LIVING NATURAL HEALTH

Functional Medicine Basics

If you’ve been looking for an integrative form of healthcare, functional wellness treatment could be what you’re seeking. Functional treatments focus on addressing the underlying cause of an individual’s health conditions, not just the symptoms. Many factors contribute to health. Functional approaches aim to take all of these into account. 

Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors all contribute to an individual’s overall state of well-being. Once an in-depth discussion and evaluation are performed, function medicine practitioners create an individualized plan that targets each person’s specific needs. Functional medicine is a holistic, science-based, research-backed approach to healthcare. It is a patient-centered platform that differs from conventional methods of medical care.

Functional wellness perspectives

Natural solutions are available for a variety of health conditions. Practitioners are trained in functional wellness, traditional Chinese medicine, and chiropractic manipulation. They search for the root cause of a disorder and are mindful of the ways that genetics, environment, lifestyle, and emotions intertwine to play into the body’s wellness. Functional wellness doctors focus on the individual instead of the disease. They give careful consideration to a patient’s spiritual and emotional life, as they understand that physical health depends on spiritual and emotional connection. Furthermore, providers help their patients understand that what they eat every day can make either make them sick or healthy. They also recognize the importance of exercise and the therapeutic value of sleep. If all your standard medical tests are at normal levels, they won’t tell you you’re crazy or “it’s all in your head.” They won’t think you’re crazy if you are tired, anxious, or depressed because they understand those psychological issues are part of many disease processes. They embrace the concept of healing without relying on drugs and surgery, yet they can use these healing tools if no other options are ideal.

Functional wellness practices

Both traditional Western medical practices and alternative treatments are available at a functional wellness center. Patients may experience one or a combination of the following:

  • Functional analysis of blood work
  • Saliva testing
  • Stool analysis
  • Genetic testing
  • Chiropractic care
  • Exercise recommendations
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Nutritional, herbal, and dietary supplementation
  • Detoxification protocols
  • Stress-management techniques 
  • Electronic stimulation therapy
  • Electro-shock-wave therapy
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Hormone balancing
  • Health and wellness education 
  • Homeopathy
  • Infrared sauna therapy
  • Low-level laser therapy

Functional medicine practitioners seek to find the underlying cause of a condition instead of just treating symptoms. They review the many factors that contribute to a person’s health. Additionally, functional wellness providers frequently educate patients on specific health topics when patients understand how their bodies work and what is happening inside them, they are better able to take charge of their health. 

Group or individual health education classes are a helpful way to educate patients. Topics include detoxification, nutrition, detox, natural pain relief, and self-care. Patients may be encouraged to engage in meditation, yoga, tai chi, qi going, or another form of mindful movement and exercise. Education and hands-on experiences are excellent ways for patients to become active participants in their own healthcare and gain independence.

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