Category: Blog
-
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Why “normal” isn’t always optimal
You eat well, sleep reasonably well, and exercise. So why do you feel exhausted, foggy, and not quite like yourself? One of the most common — and most overlooked — answers is vitamin B12 deficiency. And the frustrating truth is that millions of people are suffering with depleted B12 levels while being told their labs look…
-
Why the Future of Primary Care Is Systems Medicine
Moving Beyond Symptoms Toward Whole-Person Health By Marianela Lavena, MDMarianela Lavena, MD is Medical Director of Inner Healing Medical in Waltham, Massachusetts. She is board certified in Family Medicine and specializes in integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, functional medicine, and whole-person primary care. Healthcare Has Never Been More Advanced—So Why Are We Still So Sick? Medicine…
-
Why are my PMS symptoms getting worse?
PMS affects millions of women and PMS symptoms can include bloating, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, and food cravings. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), these symptoms typically occur in the days leading up to menstruation and may vary in severity from person to person. At Inner Healing Medical, we believe that…
-
Greater Boston Functional Medicine Group: Brain Health, Wellness & Healthy Aging
An Educational Evening for Healthcare Professionals Inner Healing Medical is pleased to host the next gathering of the Greater Boston Functional Medicine Group, bringing together healthcare professionals interested in functional, integrative, and preventive approaches to patient care. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, we will welcome Geoffrey Burns, MD, for an educational presentation exploring the many…
-
Perimenopause and Menopause: Why Functional Medicine Offers More Than HRT
By Dr. Marianela Lavena, MD | Inner Healing Medical, Waltham, MA Integrative & Functional Medicine Primary Care serving Boston, Waltham, Lexington, Arlington, Cambridge, Belmont, Newton, and surrounding communities Hot flashes at 3am. Cycles that are suddenly unpredictable. A kind of fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix. Weight collecting around your middle despite nothing changing in your…
-
What is Anthroposophic Medicine?
Your body already knows how to heal. Sometimes, it just needs the right support to remember. This is the foundational belief behind Anthroposophic Medicine. Licensed medical doctors in over 80 countries have practiced this approach for more than 100 years. And yet, for most people in the United States, it remains largely unknown. To learn more…
-
Fascia, Inflammation, and the Hidden Web Connecting the Body
By Marianela Lavena, MD For generations, medicine divided the body into separate systems: the immune system, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, digestive system, endocrine system, and emotional life. But the body does not experience itself in isolated compartments. Stress changes digestion. Inflammation affects mood. Chronic pain alters sleep. Trauma changes posture and breath. Movement influences metabolism.…
-
Anthroposophic and Integrative Medicine: Finding a Practical Balance
Every so often, someone will come into the office and ask a version of the same question: “How does what you do relate to anthroposophic medicine?” It’s a fair question, and not always an easy one to answer in a sentence. The two approaches overlap in some ways and diverge in others. What matters most,…
-
Already Did Advanced Lab Testing? Here’s What to Do Next.
You’ve taken the time to look deeper. You have results—pages of numbers, ranges, maybe a few flags. But sometimes figuring out how to understand lab results can feel overwhelming. And now you’re wondering what actually matters. If that’s where you are, you’re not alone. Many people reach this point with more data—but not much more…
-
Mold Detox Diet
By Marianela Lavena, MD and Melissa Heffron, MSN NP-C | Inner Healing Medical, Waltham, MA If you’ve been exposed to mold or are dealing with mold-related illness, what you eat plays a significant role in your recovery. The mold detox diet is designed to starve mold and yeast in the body, reduce the release of…
-
Why Boston-Area Patients Are Leaving Traditional Care for Functional Medicine — And What to Know Before Making the Switch
By Dr. Marianela Lavena, MD | Inner Healing Medical, Waltham, MA Integrative & Functional Medicine Primary Care serving Boston, Waltham, Lexington, Arlington, Cambridge, Belmont, Newton, and surrounding communities If you’ve ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling rushed, unheard, or handed a prescription without a real conversation about why you’re not feeling well — you’re not…
-
Spring Renewal: Why Your Body Needs a Seasonal Reset
Every year, as winter loosens its grip and the first signs of spring appear, something profound happens — not only in nature, but inside the human body. Trees bud. Animals emerge from winter stillness. The air fills with pollen, light, and movement. Human physiology undergoes a similar transition: a shift from inward conservation to outward…
-
Leaky gut: What is it and how to heal It naturally
