In a world inundated with medical jargon and various medical approaches, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of options when seeking optimal health. Two terms that have gained prominence and in recent years, have become more widely accepted are "functional medicine" and "integrative medicine." But what do these terms really mean, and perhaps more importantly, what do they not mean? 

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Let me help to demystify and dispel common concerns and misconceptions of what functional and integrative medicine really is. Then you can decide whether it is a good fit for you! I have a strong feeling that it will be - because I believe everyone can benefit from this amazing approach to achieve optimal health and healing. 

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If you have already drank the kool aid and are seeing a functional/integrative healthcare provider - this article is still for you! Feel free to share it with any of your loved ones, especially those who are skeptical of the holistic work you’ve been doing. People often fear what they do not understand - so let’s dive in and put those myths and misconceptions to bed! 

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that focuses on addressing the root causes of disease, rather than merely treating symptoms. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of body systems and the influence of lifestyle factors, genetics, and the environment on our health. 

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Functional Medicine is: 

1. A Holistic Approach: Functional medicine views the body as an integrated whole, considering the complex interactions between genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors - stress, sleep, movement, nutrition, and relationships.
2. Personalized Care: It emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique biochemical makeup and personal health history. We are all unique individuals on a cellular level, so it makes sense that we would respond best to an individualized approach right?
3. Root Cause Focused: Instead of just alleviating symptoms, functional medicine seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of illness, which may include nutritional deficiencies, alterations in the gut microbiome, hormonal imbalances, mitochondrial dysfunction, environmental toxins and so much more. 
4. Patient Empowerment: Patients are empowered to take an active role in their health journey through education, lifestyle modifications, and true preventive health strategies. What you say shapes your functional journey, afterall, you know your mind/body better than anyone else.
5. Collaborative: Functional medicine practitioners often work in interdisciplinary teams, including nutritionists, naturopaths, and other healthcare professionals, to provide comprehensive care. It is also collaborative in the sense of the partnership and relationship that is created between provider and patient. This collaborative partnership and trust is crucial to achieve optimal health and healing.  

Functional Medicine is not: 

1. A Replacement for Conventional Medicine: Functional medicine complements conventional medicine but is not a substitute for it in most cases. Instead functional medicine integrates evidence-based practices from both conventional and alternative medicine together to treat each individual person.
2. One-Size-Fits-All: While functional medicine principles are universal, treatment approaches and recommendations are highly individualized, and what works for one person may not work for another.
3. Quick Fix: Achieving optimal health through functional medicine requires commitment and patience. It's not about quick fixes or temporary symptom relief but rather sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term wellness.

What is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative medicine combines conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health and illness. 

Integrative medicine is: 

1. An inclusive Approach: Integrative medicine incorporates a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, mind-body practices, and herbal supplements, alongside conventional medical treatments.
2. Focused on Wellness: It emphasizes promoting overall wellness and disease prevention, not just managing symptoms or treating illnesses.
3. Patient-Centered Care: Like functional medicine, integrative medicine prioritizes the patient's active involvement in their healthcare decisions and emphasizes the importance of the provider-patient relationship.
4. Evidence-Based: While open to exploring alternative therapies, integrative medicine is grounded in scientific evidence and advocates for the safe and effective use of complementary treatments.

Integrative Medicine is not: 

1. Alternative Medicine Alone: Integrative medicine does not reject conventional medicine but rather integrates it with complementary approaches to provide comprehensive care.
2. Dismissive of Conventional Treatments: Integrative medicine practitioners value the benefits of conventional treatments and may recommend them in conjunction with complementary therapies for optimal outcomes.
3. One-Size-Fits-All: Similar to functional medicine, integrative medicine recognizes the individuality of each patient and tailors treatment plans accordingly.

Functional and integrative medicine offer refreshing perspectives on healthcare, emphasizing personalized, holistic approaches that empower patients to take control of their well-being. While they differ in their specific methodologies, both share the fundamental goal of promoting health, preventing disease, and addressing the root causes of illness. 

A personal note: 

Like many functional medicine providers, I found myself interested in this field after battling with many of my own health challenges. I was frustrated by the conventional healthcare model, being passed around from specialist to specialist, and being prescribed various medications without answers or lasting relief of my symptoms. I wanted for someone to look at me fully, listen to me, and see my body as an integrated whole, and not as a machine with separate parts that needed to be treated independently of each other.

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When I tell my patients that I really understand - I really do! It feels so fulfilling to pass on my knowledge of integrative/functional medicine and help my patients to create health and achieve wellness.  

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If this resonates with you and you are ready for change, I encourage you to begin working with a functional/integrative provider. By understanding what functional and integrative medicine truly entails—and what they do not—you can make a more informed choice about your healthcare journey. If you are looking for greater vitality, balance, and resilience (and who isn’t?), then this journey is worth taking!