What is Functional Medicine?
Dr. Sidney Baker, a pioneer in functional medicine, describes the difference between conventional medicine and functional medicine as a different way of thinking. It is the realization that making a diagnosis of a specific disease, based on the common conditions signaling such, is not the "end of the diagnostic road, but the first step," to be followed by a thorough consideration of the individual needs which are not limited to "curing the disease" but to healing the person as an optimal objective.The fundamental principles of proactive Functional Medicine is treating the causes of disease rather than treating the symptoms with medications. It is "Patient-Centered" rather than Disease-Centered, acknowledges the dynamic balance of environmental influences as well as internal and external stressors on an individual's health.
Proactive functional medicine examines the core imbalances that result in disease, such as hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances (Depression/Mood disorders) as well as immune system and inflammatory imbalances, which often signal the beginning of disease in the body. Much more than treating the symptoms, functional medicine involves intervening at multiple levels to address these core clinical imbalances, to restore health, vitality, and thus, functionality. This approach is grounded in science, with information widely available in medicine today, and is the latest evolution in health care. Historically, as medicine grew, with expanded awareness of diseases on various organs in the body, the division of medicine into anatomical specialties began (cardiologists, neurologists, orthopedists,etc...) Further expansion of knowledge led to the recognition that diseases often were not limited to one organ and thus, DISEASE specialitists originated ( with Rheumatology, Diabetes, Oncology) Beyond these divisions, grew another set of specialists, dedicated to certain DEMOGRAPHIC groups (Pediatricians, Geriatricians, Family Medicine).
Functional Medicine uses the core of knowledge, and interconnectedness of Body Systems as a fulcrum for safe and more effective customized patient interventions.
Health challenges are inevitable; however, we believe that people should have the option to choose optimal wellness and vitality, with increased resistance to disease and improved overall quality of life.
This patient-centered approach to health care enlists the patient as an active partner, who chooses to use the tools suggested and provided, to take control of their own health ... becoming the "stewards of their own ships.." The guidance and Health Coaching provided by physicians using this approach are powerful tools that can be used to achieve maximum or TOTAL Wellness.