What is leaky gut? “Leaky gut” is a commonly used term to describe increased intestinal permeability — a condition in which the lining of the gut becomes more permeable than it should be. Under normal conditions, the gut acts as a selective barrier, allowing nutrients to pass into the bloodstream while keeping harmful substances out. When this…
-
Inner Healing Medical Welcomes Nurse Practitioner Ziesl Maayan to Expand Functional Medicine Care in Greater Boston
WALTHAM, MA — Inner Healing Medical, an integrative and functional medicine practice serving patients across Greater Boston, today announced the addition of Ziesl Maayan, MSN, NP, to its growing clinical team. The expansion reflects increasing demand for personalized, root-cause approaches to health and wellness in the Boston area. Maayan brings more than a decade of…
-
Healing Happens Together: Why Community Is the Missing Link in Fatigue, Burnout, and Chronic Symptoms
You’re Not Broken—You’re Disconnected Many people come to us feeling exhausted, foggy, or stuck. And yet… something is off. At Inner Healing Medical, we see a pattern that is often overlooked: 👉 Healing is not just biological—it is relational. And when healing happens in isolation, it often stalls. The Hidden Cost of Healing Alone Modern…
-
Why Am I Always Tired Even When My Labs Are Normal? (Root Causes)
Many people feel exhausted despite normal lab results. Learn the real root causes of fatigue and how integrative medicine approaches energy, hormones, and health. Why You Can Feel Exhausted Even When Your Labs Are “Normal” Many people experience persistent fatigue even after being told their lab results are normal. This can be frustrating and confusing.…
-
What is FODMAP? A Functional Medicine Guide
If you often experience bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, or irregular digestion, your body may be reacting to certain fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs. The low FODMAP diet is one of the most researched nutritional approaches for people with IBS and chronic digestive symptoms. However, functional medicine goes beyond symptom management to understand why your gut is reacting in the first…
-
Inner Healing Medical Expands Functional Medicine in the Boston Metro Area with new integrative physician
We’re excited to share an important milestone in the growth of Inner Healing Medical. As demand for relationship-based, root-cause healthcare continues to grow across Greater Boston, our practice is expanding with new physician leadership and enhanced integrative services. Below is our official press release. Press ReleaseFebruary 2026 WALTHAM, MA, UNITED STATES, February 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/…
-
Hormone Replacement Therapy: An approach to hormonal balance
Hormonal changes are a natural part of life, especially during perimenopause and menopause. For many women, these transitions come with symptoms that affect daily life — fatigue, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, hot flashes, and changes in metabolism. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one option that can help support the body during this time. When used thoughtfully and…
-
Candida Overgrowth: A Functional Medicine Approach to Healing
Candida is a naturally occurring yeast that lives in the gut, skin, and mucous membranes. In a healthy body, it’s harmless — kept in balance by beneficial bacteria, nutrient status, and a strong immune system. But when that balance is broken, Candida can overgrow, leading to a wide range of symptoms that often appear unrelated at…
-
What is the GI Map Test?
When it comes to uncovering the root causes of chronic issues, traditional lab work often doesn’t give the full picture. Advanced stool testing — such as the GI Map Test and the GI 360 Test — make all the difference. Both tests are powerful tools in functional medicine because they don’t just look at symptoms. They reveal what’s really happening inside…
-
Parasite cleanse: understanding parasites and healing
Parasites are more common than we realize, and they can affect health in subtle yet significant ways. From digestive discomfort to fatigue, parasites may be an overlooked root cause of chronic symptoms. A thorough parasite cleanse might be what your body needs. Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to parasite infections by identifying the underlying…
-
The Fasting Mimicking Diet: A new approach to longevity
The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) — also known as ProLon diet — is a research-backed nutritional strategy that delivers the benefits of fasting without requiring complete food restriction. What and when you eat can trigger profound biological processes, especially when it comes to slowing aging, enhancing metabolism, and promoting cellular repair. What Is the Fasting Mimicking…
-
Tick Bites & Lyme Disease: Prevention & Early Action
By Dr. Marianela Lavena, MD | Inner Healing Medical, Waltham, MA Integrative & Functional Medicine serving Boston, Waltham, Lexington, Arlington, Cambridge, Belmont, Newton, and surrounding communities If you’ve recently found a tick, experienced a bull’s-eye rash, or have been living with fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog that conventional medicine hasn’t been able to explain…
-
LDA Therapy: A new Approach to Allergy & Autoimmune Treatment
