Functional medicine
Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine (pronunciation: /ˈfʌŋkʃənəl ˈmɛdɪsɪn/) is a form of alternative medicine 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.
Etymology
The term "Functional Medicine" was first used in the late 20th century, with the term "functional" referring to the optimal functioning of the body and its organs, and "medicine" referring to the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease.
Principles
Functional Medicine is based on the following key principles:
- Biochemical individuality: This principle suggests that each person has a unique biochemical makeup, which is influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment.
- Patient-centered care: Functional Medicine practitioners focus on the patient as a whole, rather than just treating specific symptoms or diseases.
- Dynamic balance: This principle refers to the balance of internal and external factors that affect a person's health.
- Web-like interconnections: This principle suggests that all systems in the body are interconnected, and that changes in one system can affect others.
- Health as a positive vitality: This principle suggests that health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of optimal vitality.
Related Terms
- Integrative Medicine: A holistic approach to healthcare that combines conventional and alternative treatments.
- Naturopathy: A system of treatment that relies on natural remedies, such as herbs and diet, and the body's ability to heal itself.
- Holistic Medicine: A form of healing that considers the whole person -- body, mind, spirit, and emotions -- in the quest for optimal health and wellness.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Functional medicine
- Wikipedia's article - Functional medicine
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