Functional Medicine, rather than targeting individual symptoms, focuses on the optimal functioning of the entire body and its organs. It addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach in partnership with understanding the conditions and history in which the disease manifested.  Genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors all have a direct influence of long-term health and chronic health issues.

The Origin’s Medicine Method is based on the Kalish Method of Functional Medicine and is informed by the rich clinical history of Chinese Medicine. The Kalish Method is a functional medicine lab based health approach focused on addressing five common conditions – weight gain, fatigue, depression, female hormone and digestive problems – through restoring the 3 main body systems: hormones, digestion and detoxification.

The Kalish Method (used by Origins Medicine) addresses the 5 most chronic symptoms of weight gain, fatigue, depression, hormone imbalances and digestive problems that are typically misunderstood/misdiagnosed by conventional medicine practitioners who attempt to address the symptoms, not the root cause/damaged system.

The Kalish Method is a lab-based natural health protocol that tests and identifies the dysfunction of the 3 core main body systems. Typically these 3 main systems have become compromised long BEFORE the symptoms appeared. The lab tests are used to determine the required natural support needed rebalance your body back to its normal state.

Duncan Macdonald’s protocols are based upon his mentor, Dr. Kalish. Dr. Kalish’s adrenal protocol has been tested and proven with 23 years of clinical experience by over 8,000 clients. Duncan Macdonald combines these proven protocols with his 20 years of experience in traditional Chinese Medicine. With that said, it depends on the diligence of each client in following their daily protocol and making lifestyle changes that only they can be responsible for implementing. Duncan is committed to assisting and empowering his clients to take back their health and experience life changing results if they are committed to doing so as well.

Results vary by each person. Some people feel dramatic improvement within the first month, others may take a bit longer. Our standard programs are for a minimum of 6 months. Remember, your body didn’t fail overnight. Years of stress and illness takes its toll and it takes a proper amount of time to restore. On average it takes one month of repair for each year you’ve suffered from a specific problem.

The fastest and easiest way to schedule an appointment is by using our online scheduler. The earliest available appointments will always be posted online first. Please note whether you need a Functional Medicine or acupuncture initial consult. Acupuncture appointments are at his clinic in San Francisco. Functional Medicine appointments are by phone.

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We encourage clients to book 2 weeks in advance. Depending on the time of the year, we can usually schedule a new patient or lab results appointment within 1-2 weeks of the requested time. If you are having an acute health crisis initial acupuncture consultations can often be scheduled sooner.

Each person will receive a copy of both The Kalish Method book, educational material on health and nutrition and a 12 week step-by-step resource guide (videos/recipes, etc.) to assist in your health journey.

Duncan Macdonald has limited time available for initial consultations and without this process there would be a 4-6 month wait list.

The number of labs recommended will depend on your individual situation including the number of issues you struggle with and the length of time you have been experiencing them, but the range is 1-4 lab tests.

The number of labs recommended will depend on your individual situation including the number of issues you struggle with and the length of time you have been experiencing them, but the range is 1-4 lab tests.

The results of your lab test(s) will be sent to Duncan Macdonald, L.Ac. 2 to 4 weeks after mailing your specimens to the lab. After evaluation we will contact you to schedule a follow up appointment to review your results with Duncan and he will recommend a wellness protocol.

Duncan Macdonald does all lab review sessions and will design your protocol during your lab results consultation. The rest of our team helps with follow up, nutritional and lifestyle coaching, as well as with disseminating all of our health and wellness educational information.

Our authorized laboratories are only able to sell test kits to licensed practitioners. Duncan Macdonald, L.Ac. uses specific lab tests from small lab companies that exclusively offer functional medicine tests. Larger national labs and local hospital based labs are not helpful for these types of highly specialized tests.

Duncan Macdonald, L.Ac. has learned over many years that the accuracy of your lab findings and the quality of the professionals performing the lab tests is the key to uncovering what’s going on. Quality is not equal across all lab companies. Many times we see “normal” test results from regular lab companies and our lab tests find many “functional” problems. The lab companies used for Duncan clients have the highest testing standards and the most consistent lab results year after year. These are not replacements for regular medical tests, these tests are only used to detect “functional” issues rather than medical problems and aren’t meant to diagnose or recommend protocols for diseases. We are attempting to detect problems with the functioning of organ systems prior to the onset of a disease.

Even if you have previous labs completed in order to become a new patient with Duncan Macdonald L.Ac., a new patient consultation is required. At that session, the new patient coordinator will determine if new labs are required. Duncan does not do any interpretations on blood work.

Depending on the type of test, the samples required are saliva, urine or stool. All tests are completed by the client through easy test-kits that are self-administered in the comfort of your own home. Duncan Macdonald, L.Ac. does not do any blood tests.

Initial new patient consultations are 45 minutes.
Follow up lab result consultations can be scheduled for 30 min. (if you have 1 test), 45 min. (if you have 2 tests), or 1 hour (if you have 3-4 tests). ION Panels require a 1 hour consultation (no exceptions).
Existing client follow up consultations can be scheduled for 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes.

