Functional Medicine

Why Many People Are Drawn to Functional Medicine

At Awaremed, we believe health plays an important role in overall quality of life, and that individuals deserve care that focuses on understanding their unique needs.

This new approach is called functional medicine.

It's how medicine was practiced 4000 years ago.

Functional medicine is a patient-centered, systems-based approach to wellness. Rather than focusing on isolated symptoms, it emphasizes understanding how different areas of the body may be interconnected and how lifestyle, nutrition, genetics, and environment can influence overall well-being.

What makes this approach different is the use of advanced laboratory assessments alongside detailed health histories, with the goal of supporting informed, personalized care decisions. A systems-based perspective looks at how various processes in the body interact, helping practitioners and patients work together toward optimizing everyday function.

An easy way to understand this approach is to think of routine car maintenance. Regular oil changes, using the correct fuel, and responding early to warning lights help support reliable performance over time. In a similar way, functional medicine emphasizes ongoing attention to lifestyle choices, nutrition, and habits that may help support long-term wellness.

Rather than focusing solely on responding to health concerns after they arise, functional medicine encourages a proactive approach—supporting the body through informed choices, regular monitoring, and individualized care strategies designed to promote optimal functioning and balance.

Key Aspects Of Functional Medicine

Caring for your health involves more than focusing solely on diet and exercise. Ongoing research continues to highlight how the body is made up of interconnected systems, including organs, biochemical pathways, and the microbiome, all of which may influence overall wellness.

When these systems are in balance, the body can function efficiently. When imbalances occur, they may affect how the body feels or performs. A functional medicine perspective emphasizes looking at the whole picture, not just isolated areas, to better understand how different systems may be influencing one another.


This approach recognizes that each individual has a unique health profile shaped by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, environment, stress levels, and nutrition. Because no two people are exactly alike, wellness strategies may need to be personalized rather than one-size-fits-all.

Traditional healthcare models often focus on managing symptoms. In contrast, functional medicine places an emphasis on exploring potential contributing factors that may influence how the body functions over time. Individuals with similar symptoms may experience them for very different reasons, which is why a personalized, systems-based approach can be valuable.

At Awaremed, we utilize a modern functional medicine framework that incorporates advanced laboratory assessments, current nutritional science, and lifestyle evaluation to support informed and individualized wellness planning.

Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, functional medicine encourages a broader view that considers diet, environment, stress, emotional well-being, and daily habits—factors that may play a role in overall health and balance.

Couple preparing fresh vegetables together in kitchen representing holistic nutrition and lifestyle focus

At Awaremed, our programs are designed to provide a comprehensive, supportive care experience, including health coaching, to help individuals develop sustainable lifestyle skills that support long-term wellness and informed self-care.

Our focus is on education, personalization, and collaboration—helping patients better understand how daily habits, nutrition, stress, and environment may influence how they feel over time.

Areas of Focus in Our Programs

  • Personalized, attentive care We prioritize quality over quantity by taking the time to understand each individual’s health history, reviewing available testing, and discussing lifestyle factors that may be influencing overall well-being. Care recommendations are tailored to each person’s unique situation.

  • Proactive wellness support
    Our approach emphasizes assessment, lifestyle awareness, and preventive strategies rather than relying solely on a passive or wait-and-see model.

  • Integrative tools and strategies
    Modern medical technologies may be used alongside nutrition-focused strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and evidence-informed supplementation to support general health and balance.

  • Patient education and empowerment
    Individuals are encouraged to take an active role in their health. Programs include education on current nutritional science and practical lifestyle modifications that may help support overall wellness.

  • At Awaremed, Dr. Dalal Akoury and her team take a whole-person approach, considering multiple aspects of health while guiding patients with tools and information designed to support healthy living.

Health Concerns We Commonly Address

Since the founding of her practice, Dr. Dalal Akoury and her team have worked with individuals seeking support for a wide range of health concerns. Care is personalized and focused on understanding contributing factors, lifestyle influences, and overall wellness.

  • Digestive & Gut Health Concerns Such as acid reflux, heartburn, IBS, SIBO, inflammatory bowel concerns, and digestive discomfort.

  • Autoimmune-Related Concerns
    Including immune system imbalances associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s disease, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes.

  • Hormone-Related Concerns
    Including fatigue patterns, thyroid-related imbalances, PCOS, PMS, menopausal symptoms, menstrual discomfort, and mood changes

  • Metabolic & Weight-Related Concerns
    Including metabolic health challenges, weight management support, and lipid balance concerns.

