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.