Duncan Macdonald, L.Ac. worked for years in the supplement industry. He has carefully selected the products that have superior quality and strength to proved the necessary clinical outcomes. If you want to do your own research on different supplements, we welcome you to do so but we do not provide any other recommendations nor advise on other specific blends or brands. If you purchase other supplements from other manufacturers, please research carefully. Not all ingredients are equal.

Duncan Macdonald is currently not accepting any new in-person consultations requests.

When you make your new client appointment online there will be a place to upload your new client paperwork once you have selected your appointment time. You can book you new client consultation here: https://kalishwellnessappointments.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php
You can also scan or fax your paperwork to the office at office@drkalish.com. We cannot accept any pictures of documentation taken via cell phones.

New patient initial consultation: 45 minutes for $275
Lab result consultation for 1-2 labs: 30 minutes for $150
Lab result consultation for 3-4 labs: 45 minutes for $225
Check-in or program adjustment: 15 minutes for $75
All follow up consultations are in 15 min time blocks.
15 min: $75,
30 min: $150
45 min: $225
60 min: $300
All consultations will be billed for the actual time used.

What are the fees for acupuncture consultations and treatments:
Initial appointments and treatments are $130
Follow up appointments are $80.

Depending on the lab test, the cost is $200-$750 per lab kit and you can always start a program just by ordering a single test.

Depending on the protocol created by Duncan Macdonald, L.Ac., the estimated total cost starts at approximately $100 and depends on the length of the program.

It depends on how many test kits are recommended (typically 1-4) but we always recommend that if there are any budgetary concerns, clients start with their first test.

The new client consultation is an assessment of your health and recommendations on what tests are required to understand the state of your body systems. The new client consultation fee does not include any follow ups, test kits or supplements. It does include extensive wellness resources including videos, books and handouts.

Methods of payment are: personal check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

Payment is due at time of consultation. If paying by credit card, the card number is required to be on file with our office prior to the consultation. Checks are accepted if received prior to the consult.

If for any reason you cannot make your appointment, please let us know within 36 hours so we can reschedule accordingly. A $140 cancellation fee will be charged if the appointment is cancelled with less than 48 hours notice.

We do not bill insurance for Functional Medicine services. Superbills can be provided. Acupuncture can billed according to the benefits of your specific plan.

There are no family discounts; however, for couples we can offer joint consultations of 1 hour to cover both people. For children of existing clients the initial consultation fees are waived. Please contact the office for more details.

Depending on the results of your lab tests, Duncan Macdonald, L.Ac. uses different combinations of DHEA, pregnenolone, and all of the herbs, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals required for adrenal recovery.

These are natural, plant based products that support and balance the adrenal glands and are combined into customized wellness plans based on individual lab results.

The goal of the Kalish Method is to mimic the body’s natural reproduction of its own hormones and we only use products that naturally occur in the body to restore your internal production of adrenal hormones.

How long are the programs that Duncan Macdonald, L.Ac. recommends?

While retesting isn’t required, it is recommended that a client retest at the 6 month mark to measure improvement and adjust protocols if needed. Once a client has achieved their desired health results, we recommend annual testing to ensure your body systems continue functioning at their best.

Our intake coordinators are responsible for documenting your health history and conditions. Based on the reported symptoms, they will recommend the labs required to test your body systems. All information gathered is put into in your personal file and Duncan Macdonald reviews every new client summary that is completed. If he has any further questions, the office will reach out to you to schedule a follow up call at no additional charge.

Pre-approval is required on all returns. Refrigerated items cannot be returned.
15% restock fee of purchase price less shipping and handling may be refunded on unopened and non-refrigerated items.
No supplement returns will be accepted after 30 days on all regularly stocked items.
Special orders cannot be returned.
Prepaid tests can be returned for credit within 3 months of purchase

The quickest and easiest way to order supplements or test kits is via our online store or to pick up in person at our San Francisco clinic.

Our office ships within 24 hours of receipt of your online order unless stated otherwise. This excludes Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Orders are shipped by regular UPS ground unless faster delivery is requested. If requested, we can also send you the tracking number as well.

Duncan Macdonald is a licensed acupuncturist with 16 years of clinical experience. In addition to his Chinese medical studies he has completed the mentorship and advanced coursework of the Kalish Institute of Functional Medicine. Please refer to his bio for further information.

Duncan is happy to answer brief questions via email you may have about your protocol or symptoms. If it is a complex question which requires further back and forth communication, Duncan will recommend scheduling a 15 min. consult.

Duncan is a very caring practitioner. He is deeply passionate about empowering people to take back their health and live fully balanced happy lives. He found his way to his career through his own health challenge and knows what it’s like to have a chronic health conditions. In working with thousands of patients, he practices kindness and understanding through all of his interactions. Please see our testimonial page of our website for feedback from many of his patients.

We completely understand that many times, prioritizing a wellness plan requires major life changes. Our advice is to start one product at a time and take one day at a time. Often keeping a health journal allows one to stay on track and also shows the progression that we often forget when we need a little inspiration.

All intake coordinators have been studying under Daniel Kalish for over 5 years. They are certified graduates of the Kalish Method and have extensive training in holistic, nutritional and lifestyle coaching.