Functional Medicine Overview

What is Natural Functional Medicine?

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.

WHAT IS TRADITIONAL ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Allopathic Medicine refers to the mainstream medical use of pharmacologically active agents (drugs) or physical interventions (surgeries) to treat or suppress symptoms or pathophysiologic processes of diseases or conditions. Most commonly by the use of drugs it is directed towards producing effects in the body that will directly oppose and so alleviate the symptoms of a disease.

• Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic conditions. These include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, estrogen dominance, Crohn’s Disease, etc.
• Western medical doctors typically focus on acute care- the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, like appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians then apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.
• Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to healthcare lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society.
• There’s a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in basic sciences and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years!—particularly in the area of complex, chronic illness.
• Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.

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.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US:

Diet and digestion were very poor, diverticulitis and blood pressure issuers, feeling frustrated and desire direction to seek healing. Now I have had GREAT strides in diet and digestion, calming feeling, taking charge of my diet and making shifts in beliefs of health. I dropped all pharma medication, and dropped 50lbs. I would say Big Beautiful Life is very informative, SELF EMPOWERING, Dr. Jena and staff are supporting and positive.

Rebecca – Traverse City