Functional medicine is an evolution
in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered
focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an
isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and
looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex,
chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
Why Do We Need Functional Medicine?
Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex,
chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental
illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is
oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration
and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as
drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.
Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks
the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease.
In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures
to toxins and the aspects
of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society.
There’s a huge gap between research and the
way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in basic
sciences and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years—particularly in the area
of complex, chronic illness.
Most physicians are not adequately trained
to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise
to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.
How Is Functional Medicine Different?
Functional medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of
complex, chronic disease. Hallmarks
of a functional medicine approach include:
Patient-centered care. The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, promoting
health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story,
the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.
An integrative, science-based healthcare
approach. Functional medicine practitioners
look “upstream” to consider the complex
web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal
(mind, body and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
Integrating
best medical practices. Functional medicine
integrates traditional Western medical practices with
what are sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory
testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic
diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.
A Comprehensive Approach To Treatment...
Most imbalances in functionality can be addressed; some can be completely restored to optimum
function, and others can be substantially improved.
Prevention
is paramount. Virtually every complex,
chronic disease is preceded by long-term disturbances in functionality.
Changing how the systems function can have a major impact on the patient’s
health. The functional medicine practitioner
examines a wide array of available interventions and customizes a treatment plan including those with the most impact on underlying functionality.
Functional medicine expands the clinician’s tool kit. Treatments may include combinations of drugs, botanical medicines, nutritional
supplements, therapeutic diets, or detoxification programs. They may also include counseling on lifestyle, exercise,
or stress-management techniques.
The
patient becomes a partner. As a patient,
you become an active partner with your functional medicine practitioner. This allows you to really be in charge of improving
your own health and changing the outcome of disease.
What Is In It For Me, The Patient?
Call Us Today and Mention You Saw Our Website. 1-800-991-6783
We are conveniently located off the Loop 101 in Chandler, Scottsdale and
Peoria. For directions, please use the map locator on the directions page.
