Our Approach to Chronic Illness
We use a Functional Medicine framework which focuses on understanding how one aspect of the human system affects the others through the lens of cutting edge modern science of systems biology. In addition we use a Chinese Medicine understanding that human health is based on universal energy patterns and universal life force. Both approaches emphasize humans as a systemic whole which is intimately intertwined with its environment. They also rest on the natural medicine premise that the human body has an innate healing ability.
While people who are new to the natural health approach may be skeptical, this approach is based on scientific evidence as well as clinical practice. It gives you a clear direction how to improve your health and well-being naturally. This approach is empowering and what you learn will support you throughout your life.
What Can I Expect During My First Consultation?
You will receive a Chinese Medicine and nutrition-based physical examination (applies to face-to-face consultations only). The results will help us understand your body’s current nutritional status and overall health. During the consultation we will also:
- Review any questionnaires you have been asked to complete at home
- Review and explain any test results and recommend further nutritional tests such as DNA, Urine Organic Acids, Food Allergy, Stool Tests, etc., if more data is needed
- Teach you the basic principles of natural medicine
- Learn your health goals, limiting beliefs and encourage new ways of seeing
- Recommend dietary changes, supplements, exercise or detoxification therapies as needed
- Give you simple effective therapies and practices you can do at home
This initial consultation usually lasts between 60-80 minutes. We recommend scheduling follow-up consultations to monitor your progress until we have arrived at a sustainable maintenance protocol for you.
We offer both on-site as well as long-distance consultations via Skype or phone call.
Functional Medicine (FM) and Chinese Medicine (CM) are not a substitute for treatment you may be receiving from a conventional physician/GP/consultant. We diagnose systemic disharmony from the CM perspective and assess using FM principles. We do not diagnose, treat or cure any diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease. We work with other healthcare providers to make sure you are receiving the best possible care. When symptoms are acute you should always seek emergency care.
More about Joanna
Joanna Swiecka is an acupuncturist and Functional Medicine practitioner, a member of both the British Acupuncture Council and the Institute for Functional Medicine.
She is solution-focused and practically minded, keen to help her patients find what works for them. Her aim is understanding the causes and conditions which manifest in symptoms and diseases and support patients through their healing journey through addressing the root causes. In this she is guided primarily by Classical Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine and her understanding of the human condition and how to live happily.
Joanna regularly attends Classical Chinese and Functional Medicine training to support her practice, as she finds combining the ancient and the cutting-edge medical knowledge is effective. She is currently enrolled on the Integrative Oncology Professional Training with the American Institute of Integrative Oncology. She is a director of Standing Body CIC and sees patients at The Plane Tree in East London.
Biography. “I was born in Poland, leaving at age nineteen to study English in the UK. I worked with asylum seekers and refugees and was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2003. In my thirties I lived at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery for four years which gave rise to a desire to practice healing, meditation, and live as simply and ethically as I can. I support multi-bed and accessible acupuncture ventures and volunteer at St Joseph’s Hospice in East London.“
Joanna Swiecka is a director of Standing Body CIC.