  • Energy, Stress & Pain-Related Concerns
    Such as persistent fatigue, stress response issues, widespread discomfort, and ongoing pain patterns.

  • Cognitive & Neurological Health Concerns
    Including brain fog, memory changes, mild cognitive concerns, and age-related cognitive support.

    Care is individualized, and individuals with similar diagnoses or symptoms may have very different underlying contributors. Programs are designed to support overall health, education, and lifestyle optimization.

Your Next Best Steps

We carefully evaluate a patient's case before we agree to take them on as a client.

This is in the best interest of both you and our team, because we want to ensure we can truly help you restore vibrant health.

Our Location

1604 Lamons Ln #202, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA

AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center

1604 Lamons Lane, Suite 202

Johnson City, TN 37604

Phone:(423) 430-6170

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the functional medicine approach at AWAREmed?

Our approach focuses on identifying the underlying physiological factors that contribute to health imbalances. Under the direction of Dalal Akoury, MD, we use precision medicine to look beyond symptoms and provide a comprehensive, physician-led assessment of your overall well-being.

2. How does functional medicine differ from traditional medical models?

While traditional models often focus on acute symptom management, our functional and integrative approach emphasizes the "why" behind health concerns. We use individualized assessments to understand how genetics, environment, and lifestyle interact to affect your long-term health and physiological balance.

3. Is functional medicine at AWAREmed scientifically supported?

Yes, our protocols are evidence-informed and grounded in the clinical expertise of Dalal Akoury, MD, who has over 40 years of medical experience. We prioritize data-driven insights and precision diagnostics to ensure all supportive care is both safe and clinically relevant.

4. Who oversees the functional medicine assessments?

Every assessment is physician-led and personally supervised by Dalal Akoury, MD, a licensed Medical Doctor. This ensures that your educational and supportive care plan is built on a foundation of professional medical oversight and clinical transparency.

5. Can functional medicine help with chronic wellness support?

Our functional approach is designed to provide supportive and educational resources that focus on the body’s natural systems. By addressing the root causes of imbalance, we aim to provide a personalized framework that may help support your body’s ability to maintain wellness.

6. Does AWAREmed claim to cure diseases using functional medicine?

We do not claim to treat, cure, or reverse specific medical conditions or diseases. Our services are educational and supportive in nature, focusing on optimizing physiological function through personalized precision medicine and physician-led guidance.

7. How is precision medicine integrated into this approach?

Precision medicine is the cornerstone of our functional model, allowing us to tailor wellness strategies to your specific biochemical makeup. This individualized assessment ensures that your path to wellness is as unique as your own DNA, avoiding a "one-size-fits-all" methodology.

8. Should I stop seeing my specialist if I start a program at AWAREmed?

No, it is essential that you maintain regular care and follow-up with your primary or specialty physicians. Our integrative services are designed to be complementary to conventional medicine, providing an additional layer of physician-supervised support.

9. What can I expect during a functional medicine evaluation?

You can expect a deep dive into your medical history, lifestyle factors, and clinical data. Dalal Akoury, MD, conducts this individualized assessment to create an evidence-informed roadmap that focuses on your unique physiological needs and health goals.

10. Why is physician supervision important in functional medicine?

Physician supervision ensures that integrative therapies are applied safely and appropriately within a medical framework. Dr. Akoury’s 40 years of experience as a licensed Medical Doctor provides the necessary oversight to maintain high standards of medical board safety and compliance.

There Is Hope — We’re Here to Support You!

Let’s Talk


We understand that facing health concerns can feel overwhelming and uncertain.

Our caring team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you explore your options.

Request a complimentary consultation to discuss your health goals and learn about possible next steps.

What To Expect

1

Share Your Story

Fill out our secure and confidential form so we can better understand your health concerns and goals before your consultation.

– Takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

2

Connect With Our Team

A member of our care team will reach out to answer your questions, provide information about our services, and discuss how AWAREmed’s integrative approach may align with your healthcare needs.

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Copyright © 2026 AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

All rights reserved.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All medical services are provided under the care of Dr. Dalal Akoury, MD, a licensed physician. Individual results vary, and no specific outcomes are guaranteed. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medical program.

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AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. 1604 Lamons Lane, Suite 202, Johnson City,TN 37604

CALL US: (423) 430-6170