Functional medicine and Wellness Care

Practitioners of functional medicine think outside the box, considering the intricate nature of interactions within a patient’s physiology, history, and lifestyle, which may cause illness or disease. Each person’s unique genetic composition is carefully considered, along with internal (spirit, body, and mind) and external (social and physical) factors that affect their total function.

In functional medicine, doctors integrate traditional medicinal practices with what are sometimes considered integrative or alternative medicine. Here, the doctor and patient focus on prevention via exercise, diet, and nutrition, as well as the use of lab testing and additional diagnostic methods. Finally, the doctor may use a mix of botanical and pharmaceutical medicines, supplements, diet therapy, detox programs, and stress management methods.

As stated previously, functional medicine’s focus is on the patient, and doctors promote health as something to strive for beyond merely being free of disease. By listening to patients and learning their stories, doctors can bring the patient further into the process and customize treatments to address each person’s individual needs.