Functional medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that is gaining popularity among patients and practitioners alike. Unlike conventional medicine, which tends to focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of illness, functional medicine takes a more comprehensive and individualized approach to patient care. In this article, a holistic and functional medicine doctor will explain what functional medicine is and what functional medicine doctors do.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a patient-centered, systems-based approach to healthcare that seeks to identify and address the root causes of illness. Rather than simply treating symptoms, functional medicine doctors take a comprehensive look at a patient’s health history, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures to determine the underlying imbalances that may be contributing to their health issues.
Functional medicine is based on the following principles:
1. Patient-Centered Care
Functional medicine is focused on the whole person, not just their symptoms. Functional medicine doctors take the time to listen to their patients and develop individualized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals.
2. Systems-Based Approach
Functional medicine doctors understand that the body is made up of interconnected systems that affect each other. They look at the interactions between these systems to determine the root causes of illness.
3. Evidence-Based Medicine
Functional medicine is based on scientific research and uses the latest advances in medical technology to diagnose and treat illness.
4. Integrative Medicine
Functional medicine doctors combine the best of conventional and alternative medicine to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care.
What Do Functional Medicine Doctors Do?
Functional medicine doctors take a comprehensive approach to patient care that includes the following:
1. Thorough Health History
Functional medicine doctors take a thorough health history to understand a patient’s current health status, past medical history, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures.
2. Comprehensive Testing
Functional medicine doctors use a range of laboratory and diagnostic tests to identify underlying imbalances that may be contributing to a patient’s health issues.
3. Individualized Treatment Plans
Based on the patient’s health history and test results, functional medicine doctors develop individualized treatment plans that address the root causes of their illness.
4. Lifestyle and Nutrition Counseling
Functional medicine doctors provide lifestyle and nutrition counseling to help patients make positive changes that support their health and wellbeing.
5. Integrative Therapies
Functional medicine doctors may recommend a range of integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine, to support the body’s natural healing processes.
Conclusion
Functional medicine is a patient-centered, systems-based approach to healthcare that seeks to identify and address the root causes of illness. Functional medicine doctors take a comprehensive look at a patient’s health history, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures to determine the underlying imbalances that may be contributing to their health issues. By addressing the root causes of illness, functional medicine doctors empower patients to take control of their health and achieve optimal wellbeing.