“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” ~ Thomas A. Edison
Functional or integrative medicine is a branch of medical care that distinguishes itself from the traditional model of care in many distinct ways. However, it does not mean a desire to understand, practice, or seek out a functional medicine approach negates or is entirely at odds with a more Western or traditional approach.
This article will help you understand the differences between the two modalities and offer how both models can be utilized for optimal health.
Five Features of Preventative Medicine
1. Functional medicine views people as wholly unique and treats each patient apart from all others.
While presenting issues may overlap with many people, functional medicine considers both the problem and the complexity of each individual.
Traditional medicine often seeks to identify and fix only a particular issue.
2. Functional medicine considers all available treatments while focusing on root causes.
The presenting problem is often only a part of a client’s issue.
Traditional medicine typically focuses on only that one issue, which can leave clients dissatisfied with treatment since there are likely issues stemming from the presenting problem being ignored.
3. Functional medicine is informed by a belief that the human body is interconnected.
Issues with the brain, cognitive or functional, can often stem from a disruption in the gut biome.
By investigating the whole of the person, functional medicine can identify potential causes instead of solely focusing on the presenting problem and simply trying repeatedly to fix one specific issue.
4. Functional medicine is focused on supplementation over medication, if possible.
Medications are worthwhile and have their place in treatment planning. However, a functional medicine approach aims to use natural elements that are likely deficient in the body.
Restoring these deficiencies can take more time, but they also offer a longer-lasting treatment without the negative aspects of many medications.
5. Functional medicine is evidence-based, relies on proven research, and considers many modalities for each client.
Traditional medicine identifies one issue and tries to correct it.
Traditional medicine is often influenced by the latest medication or breakthrough treatment, leaving patients feeling like part of an experiment.
The functional medicine treatment plan usually involves more testing and labs to help create a complete picture of the client’s health.
The Bottom Line Between Traditional Medicine & Functional Medicine
While conventional (allopathic) medicine diagnoses and treats what’s above the surface — symptoms and disease — functional medicine also attends to what’s below the surface, at the root of the illness — environmental and lifestyle factors, including sleep and relaxation, physical activity (exercise), nutrition, stress, relationships, clean air and water, and so forth.
The most important consideration when seeking treatment is finding a medical team with your best interests in mind.
We are complex ecosystems and deserve to be treated with care and compassion.
For further reading, view the following articles on our learning center:
- A Review of the Tiger Medical Institute Personalized Medical System – Pros and Cons
- What Does a Personalized Medical Program Cost?
- Best Providers of Health Optimization Programs
You have what it takes inside you to make a definite choice that will change the future trajectory of your health.
Our team at Tiger Medical has the experience, clinical skills, and coaching acumen to help you get your health and energy back.
To talk to one of our professionals, click here to schedule your call!
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