10 Reasons you may need a functional approach to medicine and self-care.

Allopathic medicine, also known as conventional or Western medicine predominantly focuses on treating symptoms and diseases mainly by employing, prescription medications, surgery, and other interventions.  Functional medicine on the other hand takes a holistic, patient centered approach, and seeks to identify and address the root causes of illness through personalized treatment plans integrating alternative therapies, nutrition, lifestyle modifications and behavioral medicine.  If you have been sick for a significant period with a chronic disease or condition read on to see if a functional approach may be something you should consider to finally return to health.

1. Individualized Approach: Functional medicine takes a personalized approach to patient care, focusing on the individual’s unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This contrasts with allopathic medicine, which often employs a more generalized treatment approach that may not fully address the specific needs of each patient.

2. Root Cause Focus: Functional medicine seeks to address the root causes of illness, rather than just managing symptoms. By identifying and treating the underlying factors contributing to disease, functional medicine aims to promote long-term health and wellness. In contrast, allopathic medicine frequently focuses on symptomatic relief through medications or surgical interventions.

3. Emphasis on Preventive Care: Functional medicine places a strong emphasis on preventive care and lifestyle modifications to optimize health and prevent disease. By addressing risk factors and promoting healthy habits, functional medicine aims to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic conditions. Allopathic medicine often focuses more on treating existing conditions rather than preventing them.

4. Integration of Complementary Therapies: Functional medicine integrates a variety of complementary therapies, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mind-body medicine, to support the body’s natural healing processes. Allopathic medicine, while recognizing the benefits of some complementary therapies, may not always prioritize their integration into treatment plans.

5. Longer Consultations: Functional medicine practitioners typically spend more time with patients during consultations, allowing for more in-depth discussions about health concerns, lifestyle factors, and treatment options. This personalized attention can lead to a deeper understanding of the patient’s health needs and goals, in contrast to the time constraints often imposed on allopathic physicians.

6. Holistic Health Approach: Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to health, recognizing the interconnectedness of body systems and the influence of environmental and lifestyle factors on overall well-being. This comprehensive perspective contrasts with the more compartmentalized approach often seen in allopathic medicine, which may focus on treating specific symptoms or conditions in isolation.

7. Patient Empowerment: Functional medicine empowers patients to take an active role in their own health by providing education, support, and resources to make informed decisions about their well-being. This collaborative approach contrasts with the more traditional, paternalistic model of care often associated with allopathic medicine.

8. Focus on Chronic Disease Management: Functional medicine is well-suited for managing chronic diseases, as it seeks to address the underlying imbalances that contribute to these conditions. By identifying and correcting these imbalances, functional medicine aims to slow disease progression and improve quality of life, complementing the acute care focus of allopathic medicine.

9. Integration of Advanced Testing: Functional medicine often utilizes advanced laboratory testing, including assessments of genetic, hormonal, and nutritional factors, to gain a deeper understanding of each patient’s health status. These insights can inform personalized treatment plans and help identify underlying imbalances that may not be readily apparent through standard allopathic diagnostic methods.

10. Focus on Well-being and Vitality: Functional medicine aims to optimize overall well-being and vitality, moving beyond the absence of disease to promote optimal health and resilience. This wellness-oriented approach contrasts with the disease-centered focus of allopathic medicine, which primarily addresses illness and pathology.

In summation, working with a functional medicine practice such as Utah Holistic Health can offer a comprehensive, personalized approach to health and wellness that may align more closely with individual needs and help achieve long lasting health and wellbeing!  Give us a call to learn more.