5 Things You Should Know About Functional Medicine in 2019

Functional medicine does just what the name implies: it serves patients’ needs in a functional way, rather than conventional medicine, which does not look at underlying issues. Rather than assessing the issues with different parts of the body separately, functional medicine looks at the whole patient as a complete system.

Since functional medicine is a newer concept to many, here are 5 things to know about it right now:

1. It Treats Causes, Not Symptoms

Much of the treatment and medication prescribed by conventional medicine aims to eliminate symptoms of an underlying root cause but not to eliminate the cause itself. For example, someone with high blood pressure may be prescribed a medication to lower it, but it does not address the cause.

These practices do very little (if anything) to fix the problem, they simply mask it. Functional medicine assesses the combined issues a body is experiencing and looks for explanations for those symptoms. It is from this discovery the disease or ailment may be treated, rather than only the symptoms it is producing.

2. It Views the Body as a Whole Unit

Conventional medicine consists of a number of specialties. This practice of focusing on one area serves to disconnect different parts of the body in practitioners’ minds, making it hard to see the “forest for the trees”.

Functional medicine takes a look at the entire patient. Family history, mental state and every symptom from head to toe are considered at one time in order to ferret out the root of an issue.

3. It’s Rooted In Science

You may feel some resistance to the idea of functional medicine because we are influenced to believe whatever is most commonly practiced is the best approach.

The reality is there is a decades-long gap between emerging research and wide-spread adoption of a practice. This means, although most physicians are skilled at assessing symptoms, many lack the skills to address underlying causes.

4. It Takes A Patient-Centered Approach

If you have ever gone to a doctor’s office and felt like a study subject or a collection of organs and symptoms rather than a person, functional medicine may be the alternative you’re searching for.

Functional medicine only works if patients are actively involved in their own care. This means being aware of what’s happening in your own body and taking stock of your overall wellness.

5. It Fosters A Relationship Between Patient And Practitioner

The whole basis of functional medicine rests on communication between patient and practitioner. Rather than shuffling you through a clinical process, functional medicine aims to make healthcare feel therapeutic. After all, mental health and physical health are deeply interconnected.

This sense of connection allows patients to be more open with their practitioners, assisting with catching ailments before progressing to a dangerous point.

If you’re interested in exploring a more personalized, holistic approach to your well being, call us at (919) 848-3333 or contact us here today!

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