Natural Functional Medicine focuses on you as a whole person and not just your symptoms. While it seeks to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms or condition, it does so by looking at your complete mind, body and spirit. Integrative medicine uses an evidence-based approach to improve your health and wellness.
Natural Functional Medicine believes your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs affect your health. It believes those needs rely on each other and affect your entire well-being. There are many different aspects to address, so integrative medicine uses a combination of herbal and whole food nutrition along with lifestyle changes.
With Natural Functional Medicine, the relationships between you and your healthcare providers are important. You are equal partners in your healing process. Natural Functional Medicine aims for well-coordinated care among different providers and specialists. It brings together conventional healthcare approaches and complementary therapies (like acupuncture, herbal and whole food nutrition). In this way, integrative medicine “integrates” all aspects of your well-being to achieve optimal health and healing.
Natural Functional Medicine practitioners DO NOT replace your primary care medical provider or specialist. They work together with all members of your healthcare team to heal your mind, body and spirit. Their expertise lies in preventing and managing chronic health issues. They don’t treat medical problems. For acute care and medical emergencies, you should seek help from your primary care or emergency medicine physician.
Who is Natural Functional Medicine for?
Many people can benefit from Natural Functional Medicine, including healthy people. People with long-lasting (chronic) or complex conditions may especially find the approach helpful. Integrative medicine can help you find relief for many health and medical conditions, including:
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Acute and chronic pain.
- Breathing disorders.
- Headaches and migraines.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Digestive disorders.
- Hormonal issues.
- Obesity.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Sleep issues.
What are the benefits of Natural Functional Medicine?
Natural Functional Medicine techniques support your body’s natural ability to heal. It helps you reduce stress and promotes a state of relaxation that leads to better health. It can help you achieve optimal health when you engage in your own healing and feel empowered to make lifestyle changes. Adding integrative medicine to your healthcare routine can help you regain control of your well-being.
What are the risks of Natural Functional Medicine?
All recommended therapies and lifestyle changes are very safe. But the treatments aren’t substitutes for regular medical care from your primary care physician and specialists. Natural Functional Medicine should be used together with your regular medical treatments. Natural Functional Medicine providers communicate their care recommendations with your other medical providers. In this way, they can coordinate care and avoid confusion.