Functional medicine isn't a medical subspecialty such as gastroenterology, cardiology, or Rheumatology. Instead, it is a method or way of looking at the health and disease. It is based on the reality that the body functions as a network interconnected electrical and biochemical systems that are affected by emotional, mental and spiritual influences, as well as life-style factors like the need for relaxation, sleep, or eating as well as stress and relationships. - functional medicine physician

What is a functional physician do?

Based on the understanding that the body is a system of interconnected system, functional medical specialists detect the dysfunction or imbalance which led to a specific illness or symptoms. They then suggest a solution to restore normal functioning for the systems or organs that are ineffective. This is accomplished by taking a thorough patient's history, which spans from the time of conception until today. Doctors often can determine what the patient was preparing for the onset of a specific disease.

The process also sheds the light on what's allowing the disease to persist. The detailed medical history, when combined with the most cutting-edge laboratory treatments and treatment methods, including traditional and alternative healing practices will allow the doctor and the patient to address the root cause of the illness.

What is functional medicine? How is it distinct from conventional medicine?

One way to illustrate this is to consider how depression is dealt with by various medical methods. Traditional medicine could prescribe medication for depression and integrative medicine might suggest a supplement like St. John's wort. Functional medicine, on contrary, attempts to discover the reason why someone suffers from depression. Functional medicine seeks to determine the primary cause. Once the root of the problem is determined, treatment is initiated.

It's crucial to know that functional medicine practitioners are able to utilize conventional treatments such as surgeries and pharmaceuticals whenever they are needed. They also employ alternative healing methods that are not traditional. The most common method of treatment is to choose the treatment that has the highest potential for healing and with the least risk of injury first, after that, if necessary, increase the treatment.

Functional medicine is insured through insurance?

Functional medicine physicians utilize conventional tests which they interpret with the lens of functional medicine and the tests are usually paid for by insurance. However, doctors who practice functional medicine might also utilize more advanced tests that insurance coverage isn't available or is too expensive. The insurance coverage for medicines is contingent upon the individual's insurance plan. Supplements are typically not insured by the insurance.

What is my expectation when I visit a functional medicine physician?

You'll likely have to fill out a lengthy intake questionnaire that outlines the development of your child from at birth to the current day. The doctor may also ask for documents from other physicians in order to piece together your life story. You'll be able to recount your experiences throughout your life and create an elaborate timeline. This can help your doctor determine what caused the issue you are experiencing, and, often, provides information on what to do to treat or reverse the issue. The doctor may recommend tests to determine the hormonal and nutritional equilibrium, digestive health and the immune system.

They may then prescribe medication, supplements or lifestyle modifications. However, in most cases the root of the problem can be found without testing and treatment is not required medication or supplements. Sometimes, optimizing your sleep, relaxation exercising and moving, food, stress and relationships are all it takes to allow the body to repair itself. A functional medicine physician will assist you in determining which treatments will be most beneficial for you.

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