“Disease is not an entity, but a fluctuating condition of the patient’s body, a battle between the substance of disease and the natural self-healing tendency of the body” – Hippocrates
The fundamental approach of functional medicine is to find the underlying cause of the disease rather than the orthodox approach which is to try and suppress the symptoms ie disease management, whilst leaving the disease intact. If the root cause of a disease/ill health is found then the Natural Therapist can then put in place an action plan to combat that disease and bring balance and wellness back to the body.
Considering the body as a whole
Functional medicine does not isolate a set of symptoms to one area of the body but considers the body as a whole. The body works synergistically ie each body part relies on all other body parts in order to work efficiently. If there is ill health in one part of the body it can mean that the initial problem is further on down the line. This is why an in depth look at one’s medical history, family history, diet and lifestyle needs to be investigated.
Functional medicine also looks at one’s unique genetic make-up along with both internal (mind, body and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors which will affect the functioning of an individual. This belief system not only uses nutrition to heal the body but also uses “integrative” therapies such as the latest laboratory testing, nutritional supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programmes and stress-management techniques.
Healing a diseased body
I believe that the only way to heal a diseased body is by using natural methods (some of which are thousands of years old). Using synthetic materials in one’s body will eventually cause more ill health and does not, in any event, get to the root cause of one’s illness.
Repairing damage
Once I have worked out the reason why you have a particular “disease” then functional medicine can then begin to repair the damage that has been caused, which will then lead you on the road back to recovery.
