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What Is Functional Medicine

What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a client-centered approach to healthcare. It addresses the root causes of disease and promotes optimal wellness by focusing on the unique biological systems of each client. Through a detailed understanding of each client’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors, functional medicine practitioners develop personalized treatment plans.

A Holistic Approach

the 7 pillars of health

We take a comprehensive approach to treating mental health symptoms, addressing seven key pillars, to support individuals in their journey towards emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

This refers to the health of the body’s physical framework, including bones, muscles, and connective tissues, crucial for overall function and preventing injury. Functional medicine approaches aim to maintain and enhance this integrity through nutritional, lifestyle, and therapeutic measures.

This encompasses the body’s ability to protect against and heal from damage, involving immune response and tissue repair mechanisms. Functional medicine supports these processes by optimizing nutrition, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the body’s natural healing capabilities.

Assimilation involves the digestion, absorption, and incorporation of nutrients, critical for maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract and overall well-being. In functional medicine, strategies to improve assimilation focus on diet, gut health, and addressing digestive inefficiencies.

This term refers to the body’s detoxification processes, essential for eliminating toxins and waste. Functional medicine enhances biotransformation through dietary and lifestyle interventions that support the liver and other detoxifying organs.

Communication covers the signaling mechanisms like hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate bodily functions. Functional medicine seeks to enhance these communication pathways by addressing hormonal imbalances, supporting neurotransmitter function, and nurturing a healthy gut microbiome for optimal body regulation.

Energy in functional medicine relates to cellular energy production, primarily in the mitochondria, vital for health and vitality. Strategies include addressing nutrient deficiencies, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting mitochondrial function to optimize energy levels.

This involves the movement of nutrients and waste products throughout the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic system, essential for delivering nutrients and removing wastes. Functional medicine promotes efficient transportation through cardiovascular health, regular physical activity, and supporting lymphatic drainage.

7 Pillars

Systems Approach

Functional medicine is a systems-based approach that aims to identify and eliminate the root cause of chronic health issues using a personalized, multidimensional model. It evaluates all of the body’s systems to create a comprehensive assessment and identify imbalances. From there, functional medicine seeks to restore internal balance, helping individuals to achieve optimal health.

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In Case You're wondering...

More About Functional Medicine

While conventional medicine often focuses on treating symptoms, functional medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes of health issues. It emphasizes a holistic, personalized approach, taking into account the client’s lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors to tailor treatments.

Functional medicine can address a wide range of health issues, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders, as well as conditions like digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and mental health issues.

The time frame varies depending on the individual and their specific health issues. Some clients may see improvements within a few weeks, while others may need several months. It’s a personalized journey towards optimal health, focusing on long-term wellness rather than quick fixes.

Functional medicine utilizes a range of diagnostic tests, including advanced blood tests, genetic testing, stool analysis, hormone testing, and more. These tests help uncover the root causes of health issues and guide personalized treatment plans.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive approach to healthcare that focuses on personalized treatments and addressing root causes, functional medicine may be a good fit. It’s particularly beneficial for those dealing with chronic health issues that haven’t been resolved through conventional means.

Absolutely. Functional medicine can complement conventional treatments by focusing on the underlying health issues and supporting the body’s natural healing capabilities. It’s important to coordinate care between all healthcare providers.

Yes, functional medicine addresses mental health by considering the intricate connections between the brain, gut, hormones, and environment. Personalized treatments may include nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and other therapies to support mental well-being.

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