What is Functional Medicine?
The model of functional medicine treatment offers a patient-centered method of managing chronic diseases. It is designed to address the question “Why do you feel sick?” so you’ll be able to get the most effective treatment to satisfy your specific needs.
Functional medicine practitioners take the time to listen to you and obtain your medical information. This information is used to find the primary cause(s) of your condition and the triggers that cause it, such as low nutrition and stress, toxins, genetics, allergens as well as the health of your microbiome (the bacteria that reside in and around the inside of your body).
The pillars that are the foundation of this approach to healthcare are:
- Care centered by the patient
In the process of listening to the patient’s background, understanding the details of their life and then connecting it to them within the context of their issues The doctor brings them into the discussion and creates a treatment plan which addresses the specific requirements of the person.
- Integrative, scientifically-based methodology
Utilizing the most current evidence from medical research, in conjunction with the expertise of the clinician and preferences of patients. The physician examines “upstream” to the complicated web of interactions that can cause illness based on the patient’s genetics, past and lifestyle.
This is an “inside-out” approach that starts at the root of the unique genetic makeup of the patient and then extends outward to find any imbalances in their physiology that manifest as symptoms, complaints and eventually, disease. At the heart of it all are the aspects that are often ignored: internal elements (mind body, mind and spirit) as well as external aspects (physical and social) which are crucial in assessing the person’s optimal performance.
- Integrating the best medical practices across disciplines
If it is effective, apply it. Functional medicine physicians integrate traditional Western practices of medicine with other forms of medicine all over the world. The integration of traditional medical practices can create the following focus:
- Prevention of diseases through nutrition fitness, lifestyle and nutrition.
- Making use of the most recent tests and diagnostic techniques within the laboratory.
- Prescribed combos of medicines and stress management techniques
How does Functional Medicine work?
Functional medicine doctors urge their patients to take an active part in their overall health. Through educating patients about their body and the processes it goes through the patient has the best likelihood of receiving treatment successfully and living a better life. There are many benefits of functional medicine. We will discuss it later.
Without a doctoral qualification it is logical that the holistic approach of functional medicine is more effective than following a conventional medical model of management. Chronic illnesses can have multiple reasons.
Difference between Integrative Medicine and Functional Medicine
Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine is a combination of traditional therapies and alternative treatments to treat the body in an holistic approach. Integrative medicine is not focused on one specific physical issue a patient may have and works to heal the body, mind and spirit , so that the whole body is healed. This comprehensive approach to healing the whole patient rather than focusing on one condition is designed to help patients feel healthier and happier overall.
Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is a strategy that is focused on the optimal functioning for the entire body. It is the process of aiding the body to function as efficiently as that is possible through focusing on the efficiency of each organ in the body. Functional medicine recognizes that each person is unique, from biochemical composition to genetics.
This is why functional medicine provides a personalized treatment plan for each patient, using both diagnostics and treatments. The approach is based heavily on research-based science and tests to determine a patient’s specific requirements.
