Functional Medicine is a science-based healthcare approach that assesses and treats underlying causes of illness through individually tailored therapies to restore health and improve function. This discipline focuses on using a holistic approach to analyze and treat interdependent systems of the body and to create a dynamic balance integral for good health.
Functional Medicine has been defined as "the field of healthcare which employs assessment and early intervention into the improvement of physiological cognitive/emotional and physical functioning". (J. Bland PhD 1996).
Functional Medicine is based on the Following Principles:
- Biochemical individuality---determined by your genes rather than data compiled from a bell shaped curve that determines "normals" in medicine.
- The definition of health is positive vitality--Health is not the absence of disease. It is bliss and well being in mind and body and it extends to every aspect of life.
- Functional Health is complex. It is determined by a balance within a system of emotional cognitive and physical processes rather than in one organ system.
- A dynamic interaction between genes and environment (homeodynamics) establish a balanced body system.
- Functional Medicine Is Health Promotion and Disease Management Based On the Client's Uniqueness & Evidence Based Medicine.
A client's disease arises out of the sum of life experiences as they interact with his/her genetic unique predispositions. Therefore treatment must be personalized using diet, lifestyle, and environment as principal tools in both prevention and treatment of specific chronic diseases.
Article contributed by: OmniGreen Wellness
