The mainstream medicine is not for everyone. Sometimes people are skeptical, other times afraid, and they need a completely different approach in dealing with their symptoms. That’s why holistic medicine takes a large part in how people manage diseases these days. But it’s also normal that many are skeptical and choose to trust the science. And we can’t judge anyone because of that.
Functional medicine embraces the holistic approach that doesn’t cure the symptoms but goes deeper to the root cause of the disease – being that your lifestyle, eating habits, or some genetic reasons. Ready to learn more about this? Let’s see what you should know about functional medicine and holistic approach in dealing with health issues:
A Healthy Dose of Skepticism
The holistic approach in functional medicine requires a personalized treatment plan so everyone can cure their disease. While classic medicine uses the same approach in dealing with the same disease, functional medicine believes that every individual is unique and has different needs.
For example, gallbladder removal surgery is the same for everyone who has gallbladder stones or inflammation. Functional medicine digs deeper in order to focus on what caused that stone formation in the first place.
Another example can be an allergic reaction. Your body reacts to a specific allergen, so it prevents further damage. But why are you allergic to that allergen? What’s the reason you react like that? Holistic medicine tries to find that answer, too.
And it sounds great, but:
- Some functional medicine practices are indeed based on solid science
- Most of the functional medicine practices are based on personal beliefs and aren’t backed by science
- The holistic approach to curing diseases is too theoretical for some conditions
- Functional medicine can take plenty of time we don’t have, becoming too pricey as the time goes by
- Dietary supplements and changing eating habits won’t do a lot in life-threatening conditions
- Some methods are pretty questionable and postpone the healing
Functional medicine practitioners forget they were doctors ones, and become detectives who need to analyze so many things until they find the root cause for a patient’s disease. It’s time-consuming and may take weeks until they eventually find what causes your symptoms. And they will charge each session, as the insurance doesn’t cover these doctor visits.
Additionally, taking supplements instead of prescribed drugs can be great for the supplement industry but not the guaranteed path to fixing your problems. The biggest problem is that you may not have enough time to deal with slow healing methods.
Some conditions require a quick reaction, like surgery or injection, which the functional medicine won’t offer. So, if you have some life-threatening condition, we recommend sticking to what the doctors recommended (traditional ones).
Functional Medicine or Not?
It’s not easy to be pro or against functional medicine, especially when so many people practice it and find it effective at the same time. It’s a valuable tool for those who have specific conditions and feel unheard by traditional medicine. While it’s important to be cautious and skeptical, it’s also essential to be open to suggestions and ready to change something in your habits.
Still, make sure you do these things:
- Ask questions about why some treatment is recommended to you
- Ask for confirmation that the treatment has some scientific basis
- Don’t accept miracle cures and quick fixes
Functional medicine is your partner in health. Still, some practitioners want to dictate the lifestyle and stop people from asking for second opinions or maybe consulting with traditional medicine doctors. Remember, even the holistic approach requires mutual understanding and ongoing communication.
Be ready for offers like one lemon shot to cure all diseases, and make sure you avoid it. Never embrace a functional cure before you learn more about what goes in it. Be skeptical and think with your own head.
Note: If you find the functional medicine confusing and questionable, we recommend not to experiment further and get back to the traditional treatments.
What Things to Be Aware of in Functional Medicine?
As we said, there is some evidence that the holistic approach in dealing with diseases works. Still, not much research is done, and the number of studies and data is too low to conclude anything.
Also, be aware of:
- Practitioners who push a certain brand of supplements
- Individuals who postpone the diagnosis just to charge more
- Many of the tests aren’t approved
- The costs may get too high to handle
- Functional medicine is not covered by insurance in full
The existence of this approach led many people to declare themselves as healers, so you must be extra careful with them. If you’re sure you want to take this path, then you must research all the options you have. Read reviews and ask people who have already been in that, so you can get a realistic image on what to expect.
And never forget one important thing: Just because something works for you, it doesn’t mean it will for everyone. So, let the people who don’t believe in functional medicine go. Don’t push anyone to try something they don’t approve or highly dislike.
Is it Worth Trying?
In general, it won’t hurt to try a functional medicine because, as we said, it tries to find the root cause of your disease. But is it worth it?
As mentioned, the insurance won’t cover most of the treatments and supplements, and they may get too costly for you. The fancy tests and consultations are also expensive and may still not give the complete image and the reasons behind your condition.
Finally, it’s up to you to decide. If you can’t find a solution in traditional medicine, it may be time to consider a holistic approach. Still, it doesn’t mean it will work perfectly. The key is in the balance – maintaining a healthy lifestyle and going for regular medical checks.
Functional medicine sounds great on paper, but it’s still controversial and not approved by many health authorities worldwide. Consider all the mentioned factors before making the final decision.