Fortunately, Functional Medicine demonstrates its effectiveness when it comes to reversing chronic diseases and conditions. By focusing on finding the root cause of health issues that may have impacted your health “upstream”, Functional Medicine doctors are able to improve the quality of life of any person at any age. A typical visit generally involves a detailed review of your medical history, sleeping and eating habits, physical activity level, and past important occurrences that have affected you and your health. Frequently, additional testing might be required, but the specialist will discuss with you the right approach.
The doctor finds out the primary information about the patient during the 1-2 hour session: discusses your health concerns and considers physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual factors. The emphasis is on developing a trusting relationship, creating a team environment, and in each case human well-being is the top priority.
Functional Medicine focuses on 7 different nodes of imbalance or dysfunction that eventually cause symptoms of disease. These nodes are assimilation, defense, and repair; energy, biotransformation, and elimination; communication, transport, and structural integrity. Addressing these imbalances and dysfunctions prevents disease or helps reduce its progression. As an example, maintaining a healthy gut is vital, as it affects almost all 7 nodes of dysfunction.
Recommendations, which may be offered by the doctor of Functional Medicine, will include changes in your sleeping and dietary habits, physical activity adjustment that is safe and beneficial for you, as well as stress management, the use of supplements, vitamins, herbs, and prescription medications, if necessary. All of these recommendations are discussed with you as a patient and a member of our health team.
