Dictionary Definition:
Functional medicine is a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual’s illness.
~ The Institute for Functional Medicine
Elizabeth's take on this term...
In Functional Medicine, doctors look to the root causes of disease and work to heal the body by supporting weakened biological systems. Functional Medicine practitioners frequently order specialized laboratory testing to identify deficiencies and dysfunction, and then prescribe specific supplementation or actions to reverse the problem. They often subscribe to a “test, don’t guess” mentality and tailor therapies to the individual patient.
There are 4 pillars of functional medicine:
- Nutrition
- Stress Management
- Exercise
- Sleep
In my practice as a traditional naturopath, I employ many of the precepts of functional medicine, including specialized testing to show me exactly what is going on in the body of someone who is suffering.
