When it comes to healthcare, many people are quick to turn to Western medicine for treatment and remedies. However, this style of medicine does not always address the root cause of an individual's health concerns, often focusing only on the physical symptoms. That is where functional medicine comes in. Functional medicine is a style of medicine that treats the body as a whole, rather than just focusing on the main symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss how functional medicine differs from Western medicine by looking at the root cause of a patient's symptoms.
Functional medicine practitioners take an individualized approach when it comes to healthcare. They focus on the root cause of an individual's symptoms, which can often be traced back to lifestyle factors such as diet, stress and environmental toxins. By addressing these underlying factors, functional medicine practitioners can help to reduce or even eliminate the symptoms altogether.
Western medicine, on the other hand, tends to focus on prescribing medication to alleviate the symptoms. While this can be effective in some cases, it does not necessarily address the root issue. In many cases, the medication will only mask the symptoms and won't solve the underlying problem as functional medicine seeks to do.
Another area in which functional medicine differs from Western medicine is testing. Functional medicine practitioners will often use more comprehensive testing methods than those used in Western medicine. This enables them to gain a deeper understanding of a patient's overall health, and pinpoint any imbalances or deficiencies that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
Functional medicine also emphasizes the role of lifestyle factors in maintaining or improving health. They will often work with patients to develop a personalized plan including dietary changes, stress relieving techniques and exercise regimes, which can not only reduce physical symptoms but also improve the patient's overall well-being.
Lastly, functional medicine practitioners focus not only on the individual's health but also on their genetics and family history. This comprehensive approach takes into account the patient's entire health history, as well as their current symptoms. Through this approach, functional medicine practitioners can identify genetic predispositions and develop preventative strategies to mitigate the effects of those risks.
In conclusion, while Western medicine and functional medicine may both have their benefits, functional medicine's focus on addressing the root cause of symptoms is a critical distinction. By taking a comprehensive approach to health issues, functional medicine practitioners are able to help patients improve their overall health and well-being and achieve lasting health and wellness. Functional medicine is a game-changer when it comes to managing chronic diseases and illnesses, and those who embrace this approach to healthcare have reported tremendous success in improving their health.