Functional and integrative medicine have many similarities. They are both types of medical processes that help patients meet their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Although both are centered towards wellness and healthy living, they have some key differences. This includes their separate approaches to patient’s needs through different types of therapies. Learn more about the differences between functional and integrative medicine before seeking help through Denver Functional Health experts.
What is integrative medicine?
Through integrative medicine treatments, a patient’s issues are looked at through a broad lense. All types of environmental factors are studied to determine the patient’s conditions. These include everything from physical and mental health to behavioral, social, and spiritual health. After initial assessment, a variety of disciplines are suggested for healing. A combination of scientific and holistic disciplines are often applied. Examples include yoga, acupuncture, diet change, and exercise.
The integrative medicine approach also helps patients practice long-term healing through preventative practices. Many treatments are behavioral-based, so that change can happen from the inside through self-care.
What is functional medicine?
Like integrative medicine, functional medicine focuses on the patient’s environmental factors. However, it also includes illnesses that are chronic or caused by genetics. The therapy approach through functional medicine is completely versatile to each patient. Individualized treatment plans are outlined based on the patient’s issues after thorough testing.
Many patients see long-term improvement from functional medicine practices. This is because functional medicine helps to find the cause of imbalance, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. The framework outlined by functional medicine helps to gather data on the patient’s issues, determine the root cause, and suggest personalized lifestyle treatments.
The following criteria are commonly looked at during a functional medicine diagnosis.
Nutrition: Inflammation is a popular cause of many different issues found in the body and mind. Eating certain foods could be a catalyst for inflammatory issues. Patient’s are analyzed for trigger foods and a more balanced diet is suggested.
Hormones. When hormones do not communicate well, the whole system is paralyzed. Functional medicine determines which systems are disconnected through testing.
Stress. Many people experience unparalleled amounts of stress. Excess stress causes both physical and chemical responses. Stress impacts inflammation, sleep, toxins, and more.
Detoxification. Chemical stress from mold or allergens gets held in the body as toxins. Detoxification helps to naturally cleanse the body of these toxins so that better sleep and peace of mind is achieved.
Mobility and Exercise. Everyone’s body is different, so body movement should be curated to the patient’s needs. Exercise is determined by mobility and other health factors, not towards weight loss.
Overall, functional medicine is a more comprehensive approach to achieving health and wellness. For those looking for a full functional medicine diagnosis, contact Denver Functional Health experts. Through proper testing and an individualized treatment plan, you can find long-term healing for your body and mind.
