“I believe that we all deserve a life of vitality—and that we have the potential to create it for ourselves.” Dr Mark Hyman

I was fortunate to recently attend a Functional Medicine event with Amipro and two prominent Functional Medicine Doctors from America, Dr Kristi Hughes and Dr Mark and the insights were amazing.

I have been a huge fan and follower of Dr Mark Hyman for years and I always love the information that he shares and that is how I was originally introduced to Functional Medicine.

For me it is the way of the future and we can only watch it grow in prominence and success.

This seminar was hosted by Amipro and Functional Medicine SA and the focus was on cognitive decline.

“With Functional Medicine, health care professionals treat the person who has the disease rather than the disease the person has. It’s listening to the patient, asking questions, and examining the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle patterns that effect their health. By addressing the underlying causes of illness and disease, Functional Medicine practitioners are able to design unique, personalized healing plans that Conventional Medicine literally doesn’t have the tools, training, or the time for.”

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms

Why do we need Functional Medicine?

Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.

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 strategy

“Functional Medicine isn’t ‘airy fairy.’ The method is grounded in science, and we use the best drugs available, if needed.” Jeffrey Bland, PhD

How is Functional Medicine different?

Functional Medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease. Hallmarks of a functional medicine approach include: Patient-centered care. The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, promoting 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 helps clinicians identify and ameliorate dysfunctions in the physiology and biochemistry of the human body as a primary method of improving patient health.” David S. Jones, MD, and Sheila Quinn

All the above information excluding the quotes and introduction is taken from the Functional Medicine SA site.

Visit the South African Functional Medicine website for further information.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored.