You might have heard the terms integrative medicine, holistic medicine, and functional medicine. Many people wonder whether these approaches are capable of improving their overall health by treating the symptoms and the root causes. But do you know what these are exactly? And what are the differences between them?
Medical doctors prescribe different types of medications to treat the symptoms of health conditions. However, there is a great alternative to taking the drugs.
Holistic Medicine
Holistic doctors implement different types of therapies to treat the health condition of a person. Holistic doctors believe that suffering in one area of the body can affect the other areas as well. Therefore, when you go through this type of medication, it will be focused on the healing process of your body, including your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
The holistic doctors combine the traditional medications with the drug-free approaches as per the nutritional and lifestyle changes, counseling, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine is one part of the holistic medicine discipline that considers the overall health condition of a person and combines different types of healthcare treatments like acupuncture, homeopathy, massage, nutritional therapy, and spa.
Integrative medicine doctors will utilize the conventional diagnoses and order blood tests as per the symptoms of the patients. They may also recommend less conventional treatment plans that can be combined with regular treatments.
Functional Medicine
Unlike the other types of treatment plans, Active Edge Chiropractic & Functional Medicine will help you determine and cure the hidden root causes of the symptoms you’re facing. The functional medicine physician will develop a strong relationship with the patients so that they both can work hand in hand to determine the cause and find the cure for the symptoms.
As each patient is biochemically and genetically unique, functional medicine is one of the best ways to treat the symptoms through different aspects of the body.
What is the Role of the Functional Medicine Doctor?
Unlike the traditional visit of the conventional doctor where the appointment lasts only for about 15 minutes, the functional medicine doctors will provide you hours so that you can discuss your health problems thoroughly. Apart from asking the details regarding your problem, they will also ask you about your lifestyle as well as genetic history.
What Health Conditions the Functional Medicine Can Cure?
The primary objective of functional medicine is to determine the primary cause of the health complications. Here are some health issues that the functional medicine is capable of treating:
Hormone Replacement
Adrenal stress can lower the cortisol level which will ultimately result in fatigue. When you address the stressors properly, along with the support of adrenal health and supplements, you will be able to make a difference.
Low Testosterone
Men who suffer from ED or erectile dysfunction will undoubtedly be able to leverage the benefits of functional medicine from injectable testosterone or transdermal.
Digestive Issues
You will be able to treat the symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas pain with a proper treatment program that is primarily focused on improving your overall health. As per Web MD, apples can cause digestive issues.
Conclusion
These are the differences between integrative, functional, and holistic medicine. If you have any other issues, make sure you contact us or visit our website today.