Definition

Functional medicine is a systems-oriented medical approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. It views the body as an interconnected whole and considers the complex web of interactions in a patient's history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness or wellness.

Why It Matters

Functional medicine excels at treating chronic, complex conditions that conventional medicine often struggles to resolve—such as autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and metabolic dysfunction. By investigating underlying mechanisms rather than suppressing symptoms, it promotes lasting healing.

Related Conditions

Autoimmunity Pcos Hashimotos Ibs Fatigue

Related Modalities

Functional Lab Testing Clinical Nutrition Lifestyle Medicine Nutraceuticals

Frequently Asked Questions

Conventional medicine typically focuses on diagnosing and treating symptoms with medications or surgery. Functional medicine investigates why symptoms occur, looking at factors like nutrition, gut health, toxins, stress, and genetics to address root causes and restore optimal function.

Functional medicine is particularly effective for chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, metabolic syndrome, and complex multi-system conditions that conventional approaches haven't resolved. It's also excellent for prevention.