Welcome to Tao,
I’m Dr. David Lai. With over 20 years of experience in private practice and global health—including leadership roles at the World Health Organization (WHO)—I help people living with chronic pain and persistent, often unexplained health concerns.
Through Tao Functional Health, and The Tao Framework®, I take a personalised, evidence-based approach to understanding how genetics, nutrition, lifestyle, stress, and environmental factors may be contributing to your symptoms. Rather than simply managing symptoms, my goal is to identify their underlying drivers and support lasting improvements in health and well-being.
If you'd like you can begin with a no obligation free15-minute consultation call.
Our Treatments
We support people experiencing persistent fatigue, poor sleep, bloating, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, stress and anxiety, auto-immune conditions, chronic pain, amongst others. Our 90-minute consultation gives you the time and space to be truly heard, and have an in depth assessment, that is tailored to you.
Guided by The Tao Framework®, human-first, evidence-based, healthcare approach, we take the time to reviewing and understand your health history, previous testing, and the many factors that may be influencing how your health. Nothing is rushed, generalised, overlooked and no two plans are the same.You'll leave with clear, personalised insights and practical next steps. For those seeking deeper support, we also offer 3- and 12-month programmes with monthly consultations and ongoing guidance to help you achieve lasting improvements in your health and well-being.
Initial
Consultation
90-minute deep clinical assessment
Your initial consultation is a comprehensive 90-minute session. We take the time to listen carefully, review any previous testing, and understand the broader context of your health.
Nothing is rushed. You will receive thoughtful, personalised insights along with clear, structured next steps.
3-Month Functional Reset Program
Designed for focused, structured support, this program includes a personalised strategy, regular check-ins, and ongoing guidance between sessions.
We work step by step to address underlying patterns, making adjustments along the way based on your progress. This is where meaningful and sustainable change typically begins.
"Everything finally made sense, and I had a clarity. My stress and anxiety is definitely something I can better manage."
Alexia
"The personalised approach helped me regain my energy, improve my digestion, and feel like myself again."
Philippe
"A rare combination of scientific expertise, compassion, and genuine partnership throughout the entire process."
Linda
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is The Tao Framework®, functional medicine and how is it different?
The Tao Framework® is our evidence-based clinical approach, developed through more than 20 years of medical practice in private healthcare and global health, including work with the World Health Organization (WHO). Rather than focusing on isolated symptoms, it recognises that health is influenced by the interaction between genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, hormones, metabolism, immunity, the nervous system, sleep and environment. By understanding these interconnected factors, we create personalised, root-cause health plans designed to restore balance and support long-term wellbeing. Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying patterns that drive symptoms, rather than managing them in isolation.
Who is this best suited for?
This approach is best suited for individuals experiencing ongoing, unresolved, or complex health concerns. This includes those dealing with fatigue, low energy, poor sleep, brain fog, digestive issues (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion), hormonal changes, stress, anxiety, burn out, metabolic imbalance, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune-related conditions—especially when symptoms feel interconnected or persistent.
What types of health concerns do you commonly work with?
We commonly work with patterns such as low energy, poor recovery, digestive discomfort, bloating, irregular bowel habits, sleep disruption, stress-related symptoms, hormonal imbalance, and chronic inflammation. Many clients come with multiple concerns that have developed over time. The focus is on understanding how these patterns connect, rather than treating each symptom separately.
Can this approach help with fatigue, gut issues, and stress-related symptoms?
Yes. These concerns are often closely linked through underlying systems such as metabolism, digestion, and the stress response. Rather than addressing them one by one, we take a structured approach to understand what may be driving these patterns and support gradual, sustainable improvement.
What happens during the initial consultation?
The initial consultation is a 90-minute, in-depth clinical assessment. We explore your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and patterns over time. The goal is to develop a clear understanding of what may be driving your symptoms and outline a thoughtful direction forward.
Do I need laboratory testing?
Not always. Testing is only recommended when it is likely to provide useful information that will directly guide your care. In many cases, a detailed clinical assessment is sufficient to begin identifying patterns and making progress.
How long does it take to see results?
This varies from person to person. Some individuals notice early improvements, but meaningful and lasting change typically develops over several months. For more complex or long-standing concerns, a structured period of care is often the most effective approach.
Do I have to commit to a program?
No. You are welcome to begin with a single consultation. However, for ongoing or complex concerns, working together over time allows for a more complete and sustained approach to your health.
What is included in the free 15-minute clarity call?
This is a brief, no-obligation conversation to understand your main concerns and determine whether this approach is a good fit for you. You can ask questions about the process, and we can discuss the most appropriate next step.
Is this a replacement for my primary doctor?
No. This service complements, rather than replaces, your existing medical care. Where appropriate, we can work alongside your primary physician or specialist to support a more comprehensive approach to your health.
What is different about Tao Functional Health?
We take the time to listen to you and make you feel comfortable. You will never feel rushed or brushed off. We take an in depth, evidence based, functional medicine approach that is tailor to you rather than a "one size fits all" or generic diagnosis. We also offer long term support and ongoing care.