Expert Functional Medicine Doctor Atlanta, GA
Tree of Light provides a team of dedicated Functional Medicine Doctors in Atlanta that cater to all medical & physiological complaints to help you live a better and healthier life.
Over 40 years of Combined Functional Medicine Experience in Atlanta, GA
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine is a holistic approach that aims to uncover and address the root causes of disease. It views the body as a single, interconnected system, rather than a collection of separate organs treated by different medical specialties.
Instead of the traditional focus on treating isolated symptoms, functional medicine looks at the whole person, taking into account their history and the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence long-term health and chronic diseases
That’s where our Holistic Doctors in Atlanta come in, providing affordable functional medicine services that cater to improving your lifestyle and prolonging your health.
Why Functional Medicine is Necessary?
Our society is seeing a rise in complex, chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental health issues, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Conventional medicine primarily focuses on acute care, addressing short-term, urgent issues like appendicitis or broken bones. It typically involves specific treatments like drugs or surgery for immediate problems.
However, this acute-care approach is ill-suited for preventing and treating complex, chronic diseases. It often fails to consider an individual’s unique genetic makeup, environmental toxin exposure, and lifestyle factors that contribute to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in modern Western society. Additionally, there is a significant time lag between scientific research and its integration into medical practice, particularly in the realm of chronic illnesses.
That is where Functional Medicine comes in, It provides a deeper and closer understanding of a patient’s biological history to create treatments that cures those chronic issues.
At Tree of Light, you can get instantaneous help from our experienced functional medicine doctors in Atlanta. Helping to create a better life for you.
Why Our Patients Love Us
Kaley Fowlkes2024-06-03I am so grateful I found Tree of Light Health. Martin Van Lear was incredibly helpful, made me feel heard, and was understanding of what I could and couldn’t handle financially in the case of certain tests we could do. I felt very comfortable in office and feel encouraged moving forward with my health.Alyson Moree2024-05-29Mr Van Lear has been a major blessing in my life. He has helped me with my leaky gut and mold detoxification. He is prompt when responding to my emails with questions. He is really knowledgeable in all areas in order to live a healthy and balanced life. I will highly recommend him to friends and family.Paul2024-05-28I've had two appointments with Martin van Lear @ Tree of Life Holistic Health Medicine and made more progress with Martin than I had in several years of seeing multiple other doctors. For starters, Martin provided me with a correct diagnosis: CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), sometimes called "mold sensitivity" or "mold allergy", which is more serious than that sounds. Martin is well-versed in standard allopathic medicine, alternative medical modalities, and naturopathic ones, too. He brings a really impressive knowledge base that you simply do not find these days, and then applies his vast knowledge to your specific situation in a personalized, caring manner. Most of what I have done so far is lab work to verify the diagnosis plus some "supportive" measures to help me feel better until I can start the protocol. Step 1 of the protocol is Remove from Exposure. I didn't know I was in exposure. Unfortunately, my new house (spotless, no smells, no visual anything) somehow tested poorly. Thus, a remediation is scheduled for next week. Although not strictly his bailiwick, Martin was very helpful in connecting me to the proper remediation company and answered more questions on this than you can probably imagine. Martin even attended the Zoom call we had with the technical expert and project manager of the remediation company. Something I didn't know until the meeting starting. A pleasant surprise. They have worked together before and having Martin's medical expertise and understanding of my condition paired w/ the remediation company's procedures and goals was very helpful. Once we complete Step 1, we can move on to Step 2 (it is a 12-step protocol). Others who have been through this process consistently report that Steps 1 & 2 have the greatest positive impact (they are also the hardest, however!), so I am looking forward to making substantial progress in the coming weeks. Martin has been terrific about so many things: 1) most importantly, perhaps, is that he diagnosed my root cause issue correctly, 2) he requested the labs to verify and quantify that Dx -- and got the labs paid for by insurance, 3) provided a proper, clearly articulated protocol to follow that is scientifically-proven to not merely alleviate symptoms, but also to actually correct the root cause issues, and 4) described how everything works together and in my particular instance. The whole process unfortunately takes a fair bit of time. Current estimates are approximately 18-24 months post-remediation. I'll provide an update or two along the way. For now, it's just such a relief to finally find someone who understands my condition exactly and has a clinically proven protocol to get me better.Stan and Allie Johnson2024-05-18I’ve struggled with chronic health issues for several years as a result of mold toxicity. I’ve gone to my PCP, ENTs and different allergists who all pointed me to different RXs, steroids or who wanted me to get surgery as a first resort. No one could tell me what was wrong other than to try and treat the symptoms I had. All the “fixes” were short term and I continued to inevitably get sick over and over again and it all worsened over time. Fast forward a few years to this past February—I came across a mold toxicity webinar from Martin where I learned a lot of great info. But most importantly I