Functional Medicine Overview
Big Beautiful Life proudly offers Natural Functional Medicine which addresses the underlying cause of a disease. By using a whole-body systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership, we are able to establish foundational building blocks to better health.
- It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the patient.
- It shifts away from the traditional allopathic perspective of a disease-centered focus to a more patient-centered approach.
- It addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.
- Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease.
- It supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
HOW IS NATURAL FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE DIFFERENT?
Natural Functional Medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease. Principles of a Functional Medicine approach include:
- Patient-centered care. The focus of functional medicine is patient-centered care. We promote health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.
- An integrative, science-based healthcare approach. Functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
- Integrating best clinical practices. Functional medicine focuses on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise. We are able to integrate the latest laboratory testing, the best whole food supplements and botanicals, guidance on therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, and/or stress-management techniques.
