woman using a diffuser and esstenial oil therapy.

Functional & Integrative Medicine

Find relief from pain and feel better overall with holistic health practices that work hand in hand with ongoing medical care.

Find a Provider 605-322-1542

If you're seeking a natural approach to feeling better, turn to integrative and functional medicine to support your whole self – mind, body and spirit. Our providers listen to your needs and use a holistic approach to complement other medical treatments, offering you a well-rounded care plan.

Integrative and functional medicine offers evidence-based treatments that involve natural therapies and nutritional guidance. They help patients with many issues, like chronic illness, pain, digestion, nausea, sleep issues and menopause systems. Oncology patients also benefit from integrative medicine while going through cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

Holistic Health for Healing

As a blend of traditional and modern medicine, patients get tools to enhance wellness and gut health. While guiding you on mindfulness, nutrition, exercise and stress management, our board-certified integrative medicine specialist also works with your primary care provider and other specialists to provide a comprehensive approach.

  • Please plan for a two-hour appointment for your first in-person visit, so we can establish the right resources for your needs.
  • Subsequent appointments will be shorter, and they can be in person or virtual for some types of appointments, if needed.
  • You don’t need a referral, but you can certainly check with your doctor for one if you wish. Patients with Medicaid insurance need a referral in advance.

Conditions We Treat 

Integrative and functional medicine helps patients find relief from short-term and chronic conditions such as:

  • Allergies
  • Anxiety
  • Headaches
  • Hormone imbalance issues
  • Infertility
  • Insomnia
  • Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep issues
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Nausea and digestive issues
  • Nutrition and weight management issues
  • Neuropathy
  • Pain due to arthritis, cancer treatments, tennis elbow and other conditions
  • Stress

Functional & Integrative Medicine Clinic

Choose us for functional and integrative medicine services, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, nutrition, herbs and supplements. Our main clinic is in Sioux Falls, SD. For your convenience, virtual visits are also possible for patients after initial in-person appointments.

Visit Clinic 605-322-1542

Comprehensive Weight Management clinic building.

Treating Your Mind, Body & Spirit

For holistic, evidence-based care that treats you as a complete person, explore our integrative and functional medicine services at Avera.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an effective treatment dating back thousands of years. This science-based approach involves sterile, hair-thin needles placed gently in your skin at certain points to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. This treatment is ideal for:

  • Aiding allergy relief
  • Easing pain and headaches
  • Lowering anxiety levels
  • Relieving nausea

Schedule an appointment with our certified medical acupuncture provider. Patients typically experience benefits after receiving acupuncture during a few regular sessions.

Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

Plant-derived, aromatic essential oils help with symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea and pain. Plant-based essential oils support deeper breathing and greater relaxation, and reduce inflammation in the sinus area, open airways and loosen mucus to aid your sinuses. Some oils with healing benefits include:

  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus
  • Ginger
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Peppermint
  • Roman chamomile
  • Rosemary

Nutrition & Gut Health

Your nutrition is foundational to your health. Eating healthy food massively benefits your well-being, including your mental health. With the guidance of a functional medicine provider, a dietitian, health coaches or another provider, you have all the expertise you need to make the right dietary decisions.

A complete nutrition assessment takes place to help give you and your care team a comprehensive look at how to improve your gut health. We also factor in specialty dietary situations, such as celiac disease (gluten intolerance).

Functional nutrition services include:

  • Analysis of environmental toxins like mold exposure
  • Food sensitivity testing
  • Lab evaluations as needed
  • Microbiome analysis
  • One-on-one personal nutrition counseling
  • Testing for parasites

Herbs & Supplements

Homeopathic remedies like herbs and supplements provide relief to patients for numerous reasons. Supplements and vitamins include:

  • CoQ10 (Coenzyme Z10): headache relief
  • Fish oil: benefits heart and blood vessel health with omega-3 fatty acids
  • Melatonin: sleep aid
  • Multivitamins
  • Probiotics: digestion aid
  • Turmeric: pain relief
  • Vitamin B: increase in energy
  • Vitamin D: treats pain and fatigue to support immune system and mental health
  • Homeopathic upper respiratory infection treatment: speeds recovery from common colds and nasal or throat discomfort

These can help with:

  • Chronic nasal congestion
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Menstrual issues
  • Pain relief
  • Side effects of cancer and treatment

For cancer patients, we recommend certain products to help support your immune system and reduce symptoms like dry skin, dry mouth and fatigue.

Fitness & Nutrition Gene Test

A gene analysis gives you personalized guidance on exercise and diet planning.

Learn More

Functional & Integrative Medicine FAQ

It’s normal to have questions prior to and during your treatment. Your provider is your most reliable source for answers. Explore frequently asked questions to learn more.

What natural remedies help with hot flashes?

Acupuncture and numerous natural remedies help patients with hot flashes during perimenopause and menopause including:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Guided relaxation or meditation
  • Improving nutrition
  • Massage
  • Regular exercise
  • Stress management

Do essential oils help with allergy relief?

Yes. Certain scents are effective in calming discomfort associated with seasonal allergies. However, essential oils are not a replacement for normal medical treatments or prescribed medications. These scents are intended to complement your care plan.

Be sure to check with your integrative medicine provider before applying essential oils so you know which scents can benefit you the most.

Does integrative medicine help patients diagnosed with cancer during and after their oncology treatments?

Yes, integrative medicine helps cancer patients manage side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapies. Therapeutic massage, aromatherapy, art, music or guided imagery and more help with pain and stress management while supporting relaxation in your body.

What is the best way to detox?

Your body has natural processes to deal with the toxins it's exposed to daily. The best way to support your body’s detoxification is with a daily practice of limiting toxic exposures and eating well. This can look like:

  • Choosing skin care products without harmful chemicals
  • Drinking out of glass containers instead of plastic
  • Eating foods that are chemical and hormone free
  • Exercising regularly to manage stress and stimulate sweating
  • Using safer cleaning products with greener ingredients

Eating nutritious foods with essential vitamins and minerals supports a healthy gut. Good bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract provide many of the important chemical components your cells need for detoxification.

How can I improve my gut heath?

You can schedule an appointment with a functional medicine provider, like Dr. Flickema, or ask your primary care doctor. Nutrition is connected to your overall health. Some people don't get proper amounts of important gut health nutrients in their regular diet, like prebiotics and probiotics. That's when supplements can help.

If you are unsure if you have enough prebiotic and probiotic foods in your diet, you can learn how to get them naturally and when to consider supplements.

Feel Better & More Balanced

Some integrative medicine and functional medicine services are available by telemedicine. Ask your doctor if a referral is right for you. Contact us if you have any questions.

Find a Provider 605-322-1542

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