Functional Medicine

Root-Cause Healing with Functional Medicine in Santa Cruz & Oakland

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Root-Cause Healing with Functional Medicine in Santa Cruz & Oakland

If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your body, you’re not alone — and you’re not broken. Functional medicine offers a radically different way to care for your health. It’s not about suppressing symptoms or managing diagnoses. It’s about listening. Investigating. And building a healing plan rooted in what your body truly needs to function well.

Dr. Alexandra Johnson, MD brings decades of medical experience and a deep understanding of nervous system science to her integrative functional medicine practice. Serving patients in both Santa Cruz and Oakland, she helps people transform their health by addressing root causes — with compassion, precision, and partnership.

What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a personalized, systems-based approach that looks beyond the diagnosis. Instead of asking “What drug matches this disease?”, it asks “Why is this happening — and how can we restore balance?”

Through comprehensive lab testing, emotional support, nutrition, and nervous system regulation, functional medicine provides the tools for true healing, not just temporary relief. It’s especially effective for those who have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told “everything looks normal” when they feel far from well.

Functional medicine is not a trend. It’s the future of whole-body medicine — integrating biology, environment, lifestyle, and emotional health into one customized plan.

Dr. Johnson's Approach

Dr. Johnson takes the time to understand your unique challenges, offering:

Whole-person approach: Support for your mind, body, feelings and lifestyle— not just lab results
MD-level insight: Years of clinical experience blended with holistic, evidence-based practices
Breema® integration: Nervous system regulation through gentle, embodied bodywork
Empowered healing: You are an active participant, not a passive recipient
Personalized diagnostics: Labs and treatments tailored to your specific condition and budget

This isn’t about short-lived improvement — it’s about creating a sustainable path to health that fits into your life.

Your Functional Medicine Journey

Our programs are designed for lasting change and include:

Deep intake: Together, we map your health story, patterns, and goals in a comprehensive 60-minute initial session.
Diagnostic testing: Labs chosen based on your specific needs, not generic checklists.
Personalized plan: Food, herbs, movement, supplements, bodywork, and care — tailored to your biology and lifestyle.
Ongoing support: Regular re-evaluation, encouragement, and refinement with progress tracking.
Integration: Each recommendation is chosen for its practicality, sustainability, and impact. No 40-supplement protocols or fear-based care. Just practical steps that create momentum.

Comprehensive Lab Testing

Dr. Johnson uses comprehensive functional medicine labs, including:

GI Map + microbiome testing: Advanced gut health analysis
DUTCH hormone panels: Complete adrenal and hormone assessment
Environmental screenings: Mold, mycotoxin, and toxin exposure testing
Nutrient and metabolic panels: Comprehensive nutritional status
Thyroid optimization: Beyond standard TSH testing

FAQ: Functional Medicine with Dr. Johnson

What types of testing are used?

GI maps, DUTCH hormone panels, thyroid labs, mold and toxin panels, and micronutrient assays — all personalized based on your unique symptoms and history.

Can I do this if I live outside the Bay Area?

Yes. Virtual consultations are available.

Do you offer packages or one-time consults?

Dr. Johnson offers care packages for comprehensive support and transformation. One-time consults are available when appropriate.

Do you accept insurance?

Dr. Johnson is out-of-network. Superbills are provided for possible reimbursement through your PPO insurance.

What makes this approach different from other functional medicine practices?

Dr. Johnson blends science and subtlety with the principles and foundation of Breema, helping clients feel seen, supported, and genuinely hopeful again.

Functional Medicine