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Understanding Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine

Many people believe functional medicine is the future. It addresses and identifies the root cause of diseases and looks at the body as an integrated system as opposed to independent organs classified by numerous medical specialties. The entire body is treated, instead of only the symptoms. The approach is system oriented and engages both the practitioner and the patient. Functional medicine is revolutionizing the field to encompass the requirements of the 21st century.

When the traditional approach to diseases is shifted to focus on the patient, the entire person is addressed. This is more important than just addressing isolated symptoms. The practitioners listen to their patients, spend time with them, learn their histories and look at lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors. This often positively influences complex, chronic diseases and the long term health of the patient. This supports the unique vitality and health of every patient.

More and more people are suffering from chronic, complex diseases including heart disease, mental illness, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and cancer. Most doctors are focusing on treating illness and trauma for the short term. The patients still require urgent care for a broken arm or appendicitis. Physicians prescribe treatments like surgery or drugs to treat only the immediate symptom or issue. This approach does not have the right tools and methodology for the treatment and prevention of complex diseases.

The result is the unique genetics of each person including toxins in the environment and the modern lifestyle is not considered. This influences the increases of chronic diseases in society. The gap between the way physicians practice and research has become too large. The gap between new basic science research and integrating this knowledge into medical practices is enormous. This is especially true for chronic and complex illnesses. The majority of doctors do not have the proper training to address the root causes of chronic diseases. Strategies including exercise, diet and nutrition must be applied to the prevention and treatment of illness in patients.

The Importance of Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is about understanding the treatment, prevention and origin of chronic, complex diseases. This type of medicine is about centering the care on the patient and promoting both vitality and health. When the practitioner talks to their patient, they learn their history and their story. The patient is included in the discovery process so the treatment encompasses the unique needs of the person. This approach is integrative and based on science.

The practitioners consider the history, lifestyle and physiology of the patient that led to the illness. Every person has a unique genetic history that must be considered. The internal and external factors are just as important for the integration of the best possible medical practices. Functional medicine integrates alternative medicine with traditional Western medicine. This places the focus on exercise, diet, nutrition, diagnostic techniques, laboratory testing, combinations of botanical medicines and drugs, therapeutic diets, supplements, techniques for stress management and detoxification programs.

Contact Us Today for More Information

If you are interested in functional medicine, please make an appointment with aNu Aesthetics™ & Optimal Wellness! At our convenient location in Kansas City, MO, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be happy to explain this process in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

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