Laying the Foundation

Welcome to my rant of: What is a "Functional Medicine" Practitioner?

Not Just Another Wellness Coach or Health Guru

First and foremost, let me express that I hold great respect for health and wellness coaches. In fact, I have plans to work with one in the near future myself! However, it's important to note that my profession differs significantly. Today, I'd like to shed some light on how I arrived at this point, what I'm capable of, and what I don't specialize in. This insight may assist you in making an informed decision about your healthcare journey.

I hold a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. When I delved into Functional Medicine, it required a doctorate degree in specific fields. My credentialing journey led me to the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), which demanded an additional 2-year commitment. This included rigorous coursework, case reports, and, regrettably, an exam. The coursework delves into comprehensive scientific understanding, backed by the most current, peer-reviewed literature.

As highlighted in various sections of this website, functional medicine is about holistic, integrative care. Holistic, in the sense that it encompasses the entirety of a person and their situation. This encompasses stress levels, nutrition, exposure to toxins, organ systems, past medical history, mobility, relationships, spiritual beliefs, and more. "Integrative" signifies that I may not be the sole provider in your journey, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for your concerns.

My role is to compile your complete health information and review any prior lab work. Depending on the situation, further testing may be necessary. I use this data to discern how we arrived at a point of dysfunction in the system and what steps to take. This takes time. I place great emphasis on personalized assessment, taking into account a person's unique biochemical makeup and individual tolerances. What might be considered "normal" on paper may not align with what is optimal for your body's specific needs. This nuanced approach allows us to uncover subtle imbalances that may be missed in more standardized assessments, leading to a more tailored and effective course of action for your well-being.

During our second meeting, I'll break down the pathways and chemistry for you to understand, and we'll discuss the necessary changes. This is at the core of "root-cause" medicine.

Given my background as a chiropractor, I'm not authorized to prescribe or alter pharmaceuticals. As a result, you'll find my recommendations lean towards more conservative approaches, such as nutritional adjustments, exercise, stress management, and herbal suggestions.

It's important to note that I don't adopt a one-size-fits-all approach with a barrage of supplements. I also tailor my recommendations for lab testing based on your specific situation, taking into consideration factors like finances and time.

Above all, I want to stress one crucial point: CHANGE IS ESSENTIAL. Some of the suggestions may simplistic, like creating a balanced meal or adjusting your physical activity. However, there will also be aspects of your treatment plan that may not seem so sexy, and you might face some challenges. Remember, "You cannot heal in an environment that made you ill".

In the realm of conventional medicine, the focus often lies in treating patients once a disease has reached a critical point, often assessed through lab values. While this approach is invaluable in acute situations, it tends to be more reactive. Conventional medicine excels in crisis management and is equipped with a wide range of interventions to stabilize severe conditions. However, Functional Medicine takes a proactive stance, striving to identify and address underlying imbalances before they escalate to a critical stage. By analyzing a comprehensive spectrum of factors, Functional Medicine aims to foster long-term vitality and prevent diseases from progressing to their most advanced stages.

Phew! All of that to say - Please enjoy these blog posts! They are meant to bring awareness and informal educational resource to your life. My mission is to enlighten you, and maybe challenge your beliefs, on various topics encompassing all pillars of health. :)