What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine and allopathic (or Western) medicine have distinct philosophies and methodologies that may lead to different approaches to the same condition. Both have their place in the medical world, and are most effective in collaboration with each other.
Guiding Philosophies
Functional Medicine: Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness rather than minimizing symptoms. It emphasizes a holistic view of the body, considering the interconnectedness of various body systems and the individual's unique biochemistry.
Allopathic Medicine: Allopathic medicine is based on the concept of diagnosing diseases and targeting the specific symptoms of that disease through medical interventions.
Treatment Goals
Functional Medicine: Treatment in functional medicine focuses on individualized and personalized care. It often involves lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, nutritional supplements, stress management, and other holistic approaches to address the underlying imbalances and promote overall health.
Allopathic Medicine: Treatment in allopathic medicine often aims to alleviate symptoms and clinically manage diseases using evidence-based medical interventions.This may include pharmaceutical drugs, surgeries, and medical procedures.
Client Approach
Functional Medicine: Functional medicine prides itself on a client-centered approach, and partnership between client and practitioner. It emphasizes understanding of the client’s unique history, experiences, and lifestyle. Practitioners often spend more time with clients to gain a comprehensive understanding of their health challenges and goals.
Allopathic Medicine: Allopathic medicine focuses more on the specific disease or condition at hand, hence why practitioners are categorized by specialities. Due to the specialization, visits tend to be shorter and more direct in nature.
Chronic Conditions
Functional Medicine: Functional medicine is particularly suited for chronic health issues that involve more than one body system, or are too mild to classify for any diagnosis. The holistic approach aims to find interconnection between symptoms, and optimize health despite a diagnosis.
Allopathic Medicine: Allopathic medicine is extremely well-equipped for acute care, emergencies, and diagnostics. This care can save a life in a critical situation or an advanced disease state.
How do the functional and allopathic approaches integrate?
Functional medicine will always need allopathic medicine for it’s advancements in diagnostics, disease monitoring, and treatment of advanced disease. The best client outcomes occur when these two approaches work together, honoring each of their strengths, and communicating openly.
