Functional medicine is a holistic, research-based approach to healthcare. This patient-centered technique is different from traditional approaches to care. Functional medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease.
Hallmarks of a functional medicine approach include:
Patient-centered care.
The focus of functional medicine is on promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.
An integrative, science-based healthcare approach.
Functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is evaluated, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
Embraces “alternative” or “integrative” medicine.
Functional medicine embraces “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and recommended supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.
If you’re sick, you’ve been everywhere and you’re not getting better, contact our office! Our whole goal is to help people get well. We as functional medicine practitioners routinely see the tough and complex cases.
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