Do you know the difference between functional medicine and conventional medicine? There’s more than one way to help someone get better and maintain great health. Functional medicine and conventional/traditional medicine take different approaches.
Conventional medicine is what is typically followed by doctors in the U.S. and in the Western world. Conventional medicine focuses on treating the symptom. If you see a conventional doctor for depression, for instance, you may be prescribed an anti-depressant. If you have chronic pain, the doctor may prescribe pain-relieving medicine. Medications are not the only treatment given through a conventional medicine approach, but they are certain the most common. Surgery is another treatment more common through conventional medicine.
You may also hear conventional medicine referred to as Western medicine.
Functional medicine is an approach that aims to find the root cause of a health problem. A functional medicine doctor does this by taking a more individualized approach with a patient versus focusing on the treatment of one or two symptoms.
A functional medicine doctor will evaluate health in all aspects of your life, including physical, emotional, and mental health. They do this by taking a closer look at your:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Life stressors
More in-depth testing, including genetic testing when applicable, helps functional medicine doctors to figure out what may cause your health issue.
Treatments given through functional medicine may include:
- Detoxification
- Dietary changes
- Lifestyle changes such as an exercise program
- Supplements
Functional medicine doctors may also prescribe medicine but will do so more sparingly than with conventional medicine. Many, if not most, functional medicine doctors are MDs, meaning that they are well-versed in conventional and functional medicine.
Functional medicine may be the right option for you if:
- You have a chronic illness.
- You are frustrated with the conventional health care approach.
- You want more in-depth health appointments.
- You want to have better control of your health.
Looking for a Functional Medicine Approach? Here’s How Reveal Vitality Can Help
At Reveal Vitality, we take a functional medicine approach to prevent chronic disease and pain. Here are just some of the services we offer than can help you focus on wellness instead of sickness:
- Natural weight loss
- Integrative cardiovascular care
- Vitamin therapy and nutrition counseling to get you on a better nutritional path
Contact Reveal Vitality today at 941-217-2777 to discover how we can guide you toward better health and a future with less chronic disease and aging.
