Functional Medicine

Unlock your body's full potential

Dr. Aruni Tiffany Gunawardena

Dr. Gunawardena graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's in Biology and a Master's in Biotechnology. She began her career in the Orthopedic Research Department at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where her research focused on various musculoskeletal diseases. Following her work at CHOP, she contributed to the research and development of therapeutic drugs at Janssen Pharmaceuticals. After experiencing personal relief from chronic headaches through chiropractic care, she pursued and received her Doctorate from New York Chiropractic College. During her graduate studies, she explored areas such as Whole Food Nutrition and Sport Science and Human Performance, sparking a deep passion for nutrition and a desire to expand her expertise.

Driven by a commitment to comprehensive patient care, Dr. Gunawardena furthered her education through extensive training at the Institute for Functional Medicine. This advanced training equips her with the tools to address the root causes of illness and promote optimal wellness.

Dr. Gunawardena is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, utilizing a holistic approach to address health concerns and guide patients toward a healthier life, from the inside out.

Why I'm Your Ideal Functional Medicine Doctor:

I go beyond the surface: I don't just treat symptoms, I uncover the root causes of your health concerns. This personalized approach allows me to create a treatment plan specific to you, addressing your unique needs and goals.

I empower you: I believe in partnership with my patients. I provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to take an active role in your health journey.

I offer a holistic approach: I consider all aspects of your life, including your diet, lifestyle, and environment, to create a comprehensive plan for optimal health.

I'm passionate and experienced: I'm dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in functional medicine and I have a proven track record of helping patients achieve lasting results.

Schedule a consultation today and let's work together to unlock your body's potential for optimal health.

Publications

  • PubMed Sgariglia F, Pedrini E, Bradfield JP, Bhatti TR, D'Adamo P, Dormans JP, Gunawardena AT, Hakonarson H, Hecht JT, Sangiorgi L, Pacifici M, Enomoto-Iwamoto M, Grant SF. Bone. 2015 Mar;72:123-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2014.11.024. Epub 2014 Dec 9. PMID: 25498973; PMCID: PMC4300120.

  • PubMed Candela ME, Wang C, Gunawardena AT, Zhang K, Cantley L, Yasuhara R, Usami Y, Francois N, Iwamoto M, van der Flier A, Zhang Y, Qin L, Han L, Enomoto-Iwamoto M. PLoS One. 2016 Jun 9;11(6):e0156783. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156783. PMID: 27280771; PMCID: PMC4900574.

  • PubMed Usami Y, Gunawardena AT, Iwamoto M, Enomoto-Iwamoto M. Lab Invest. 2016 Feb;96(2):186-96. doi: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.142. Epub 2015 Dec 7. PMID: 26641070; PMCID: PMC4838282.

  • PubMed Usami Y, Gunawardena AT, Francois NB, Otsuru S, Takano H, Hirose K, Matsuoka M, Suzuki A, Huang J, Qin L, Iwamoto M, Yang W, Toyosawa S, Enomoto-Iwamoto M. J Bone Miner Res. 2019 May;34(5):964-974. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.3658. Epub 2019 Jan 28. PMID: 30602070; PMCID: PMC6536347.

  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Garcia S, Wilson K, Tang N, Tian K, Oichi T, Gunawardena AT, Chorny M, Alferiev I, Herzenberg J, Ng V, Iwamoto M, Enomoto-Iwamoto M. doi: 10.3390/ijms25147610

FAQ

  • I am a Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP) and Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). I received my doctorate from Northeast College of the Health Sciences. My post doctorate education and training is in Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition. I have received complete training in the biological sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, histology, blood chemistry, neurology and pharmacology, as well as conventional medical diagnosis and treatment. In addition, I have received extensive training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine and lifestyle counseling.

  • No. I do not recommend or prescribe medications like prescription drugs or controlled substances. Your primary care physician will handle all of your medication needs. Instead, I focus on natural, non-invasive approaches like nutritional therapy, herbal remedies, supplements, stress management, and lifestyle changes. These methods help address the root causes of illness and promote overall health and well-being.

  • Services related to Functional Medicine are not covered by insurance. This is because the industry often views these practices as above the standard level of care, making them optional. We strive to make Functional Medicine accessible and affordable for everyone.

  • We utilize Telehealth - consults are done via Zoom.

  • The duration of treatment depends on various factors, such as the severity of your condition, its duration, and your commitment to wellness. Typically, initial care plans or individual visits last about 4-6 months. Many people experience improvement within the first month. After completing the initial care plan, many people choose maintenance visits a few times a year.