Functional medicine is a drug-free approach to healthcare that focuses on understanding and addressing the root causes of disease and dysfunction in the body. Rather than just treating symptoms, functional medicine seeks to identify and address the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions that contribute to health issues. This approach aims to promote optimal wellness by considering the individual as a whole – including their genetics, environment, lifestyle, and unique health history.
Key principles of functional medicine include:
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Personalized Care: Functional medicine recognizes that each individual is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. It takes into account a person’s genetic makeup, history, and current health status to develop personalized treatment plans.
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Whole Person Perspective: Instead of focusing solely on isolated symptoms or specific organ systems, functional medicine views the body as an interconnected network of systems. It aims to address imbalances and dysfunctions across these systems to achieve overall wellness.
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Addressing Root Causes: Functional medicine aims to identify and address the underlying factors that contribute to health problems, such as poor diet, stress, environmental toxins, genetic predispositions, and more. By treating the root causes, the goal is to bring the body back into balance and prevent future health issues.
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Patient-Centered Approach: Patients are active participants in their healthcare journey. Functional medicine practitioners work closely with patients to educate and empower them to make informed decisions about their health. The practitioner-patient relationship is collaborative and involves shared decision-making.