New to Functional Medicine? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you are new to functional medicine, you may be wondering what it is all about. Functional medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of disease, rather than just the symptoms. This approach is different from traditional medicine, which typically relies on prescription drugs and surgery to treat illness. Functional medicine practitioners use a variety of techniques to help their patients heal, including diet and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and supplements. 

What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is an evidence-based field of medicine that focuses on the whole person. This approach looks at the root causes of disease or illness, rather than just the symptoms. This approach is different from traditional medicine, which typically relies on prescription drugs and surgery for treatments. Functional medicine practitioners use a variety of techniques to help their patients heal, including diet and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and supplements.

Functional medicine is an individualized approach to health care. This means that each person’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs.

The History Of Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a branch of medicine that has its roots in the early 20th century. In the early 1900s, Dr. William Howard Hay developed a new approach to health care that he called the “ Law of Cure.” This approach focused on treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of their disease.

This approach was later expanded upon by Dr. Sidney Haas, who developed the “biochemical individuality” concept.  This concept stated that each person has unique nutritional needs based on their individual biochemistry.

These early pioneers laid the foundation for what would eventually become functional medicine. In the 1970s, Dr. Jeffrey Bland developed the term “functional medicine” to describe this new approach to health care. Since then, functional medicine has been gaining in popularity, and more and more practitioners are beginning to adopt this approach.

What Are The Benefits Of Functional Medicine?

There are many benefits to pursuing a functional medicine approach to health. First, this type of medicine takes a more holistic approach to health, which means that it looks at the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of their disease. This approach often leads to better overall health and wellness, as well as improved treatment outcomes. Additionally, functional medicine practitioners are typically more open to working with alternative treatments, such as herbal remedies and dietary supplements. This can be beneficial for those who are looking for a more natural approach to their health care that addresses the route of illness rather than just the symptoms.

What Should I Expect From A Functional Medicine Practitioner?

As you begin exploring functional medicine, your practitioner will likely want to get to know you and your medical history in depth. They may also recommend that you undergo some testing, such as blood work or food intolerance testing. Once your practitioner has a good understanding of your health, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. This plan may include diet and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and/or supplements.

Who Can Benefit From Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is an approach to health care that can be beneficial for people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Functional Medicine in Reno, Nevada

If you are interested in seeing a functional medicine practitioner in Reno, Nevada, contact WellCentric Health today. We continue to use functional medicine to better the lives of residents in Reno, Sparks, Carson City and the surrounding Nevada areas and look forward to helping you find wellness.