease itself. Rather than simply managing symptoms or focusing on a single body part or diagnosis, Functional Medicine seeks to understand and address the root causes of dysfunction by viewing the body as an interconnected system.

At the heart of this approach is the understanding that the body is always working to maintain balance, or homeostasis. Every biological system - eg hormonal, digestive, neurological - depends on the others. An imbalance in one area can create ripple effects throughout the body.

For example, chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that increases blood glucose to prepare the body for action. Over time, this can disrupt blood sugar control, contribute to insulin resistance, and lead to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, or weight gain - just one example of how emotional stress can create physical imbalances.

So how do Functional Medicine practitioners identify these imbalances? It is a complex, in-depth process that involves blending a thorough medical history with genetic predispositions, diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures, together with advanced functional testing.

Once root causes are identified, a personalised plan supports the body’s natural ability to heal. The goal is to restore balance and create lasting vitality, not just eliminate symptoms.

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Virginia specialises in autoimmune and chronic health conditions. Some of the disorders she commonly works with include:

  • High blood pressure, irregular/racing heartbeat, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol/poor cholesterol balance - Advanced Lipid Panels

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Acid reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliac Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, SIBO

  • MCAS: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, histamine sensitivity

  • Both male and female.

    Low Fertility, Endometriosis, Dysmenorrhea (painful periods), PCOS, Acne, Menopause and Peri-menopause Issues, Low Testosterone, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Benign Breast Disorders (eg fibroadenomas)

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome, Alzheimer’s Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis

  • Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis

  • Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Graves Disease, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Testing

Virginia uses a wide range of functional medicine tests to gain deeper insight into the underlying factors influencing your health. These advanced diagnostics explore areas that may not typically be assessed through standard healthcare routes, helping to identify hidden imbalances and guide more targeted, personalised support.

These tests can assess gut health, hormone balance, nutrient status, inflammation, toxic load (such as heavy metals), and genetic predispositions—particularly through nutrigenomics, the study of how your genes interact with food and lifestyle. As the saying goes: genetics load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger—meaning your DNA may set the stage, but diet, stress, toxins and other factors determine whether imbalances manifest.

Virginia is a registered practitioner with several leading labs, including Lifecode Gx, Genova Diagnostics, Cambridge Nutritional Sciences, Nordic Laboratories, Regenerus Laboratories, and INVIVO. Your personalised health plan is guided by these insights to support lasting change at the root level.

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These tests include:

  • A range of specialist DNA test panels which reveal inherited health risks. These risks can be mitigated through personalised nutrition and lifestyle changes. This test is done by a buccal (cheek) swab.

  • A comprehensive assessment of gut health which reveals the level of gut damage, the presence of pathogens and the health of the microbiota. This test is done at home with a three-day stool test.

    SIBO or Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth occurs when excessive bacteria grow in the intestine, causing symptoms like bloating, gas and altered bowel movements due to fermentation of carbohydrates. This test measures methane and hydrogen gas through a breath test.

  • A blood serum test that identifies widely accepted immunologic biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis of coeliac disease.

  • Genova Diagnostics’ Advanced Cardiac Panel measures standard lipid markers - total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides - plus advanced markers such as lipoprotein(a), LDL particle size/number, HDL size/number, apolipoproteins A1 & B, homocysteine, fibrinogen, Lp‑PLA₂, and high‑sensitivity CRP, providing a comprehensive cardiovascular risk profile.

  • Homocysteine is a marker for inflammation. Raised levels are associated with many disorders, including cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, psoriasis, depression, dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, amongst many others. High levels may be caused by low B vitamins, especially folate, as well as having genetic mutations which limit the uptake and conversion of these nutrients. This test is done via a blood test.

  • This salivary test gives a comprehensive picture of the HPA axis revealing the individual’s stress response and resiliency.

  • This IgG food antibody profile reveals foods that elicit an immunoglobulin response – not those defined as a classic (IgE mediated) food allergy. This can be helpful to rule out foods that are contributing to chronic low-level health issues. This test requires a blood draw.

  • The Omega ratio and index is a simple blood prick test which is an excellent marker of inflammation. Results guide the protocol to reduce chronic inflammation, an underlying issue common to all chronic disorders.

    The Vitamin D test accurately measures blood levels, a vital nutrient for immune function, bone health, hormone regulation and chronic disease prevention.

  • This panel goes beyond the markers checked by the NHS to include not only TSH and free T4, but free T3, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies.

  • These tests (there are several varieties on the market) reveal a comprehensive overview of nutrient need, gut health (including yeast dysbiosis), toxin exposure and mitochondrial health. This is primarily a urine-based test, but add-ons such as for fatty acid markers or genetic mutations can be ordered which require blood and / or a buccal swab.

  • This 24-hour urine test is helpful to assess a person’s iodine sufficiency. Low iodine is suspected in thyroid and breast disorders and can play a role in many other health concerns.

  • DUTCH stands for Dry Urine Test and gives a good picture of a woman’s sex hormone levels either throughout the day or, with the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test, throughout the monthly cycle. Stress hormone tests, via saliva samples, can be added to this test.

  • This swab test reveals the health of the vaginal microbiome (bacteria and yeast) – a key ecosystem for female health and reproductive optimisation.

  • Toxicity can come from a wide variety of sources. Tests include panels for heavy metals, chemical toxins like glyphosate and mycotoxins. Test methods vary depending on the panel, but can include hair, urine or blood analysis.

  • Female and Male one-day hormone check.

  • A comprehensive check on over 125 biomarkers, including nutrient levels

Note: All tests are chargeable in addition to consultation fees.