Functional Medicine: Your Key to Lasting Health.
Treating the underlying causes of chronic disease.
As a Functional Medicine provider, I’m committed to helping people reach optimal health and vitality. The key word is “optimal”— I believe there is a big difference between feeling okay and feeling your best. I’m committed to helping create the optimal YOU.
Understanding how functional medicine works is the key to putting this approach to work for your own benefit. So let’s dive in!
What is Functional Medicine?
If you’ve ever wondered about an approach to healthcare that goes beyond just treating symptoms, I’m not surprised functional medicine has piqued your interest. Functional medicine offers a fresh perspective that focuses on uncovering the root causes of health issues and promoting overall wellness.
Solving vs. treating
Functional medicine is like detective work for your health. Instead of simply patching up symptoms with a temporary fix, functional medicine aims to understand the intricate connections within your body. It recognizes that our bodies are complex systems, where every organ, hormone, and cell works together in harmony. By exploring these connections, functional medicine works to restore balance and optimize your well-being.
All about YOU.
One of the key principles of functional medicine is individualized care. As practitioners, we acknowledge that each person is unique, with their own genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors that contribute to their health. A functional medicine doctor takes the time to listen to your story and understand your history, symptoms, and goals. This comprehensive approach allows us to create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs.
Prevention is key.
In functional medicine, prevention is paramount. Rather than waiting for diseases to manifest, functional medicine focuses on proactive strategies to keep you healthy. By identifying potential risk factors and imbalances early on, functional medicine helps you take charge of your well-being. It empowers you to make lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a nourishing diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and improving sleep. These small changes can have a big impact on your overall health and vitality.
Treating the causes, not just the symptoms.
Functional medicine emphasizes treating the underlying causes of illness. Instead of simply suppressing symptoms, functional medicine aims to uncover the deeper imbalances that contribute to your health issues. By looking at factors such as nutrition, gut health, hormonal imbalances, environmental toxins, and genetic predispositions, functional medicine addresses the root causes directly. This holistic approach not only alleviates symptoms but also supports long-lasting healing and improved quality of life.
Bringing different approaches together.
Functional medicine also values the integration of different healthcare disciplines. We recognize that no single approach has all the answers. It’s common for functional medicine doctors to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including conventional doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists, and mental health experts. By combining the best of both conventional and alternative therapies, functional medicine provides a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to your health.
An approach for everyone.
Whether you’re struggling with chronic health issues, seeking to enhance your overall vitality, or simply looking for a more holistic approach to healthcare, functional medicine may be the answer you’ve been searching for. Remember, your health is your greatest asset, and functional medicine is here to help you unlock your full potential!
Want to experience Functional Medicine for yourself?
Let’s get to work solving your health issues. I’m currently accepting new Health Works patients.
Functional Medicine FAQ
Have a question about Functional Medicine? Here are some of the most common questions my patients and readers ask.
Conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms and treating diseases using standardized protocols. Functional medicine, on the other hand, seeks to understand the underlying imbalances in the body and uses personalized strategies to promote overall wellness.
While Functional Medicine shares some similarities with alternative medicine, they are not the same. Alternative medicine typically refers to non-conventional approaches that are used in place of conventional medical treatments. Functional medicine, on the other hand, integrates the best of both conventional and alternative therapies. It combines the scientific understanding of conventional medicine with a holistic and personalized approach to address the root causes of health issues. Functional Medicine embraces evidence-based practices and seeks to provide comprehensive care that is tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
During a Functional Medicine consultation, the doctor will take the time to listen to your health history, symptoms, and concerns. They will ask detailed questions to understand your unique circumstances. You may also undergo specialized tests to gain a deeper understanding of your health.
Functional Medicine helps to fix what traditional medicine doesn’t know how to solve, including “mystery illness” that eludes diagnosis. Functional Medicine can address a wide range of health conditions, including digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, chronic fatigue, and mood disorders. It focuses on restoring balance and optimizing health across various body systems.
The timeline for results varies depending on the individual and their specific health concerns. Functional Medicine takes a comprehensive approach, addressing underlying causes, and promoting long-term healing. Some people may see noticeable improvements within a few weeks, while others may require more time for significant changes to occur.
Functional Medicine doctors aim to reduce or eliminate the need for medications whenever possible. By addressing the root causes of health issues, optimizing lifestyle factors, and making dietary changes, it’s often possible to reduce medication dependency. However, it’s important to work closely with your Functional Medicine doctor and any other healthcare providers to safely manage your medications.
Insurance coverage for Functional Medicine varies depending on the provider and your specific policy. While some aspects of Functional Medicine, such as lab tests, may be covered, other services may not be. It’s best to contact your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for Functional Medicine services.
Absolutely! Functional Medicine embraces an integrative approach to healthcare. It can work in conjunction with conventional medical treatments to provide a comprehensive and complementary approach. Functional Medicine doctors often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
To find a qualified Functional Medicine practitioner, you can start by visiting ifm.org to find a practitioner near you. It’s very important to look for professionals who are certified in Functional Medicine and have experience treating patients with similar conditions. Unfortunately, many people use the term Functional Medicine when they don’t have the formal training or qualifications to be certified in the field. Trusting a practitioner without certification would be similar to seeing a first-year medical student when you need a board-certified doctor. It’s important to find a practitioner who is not only certified, but with whom you feel comfortable and confident in their expertise.
While Functional Medicine excels in addressing chronic health conditions, it can also be beneficial for preventive care and optimizing overall wellness. Functional Medicine empowers individuals to take a proactive approach to their health and make lifestyle modifications that support long-term well-being.
Functional Medicine appointments are typically longer than conventional doctor visits. Initial consultations can range from 60 to 90 minutes, allowing the doctor to gather detailed information about your health. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
Yes, Functional Medicine can be safe and effective for individuals of all ages! Functional Medicine practitioners consider the specific needs and health concerns of children and the elderly. We tailor treatments and interventions accordingly to ensure safety and optimal results.
Yes, Functional Medicine can be instrumental in addressing weight management concerns. By identifying underlying factors that contribute to weight issues, such as hormone imbalances, gut health, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies, Functional Medicine can develop personalized plans to support healthy weight management and overall metabolic health.
Absolutely. Functional Medicine recognizes the intricate connection between the body and mind. By exploring factors like nutrient deficiencies, gut health, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, Functional Medicine can address underlying imbalances that may contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.