Many people struggle with chronic allergies, sensitivities, or autoimmune conditions that don’t respond well to conventional treatment. That’s where Low Dose Allergen (LDA) Therapy comes in—a gentle, science-based approach that aligns perfectly with functional and integrative medicine principles. What is LDA Therapy? LDA Therapy (Low Dose Allergen Therapy) was pioneered by Dr. W.A. Shrader Jr.,…
-
Slow Aging Naturally: The Power of Vitamin D, K2, and Omega-3s
What Is Vitamin D For? The Overlooked Key to Longevity Aging is inevitable, but how we age is something we can influence. For example, recent research highlights that vitamin D benefits go beyond bone health. This vitamin plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and even slowing biological aging. A groundbreaking study published in Nature Aging found that higher…
-
Long COVID: Functional Medicine Approach to Recovery
What is Long Covid? Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), affects millions of people worldwide. This illness is leaving them with persistent symptoms long after recovering from the initial infection. For instance fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and chronic inflammation are common complaints among those suffering from this condition.…
-
Functional Medicine and Longevity: For a Longer, Healthier Life
In today’s world, living longer isn’t enough—we all want to live better. Functional medicine offers a unique, personalized approach to health that not only helps prevent chronic diseases but also supports optimal aging and longevity. Here’s how functional medicine can empower you to thrive at every stage of life. What is Functional Medicine? Functional medicine…
-
Mindfulness for Anxiety: Integrative Approaches to Mental Health During the Holidays
As the holiday period approaches, people usually get to spend quality time with their families and friends, and exchange gifts. But for some, this time of year can be stressful, so techniques for keeping body and mind healthy are necessary. At Inner Healing Medical, we understand how difficult it is to remain balanced and calm,…
-
Red Light Therapy & Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Functional Approach to Beating the Winter Blues
When the days get shorter and the winter cold creeps in slowly, many folks notice a change in how they feel. The feeling of being low on energy or not yourself that can come with the arrival of these months might point towards Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the “winter blues.” SAD can…
-
Boosting Your Immune System for Fall: Functional Medicine Tips
As the cool breeze of autumn gradually takes over from the summer’s warmth, it’s time to prepare your body for the change in seasons. Autumn gifts us colorful leaves, comfy sweaters, and, unfortunately, an uptick in cold and flu cases. Here at Inner Healing Medical, we advocate for taking an approach to maintaining your health,…
-
Calm Your Mind: The Influence of Reducing Stress on Longevity
Do you know the impact of long-term stress on longevity? Numerous studies indicate that managing stress can enhance your quality of life and prolong it. For many, the quest for longevity involves a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. While that is not wrong, the best approach to manage stress is to tackle it…
-
Mindfulness and how it relates to healing
Believe it or not, mindfulness is the new key to relieving stress, ensuring peace of mind, improving cardiac health, and achieving persistent wellness and longevity. In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of calm and clarity can seem challenging, but mindfulness offers a simple, yet effective solution. By bringing our attention or focus to the present…
-
INTRAVENOUS VITAMIN (IV) THERAPY FOR IMPROVED COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Did you know that according to the CDC, 9 out of 10 Americans do not get enough vital nutrients? This statistic raises serious concerns about our overall health and well-being. The good news is that there has been growing interest in intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy in recent years, particularly for improving cognitive function. This is…
-
Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Transformative Power of IV Therapy
In the rapidly advancing landscape of healthcare, an extraordinary paradigm shift is underway, challenging conventional methods and offering new possibilities for well-being. While prescriptions and supplements have long been cornerstones of medical interventions, they may not always provide the comprehensive and immediate solutions our bodies require. Intravenous Vitamin (IV) Therapy, has emerged as a groundbreaking…
-
Jumpstart Your Journey: A Beginner’s Guide to Healthy Exercise
As a functional medicine expert, I believe that exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It helps improve your physical and mental health and can even help prevent chronic diseases. But starting an exercise routine can be difficult, especially if you’re not used to exercising. That’s why I’ve…
-
Healing the Inner Child: “No Bad Parts”
Today I’d like to share my thoughts on a fascinating book I’ve recently read, “No Bad Parts” by Dr. Richard Schwartz. As a Functional Medicine doctor, I’m always eager to explore new therapeutic approaches that can benefit my patients. In this book, Dr. Schwartz delves into the world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and…