What is Functional Medicine & Nutrition?
Functional medicine focuses on finding the underlying cause of a patient’s health problems. The Functional Medicine approach uses a laboratory-based analysis system (Genova Diagnostics) to determine what is wrong, uses supplements to correct problems as needed, and guides the patient to focus on lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, sleep and meditation.
Sasha applies both an Eastern and Western approach, healing patients with acupuncture, body work, nutritional therapy and herbal medicine, in addition to the latest in laboratory testing. The combination of both Eastern and Western medicine allows her patients to both heal and maintain their health.
The meaning of the “Functional” part is that in Functional Medicine we strive to find organ “Dysfunction” prior to the onset of a disease process and restore that “Function.”
Functional medicine clinics share a few common characteristics. They all order “functional” lab testing, meaning lab tests that are specific to Functional Medicine and look for “functional” problems, which are defined as problems that would appear prior to the onset of a disease process. For example, a functional test for heart health might detect low levels of antioxidants whereas a conventional test for heart health might detect a blocked artery. Functional Medicine always strives to catch problems in their earliest phases when early intervention is possible and always includes significant lifestyle changes as part of a treatment plan.
Benefits of Functional Medicine & Nutrition
Functional medicine offers unique benefits that may appeal to those who are looking for an alternative to conventional medical treatments, including:
- Holistic Approach to Health: Functional medicine takes a comprehensive and holistic view of health, considering the interconnectedness of various bodily systems, lifestyle factors, genetics, and environmental influences. It aims to identify and address the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms, leading to more effective and lasting results.
- Personalized and Individualized Care: Functional medicine practitioners create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique health history, genetics, lifestyle, and preferences. This individualized approach allows for targeted and customized treatments that address the specific needs of the individual.
- Focus on Preventive Care: Functional medicine places a strong emphasis on preventive care and proactive measures to promote long-term health and well-being. By identifying potential health risks and making lifestyle changes, patients can work towards preventing the onset of chronic diseases.
- Integration of Complementary Therapies: Functional medicine integrates evidence-based complementary therapies, such as nutrition, herbal medicine, mind-body techniques, and lifestyle modifications. This comprehensive approach provides a broader range of options for patients and considers alternative solutions when conventional medicine may have limitations.
- Empowerment and Patient Education: Functional medicine empowers patients to take an active role in managing their health. Practitioners educate patients about their conditions, provide tools and resources, and encourage patients to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Functional medicine is a patient-centered and holistic approach to healthcare that aims to identify and address the root causes of health issues, considering the interconnectedness of various bodily systems and lifestyle factors. It differs from conventional medicine by focusing on personalized and individualized care, preventive measures, and the integration of complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments.
Yes, functional medicine is generally safe when practiced by qualified and licensed healthcare professionals. It prioritizes patient safety and uses evidence-based approaches to promote health and well-being.
Functional medicine can address a wide range of health conditions, including chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, and stress-related disorders. It is particularly effective in managing complex and chronic health problems.
Functional medicine treatments are prescribed based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s health history, symptoms, genetic factors, lifestyle habits, and laboratory testing. This comprehensive assessment helps identify underlying imbalances and informs the development of personalized treatment plans.
The timeline for results varies depending on the patient’s health condition, the severity of the issue, and their response to treatment. Some patients may experience improvements relatively quickly, while others may require more time and a combination of multiple therapies for lasting changes to occur.
Yes, functional medicine is designed to complement conventional medical treatments. Integrating evidence-based complementary therapies can enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments and provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care.
The answer varies depending on the specific insurance plan and the services provided. Some aspects of functional medicine, such as laboratory testing, may be covered, while others may not be. It’s important to check with the insurance provider for details on coverage. At Impact Healing, we accept United Healthcare (depends on the plan) & Veteran/VA/Triwest.
Functional medicine treatments can be beneficial for many individuals, but their suitability depends on individual health needs and conditions. It’s essential to consult with a qualified functional medicine practitioner to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual health requirements and circumstances.