Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on understanding the root causes of illness and treating the whole person, rather than just addressing specific symptoms or diseases.
Functional medicine practitioners aim to identify and address the underlying imbalances in the body that contribute to disease or discomfort. By treating the root causes, rather than just the symptoms, they seek to improve overall health and well-being.
Key points:
-
Holistic Approach: Practitioners look at the body as an integrated system, considering the interactions between various organs and systems, and among all aspects of a person's life, including genetics, nutrition, stress, and environment.
-
Preventive Focus: Practitioners aim to identify and address potential health issues before they become more serious.
-
Nutrition and Lifestyle: Practitioners often provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management to promote overall well-being.
-
Use of Complementary Therapies: Functional medicine integrates a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including dietary supplements, herbal supplements, acupuncture, and other therapies.
-
In-Depth Testing: Practitioners often use extensive laboratory testing to assess a patient's health, including tests that may not be part of traditional medical assessments.
-
Patient-Centered Care: Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healthcare decisions and treatment plans.
-
Chronic Disease Management: Functional medicine is often used to address chronic health conditions.