A Systems Approach to Chronic Illness

Chronic illness represents a complex array of symptoms that limit activities of daily living and can

severely reduce the quality of life for those who suffer from them. Successful recovery requires a

holistic perspective of the body to apply multiple behavioral changes, treatment modalities, nutrition,

immune support, detox, and healthy communication of all the cells of the body. Taking a shotgun

approach and expecting one simple treatment modality to eliminate the problem is ineffective and lacks

an understanding of the complexity and intelligence of the body. When you understand that healing

comes from above down, inside out and that the body was created to live and adapt to our

environment, then you will have a better understanding of how to solve this complex problem.

A typical treatment approach would start with getting as much data as possible about the case for the

client that presents for help. We start with a full blood work up and an Organic Acid Test (OATS) to look at gut microbes, Neurotransmitters, nutritional deficiencies, and the microbiome. In addition, we may use DNA testing, Stool analysis, Urine Mycotoxin and mold tests or the DUTCH test to evaluate hormone imbalances. We may choose one or all of these labs to evaluate what is going on. Then, we will do a full consultation and examination to help us understand the complexities of the case. After assessing and finding patterns of dysfunction, we will begin to build a treatment protocol that is customized to each client.

As a clinic we have one overarching goal and three major goals for each client. The ultimate goal is for the client to not need any more help from us. This would mean that they have arrived at a place of health that allows them to do things that they have not been able to do because of their illness. This would also mean that they have the endurance to do such tasks without crashing or having a flare up. The three major goals are this:

1. To improve the communication systems of the body so that every cell is communicating with every other cell and to allow for more efficient adaptation

2. To decrease the load that is a burden to the system, be it toxins, microbes, traumas, or inefficiencies

3. To empower the client with as many energy resources as possible to accomplish the work that must be done.

Chronic Illness and the Gut-Brain Axis

Dr. Todd Farney, an expert in the Gut-Brain Axis and its relationship to chronic illness, works to eliminate chronic illnesses by taking a systems approach. He understands that when addressing his client’s ill health that the gut and brain are the epicenter of the problem. By beginning there, establishing healthy digestion and elimination, he can then move to other areas. Those areas might be empowering the

immune system and helping the autonomic nervous system to be in the right balance. After that, he can

then begin to address deficits, detox difficulties, immune challenges and trauma induced inability to

adapt to life. Using his training in functional and biological medicine, and some specialized tools such as

direct resonance testing, he can find solutions for many chronic, complex health conditions.

Dr. Todd Farney

Functional Health Solutions

Dr. Farney received an undergraduate degree in nutrition from Park University of Parkville,

Missouri, and a doctorate degree in chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College-

Kansas City. In 2007, Dr. Farney achieved advanced training as a Diplomate Internist,

completing a 300 hour post graduate course: Diplomate of the American Chiropractic

Internist. Over the past 16 years, as a chiropractic internist, Dr. Farney has focused on

chronic degenerative diseases. Dr. Farney is trained in Biological Medicine by Dr. David

Jernigan and holds advanced certification in Biospectral Emission Sequence Testing, and

Dr. Jernigan’s latest innovation, Fractal Frequency Modulation.

Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content shared here is meant to enhance your understanding of health-related topics, but it should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.