An Introduction to Functional Medicine

Sometimes, I get questions about what functional medicine doctors do as a general matter. In this blog, I give a high-level overview of the field. Functional medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, rather than just treating symptoms. It takes into account the individual's unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, and uses a combination of conventional medicine and alternative therapies to restore balance and optimize health.

One of the key principles of functional medicine is that each person is unique, and their health concerns should be treated as such. This means that practitioners of functional medicine spend time getting to know their patients and gathering detailed information about their medical history, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This information is used to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of the patient's health problems, rather than just treating symptoms.

Functional medicine also emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. These lifestyle factors are viewed as foundational to overall health, and are often addressed before other treatments are considered.

In addition to lifestyle changes, functional medicine practitioners may use a variety of treatments to address specific health concerns. These treatments can include dietary supplements, herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and mind-body techniques such as meditation and yoga.

Functional medicine is also highly focused on prevention, with the goal of identifying and addressing potential health concerns before they become serious problems. This is achieved through regular health screenings and proactive measures to promote optimal health and wellness.

Overall, functional medicine offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to healthcare that goes beyond simply treating symptoms. By addressing the root causes of health concerns and promoting a healthy lifestyle, a local functional medicine doctor in Denver can help patients achieve optimal health and wellness in a sustainable way. Click here to become a Tendwell member and unlock your best health.