felt like I was listening to someone who was describing my exact condition and understood what I was going through. After watching it I took the jump to see this for myself and give him a chance. Through my experience this far—2 office visits, supplementation, exercise and proper nutrition—I’m back to feeling more like myself than I have in the past few years. There’s still work to be done—but I’m confident that I’m on a path of holistic healing. I’m so grateful for this practice and I hope you will give it a chance—you owe it to yourself and the ones you care about.suzette g2024-05-08Martin is a wealth of knowledge and has been very helpful with my gut issues. Even though i'm in shape and 'look' healthy my brain fog was off the charts, had random constipation and migraines. I'd been struggling for years and went to another local doctor for this which just didn't seem very helpful. I won't mention the place but the man wouldn't return emails, it seemed like a factory ran place. Martin does extensive testing and is so patient and eager to help. Turns out, Post infectious IBS and SIBO are two of my issues. I feel much better now after just a few months and am confident if i watch my eating and continue with certain supplements i'll keep these issues at bay.Liz Haight2024-04-22Martin has been wonderful to work with in my healing journey. I am treating with Martin for autoimmune issues and Lyme disease. He is a practitioner that truly cares and dedicated to your healing. I have learned a lot about health and nutrition from him. My symptoms have improved and continuing to improve in his care - I am so grateful for that. I appreciate that he uses a proper mix of western and holistic medicine, when needed. He also has innovative treatments at his clinic. I am very thankful for everything Martin has done for me and continues to do!Molly Mathes2024-02-19I have had nothing but positive experiences with Martin and Tree of Light Health. Martin first helped me navigate several symptoms that were affecting my quality of life. Now that I am feeling healthy and full of energy overall, I am working with Martin towards optimal health. Martin is very in tune with what our bodies need to thrive, especially in a world that works against our bodies and our mental, physical, and spiritual health. I highly recommend Martin and Tree of Light Health if you are looking for alternate ways of treating, nourishing, and supporting your body.Eileen Kelly2024-02-14So glad I was referred to Martin and Tree of Light! I was suffering from Vertigo and some other symptoms with no clear answers after multiple ER and specialist visits. I feel so much more confident that my overall health and wellbeing are his primary goals. Martin's breadth of knowledge and willingness to take the time to truly engage with me in depth is so radically different than traditional medicine. I highly recommend this practice!Kelli Crowe2024-01-31I have been very happy with the care and scope of knowledge I found at Tree of Light Health. During 15 years of deteriorating health I saw a lot of doctors, paid a lot of money and lost hope of ever getting better. Even with my complex mold issues, I left my first appointment with answers and a plan for getting better. And I am getting better. I just can't think of a better review than to say I was very very sick and now I am getting better.ms mildred2024-01-09I am leary of traditional pharmakeia and medicine as a whole. Martin alleviates normal concerns due to his attentive listening and alternative solutions to life long health issues. I feel I am making progress which I have not through take this pill and see me in six months type practices. His immediate attention through email and communication is fabulous. I cannot recommend him enough I just wish I had discovered him sooner.
Our Functional Medicine Doctor in Atlanta, GA
Martin Van Lear (BS, BSN, MSN, FNP-C)
With almost 15 Years of Functional and Integrative Medicine Experience, I help provide a pathway for you to live a long and healthy life. With Certifications from the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine I’ve provided clinical support for the community of Atlanta as far as health and holistic care is concerned. Below is my educational background:
- Board Certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine-American Board of Anti-Aging Health Practitioners (ABAAHP) 2021
- Board Certified in Family Medicine -American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2014- Present
- Masters of Science in Nursing- MSN – Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 2014
- Bachelors of Science (BSN-Nursing), Ga Baptist College of Nursing/Mercer University 2006
- Bachelors of Science (Biology) Hampden- Sydney College, 1993
Difference Between Functional Medicine Doctor & Regular Doctor
Aspect | Functional Medicine | Conventional Medicine |
---|---|---|
Approach | Holistic, patient-centered | Disease-centered, symptom-based |
Focus | Identifying and addressing root causes of disease | Treating symptoms and managing disease |
Treatment Methods | Integrative and preventive, often includes lifestyle and dietary changes, supplements, and alternative therapies | Primarily pharmaceutical and surgical interventions |
Patient Role | Active participant in their own health journey | More passive, following doctor's orders |
Duration of Visits | Longer, in-depth consultations | Shorter, focused on acute issues |
Diagnosis | Comprehensive, including extensive lab tests and consideration of genetics, environment, and lifestyle | Standard medical tests and assessments |
Therapeutic Focus | Personalized treatment plans | Standardized treatment protocols |
View of Disease | Dynamic imbalance in the body's systems | Pathological conditions defined by specific criteria |
Healthcare Team | Often involves a multidisciplinary team including nutritionists, health coaches, and alternative practitioners | Primarily doctors and specialists |
Preventive Care | Emphasizes proactive prevention through lifestyle changes | Preventive care mainly through screenings and vaccinations |
We're 15 Min Drive in Atlanta
Location: 2545 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 150, Decatur, GA, 30033
Phone Number: (404)877-2385