Blog Details

Functional Medicine Approach

Functional Medicine Approach: Identifying Root Causes

The functional medicine approach is a patient-centered model of care designed to address the underlying causes of chronic diseases rather than merely treating symptoms[2][4]. It emphasizes understanding the unique interactions between an individual’s genes, environment, diet, and lifestyle to develop personalized treatment plans[1][3][7].

Key Principles of Functional Medicine

1. Patient-Centered Care: Focuses on the individual’s unique history, lifestyle, and genetic factors[1][4][7].
2. Systems Biology Approach: Views the body as an interconnected network of physiological processes[1][3].
3. Emphasis on Root Causes: Seeks to identify the antecedents, triggers, and mediators of disease[3][4].
4. Multi-Modal Treatment Programs: Utilizes a combination of therapies, including lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and targeted interventions[3].
5. Personalized Recommendations: Tailors treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient[3][7].

Core Physiological Processes Addressed

Functional medicine practitioners evaluate several core physiological processes[3]:

• Assimilation: Digestion, absorption, and gut microbiota balance.
• Defense and Repair: Immune function, inflammation, and cellular renewal.
• Bioenergetics: Mitochondrial function and energy production.
• Transport: Cardiovascular, respiratory, and lymphatic functions.
• Communication: Endocrine, neurotransmitter, and signal transduction processes.
• Structural Integrity: Maintaining barriers from a cellular level to musculoskeletal function.

How Functional Medicine Differs from Conventional Medicine

Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on treating symptoms, functional medicine aims to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to disease[4][6]. This may involve in-depth assessments of a patient’s history, lifestyle, and environmental exposures[7].

Is Functional Medicine Evidence-Based?

While some sources describe functional medicine as a comprehensive, evidence-based approach[6], it’s important to note that other sources consider it a form of alternative medicine with methods and treatments not always supported by medical evidence[5]. The American Academy of Family Physicians has also expressed concerns about the eligibility of FM practices for course credits[5].

DrStemCellsThailand‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand and Functional Medicine

At DrStemCellsThailand‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we incorporate elements of the functional medicine approach by:

• Conducting comprehensive patient evaluations to understand individual health histories and lifestyles.
• Utilizing advanced diagnostic testing to identify underlying imbalances.
• Developing personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of chronic conditions.
• Integrating lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, and regenerative therapies to promote overall well-being.

By integrating the Functional Medicine approach, we aim to provide more effective and long-lasting solutions that improve their quality of life.

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!

References

1. Defining Function in the Functional Medicine Model – PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5312741/
2. What is Functional Medicine? | Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/functional-medicine/about
3. Functional Medicine Past, Present, and Future – PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9173848/
4. Functional Medicine Doctors: Identifying the Root Cause of Disease. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-functional-medicine-doctor
5. Functional medicine – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_medicine
6. What Is Functional Medicine? | Chronic Disease Management. https://mfm.au/what-is-functional-medicine
7. Understanding the Integrative Approach of Functional Medicine. https://www.totalhealthsystems.com/the-approach-of-functional-medicine/