What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a personalized, systems-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It considers the whole person, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Core Principles
- Patient-centered care
- Systems biology approach
- Root cause focus
- Personalized treatment
- Evidence-based practice
- Lifestyle medicine integration
How Functional Medicine Differs
Traditional Medicine
- Focuses on symptoms
- Disease-specific treatment
- Standardized approaches
Functional Medicine
- Addresses root causes
- Whole-person approach
- Personalized treatment
Comprehensive Assessment
1. Detailed History
- Comprehensive health timeline
- Lifestyle factors
- Environmental exposures
- Stress factors
2. Advanced Testing
- Comprehensive lab panels
- Genetic testing
- Hormone assessments
- Nutritional analysis
- Gut health evaluation
3. Systems Analysis
- Digestive system
- Immune system
- Endocrine system
- Detoxification systems
- Mitochondrial function
Personalized Treatment Plans
Based on comprehensive assessment:
- Nutritional interventions
- Supplementation
- Lifestyle modifications
- Stress management
- Detoxification support
- Hormone optimization
Common Conditions Addressed
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
- Hormonal imbalances
- Metabolic disorders
- Mental health conditions
Benefits
- Root cause resolution
- Personalized care
- Preventive focus
- Optimal health outcomes
- Reduced medication dependence
Conclusion
Functional medicine offers a comprehensive, personalized approach to health optimization by addressing root causes and considering the whole person. This systems-based approach can lead to better outcomes and optimal health.
Next Steps
Ready to explore functional medicine? Our concierge medicine programs include functional medicine approaches for comprehensive health optimization.
