Functional medicine and integrative medicine are two terms commonly used when discussing health. With these health-related terms, you surely may have heard them. In reality, the two medicines may appear either like close relatives or even the same, but if one scrutinizes closely, they will see stark differences in their healthcare applications. Once you understand the distinction, you can make an informed treatment decision and select the care that is most appropriate to your unique medical needs.
What is Functional Medicine?
The purpose of functional medicine is to consider the underlying causes of a disease. Instead of merely treating symptoms, functional medicine specialists conduct a comprehensive workup on you, considering your entire body, taking into account your medical history, lifestyle, and environment. They want to understand the underlying causes of a health condition.
When it comes to chronic ailments such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and hormone balance, the value that functional medicine holds in patient care cannot be overstated. Expert practitioners investigate and analyze chemicals in the blood and other substances created in the laboratory, while also taking considerable time to learn about the patient’s entire health history.
In functional medicine clinics, the approach is individualized according to the plan provided, typically recommending a change in diet, an exercise routine, stress management techniques, and a specific list of supplements to take. If the problems are merely symptoms, the treatment works to eradicate them, while also improving overall well-being and preventing future health issues from developing.
What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine is a healing system that pairs complementary therapies with conventional Western medical treatments to care for the whole person. Functional medicine places importance on diagnosis, whereas integrative medicine seeks to strike a balance between traditional medical treatment and alternative practices.
Encompassing an integrative approach, practitioners attempt to integrate conventional therapies with alternative ones, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal remedies, and mindful techniques, alongside medical treatments. Similarly, this approach helps offset physical manifestations, as well as mental and emotional well-being.
Some practitioners of integrative medicine prefer to believe in a collaborative approach, overseen by primary care doctors, specialists, or chiropractors. Thus, treatment planning aims to integrate aspects from both methods to provide more patient-centered and holistic care.
Key Differences Between Functional and Integrative Medicine
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Root Causes vs. Holistic Care
Functional medicine specialists utilize laboratory testing and comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying causes of chronic illnesses. Integrative medicine practitioners strive to provide comprehensive care plans that incorporate both conventional and alternative therapies.
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Treatment Methods
Functional medicine clinics typically employ highly detailed tests to identify areas for improvement in one’s diet, supplements, and lifestyle. Integrative medicine combines traditional therapies such as drugs and surgery with alternative treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.
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Personalization
While both methods are individualized, functional medicine prioritizes diagnostic tests over all treatments to determine the best approach for each individual. Integrative medicine, in itself, considers the idea that different methods can supplement each other to potentially enhance the patient’s health, based on the patient’s individual requirements and goals.
Why Choose Functional or Integrative Medicine?
Healing with a functional medicine clinic may be best for individuals with health issues that are not addressed by conventional treatment. Instead of focusing solely on short-term symptom relief, efforts are made to find long-term solutions for chronic health problems.
Integrative medicine might be an option for you if you want to maintain balance between allopathic and natural treatments. The patient is empowered with more than one treatment to work on.
If you are searching for “How do I find the best chiropractor near me?” Many integrative medicine clinics collaborate closely with chiropractors to offer treatments that alleviate pain and optimize body function.
Finding the Right Clinic
Choosing the right functional medicine clinic is crucial if you want to ensure receiving high-standard care. When seeking a clinic, look for one whose functional medicine doctors are proficient and focus on providing individualized care. When you visit a reputable clinic, you will undergo a thorough examination and receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This approach can help you recover for an extended period and significantly improve your quality of life.
Conclusion
Functional medicine with integrative medicine-which one should you choose? It depends on the type of health issues you are facing and your preferences. Functional medicine is for individuals who want to address long-term conditions at their root—integrative medicine. The comprehensive picture of health is obtained through an understanding of the entire process of traditional and alternative treatments.
If expert hands are what you need in the field of functional medicine, the medicine specialists at AZ Regenerative Medicine will surely give you the care you can trust. Their functional medicine specialists work on crafting treatment plans specific to you. The goal is to help you improve your health in the long run while enhancing your overall well-being.