Holistic Doctors Invested in Function Medicine

Functional medicine looks into the underlying cause of a disease, using an approach that engages both the practitioner and patient into a therapeutic relationship. This evolution in the practice of medicine shifts the traditional disease-oriented focus of the practice to a more patient-centered approach. Functional medicine addresses the whole person, and not just the symptoms. It allows practitioners to spend time with their patients, supporting the unique expression of vitality and health for each person.

The Growing Need for Functional Medicine

The world is seeing a significant increase in the number of people suffering from complex and chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, mental illness, cancer and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Today’s current system of medicine practiced by most physicians is geared towards acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of ailments, symptoms or trauma that are in need of urgent care, like a broken leg or appendicitis. Doctors only apply specific prescribed treatments like surgery or drug therapies that aim to treat the immediate symptom of a problem.

Unfortunately, the acute care approach to medicine lacks the proper tools and methods for treating and preventing complex and chronic disease. In many cases, it does not consider the unique genetic makeup of the patient, or factors like environmental exposures to toxins and lifestyle aspects that might have a direct influence on the increase of chronic disease in vibrant society like the Philadelphia metro region.

There is a big gap between research and the methods that doctors practice. The gap between emerging research and traditional medical education taught is enormous, especially in the area of complex and chronic illness. In addition, many doctors are not properly trained when it comes to assessing the underlying causes of complex and chronic disease, and when to consider strategies like diet, nutrition and exercise to treat as well as prevent these illness in their patients.

The Uniqueness of Functional Medicine

Functional medicine considers the  origins, prevention and the treatment of complex and chronic diseases. Listed below are the hallmarks used in functional medicine.

·       Patient-centered care. This focus on patient-centered care fosters an ongoing positive vitality and wellbeing of the patient, and not merely satisfied with the absence of disease. By listening and learning from the story of the patient, the doctor brings the patient through a process of discovery to better understand and treat the patient’s unique needs.

·       Integrative, science-based health care approach. Practitioners of functional medicine look upstream when considering the complex web of interactions with an individual’s history, lifestyle and physiology that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of every patient is considered, along with both internal and external factors affecting total function.

·       Integrating the best medical practices. Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices along with nontraditional holistic medicine giving a focus on prevention through diet, nutrition and exercise. Lab testing and other diagnostic techniques are just a component of the discovery and diagnosis process. Treatments may also include prescription drugs, botanical medications, supplements, detoxification programs, therapeutic diets and stress management techniques.

Indeed, this revolutionary approach offers the promises of good health and living for all. Finding highly qualified holistic doctors in Philadelphia is not difficult and the benefits of functional medicine to a Bucks County resident are all positive.