Are you up for a little squabble between two different medicine schools? Well, we are! Today we’re going to educate ourselves on the difference between conventional and functional medicine. You may have heard about them before, but let’s dive deep into their concepts, practices, and differences. If you’re a woman who’s interested in your health and wellness, keep reading!
Conventional medicine, also known as Western medicine, is the approach to medicine that you’re probably more familiar with. It focuses on treating specific symptoms or illnesses with prescribed drugs or other methods. It follows a disease-centered approach that considers each symptom as a separate entity. The biggest strength of conventional medicine is its widespread use and accessibility. It’s the mainstream method that most doctors use and that most insurance companies cover.
Functional medicine, on the other hand, focuses on finding the root cause of an illness or symptom. This approach treats the patient as a whole person and covers all aspects of their lifestyle, including diet, sleep, environment, and stress. It also emphasizes strengthening the body’s natural healing mechanisms by supporting proper nutrition and lifestyle habits. Functional medicine takes a patient-centered approach, considering the patient as an individual, not just a collection of symptoms. Functional medicine is guided by science, but it uses a holistic lens to provide optimal health care.
Another significant difference between conventional and functional medicine is how it diagnoses health problems. A conventional doctor will assess the physical symptoms, make a diagnosis, and prescribe medication to manage the condition. Functional medicine practitioners, on the other hand, use various tests to evaluate the root cause of the issue. They analyze laboratory tests, genetics, environmental factors to create a comprehensive diagnosis plan that considers the whole person’s well-being. In some cases, functional medicine can reverse the underlying cause of a health condition, leading to optimal health.
Conventional medicine typically offers a quick fix solution for health problems. With just a pill or a quick medical procedure, you can treat many conditions with conventional medicine. However, it’s not always holistic, and it doesn’t necessarily provide an optimal solution. Functional medicine takes a more comprehensive approach to health care that can take longer but has long-term results. Functional practitioners work with their patients on lifestyle changes, diet plans, stress reduction strategies, and other measures to help them achieve optimal health. This approach may take longer, but it’s an effective way to address the root cause of medical problems.
Deciding between conventional and functional medicine is a personal choice that reflects different lifestyles, health status, and preferences. Conventional medicine is widely accepted and effective for many medical conditions. Functional medicine can also be an effective option that emphasizes your health’s entirety to prevent future problems.
If you’re interested in functional medicine and finding a practitioner, it’s essential to research and find someone who aligns with your health goals. On the whole, both conventional and functional medicine have great strengths and cater to different lifestyles and health concerns well. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one works best for you. I hope this blog post helps you make a more informed decision about conventional and functional medicine. Remember always to prioritize your health, as it is the foundation of your life.
