What’s functional medicine?
The functional medicine approach is not a one-size-fits-all method.
Functional medicine blends together naturopathic medicine and conventional medicine.
A functional medicine practitioner zones in on the root causes behind diseases, then addresses those causes. This is an individual experience for each patient because physiology and lifestyle are taken into consideration.
Unlike conventional medicine, functional medicine treats patients as a “whole.” If one part of the body is affected, other aspects of the body will also be considered for determining the cause of an illness.
It encourages patients to naturally progress towards optimal health and improve vitality.
What’s intriguing about functional medicine is how a functional medicine doctor focuses on the patient as a “whole” person. Practitioners listen to each patient’s health concerns in full detail. Discussions on family medical history will occur and how genes, lifestyle factors, and environmental surroundings may affect chronic disease, chronic pain, and long-term health.
So is a functional doctor in Toronto the same as a naturopath? Well, both professions use similar approaches to finding your wellness answers, with a modern, holistic approach to health and wellness. Overall though, some naturopaths practice functional medicine and some do not; some functional medicine practitioners follow naturopathy and others do not.
Functional medicine providers embraces naturopathic concepts, with the broadmindedness of integrative medicine, to establish an applicable modality for the patient. Although functional medicine includes conventional medicine when necessary, the functional medicine approach attempts to use natural ways to treat health problems. It also stresses the importance of understanding the importance of lifestyle modifications, including stress management, dietary changes, exercise, sleep modifications, etc.
Take note: functional medicine in Toronto is a legitimate health care approach in Ontario. Prior to becoming a functional medicine doctor, practitioners must complete their education and examinations for their medical, naturopathic, or other health care licenses. This includes provincial and national exams. Then they immerse themselves in training with functional medicine programs prior to taking on patients as a functional medicine practitioner.
