Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a personalized, patient-centered, science-based medical approach that emphasizes collaboration between the patient and the doctor to achieve optimal health and identify the underlying root causes of the illness.

Functional medicine is no different from the language of classical medicine. However, it involves the application of an approach that is not commonly found in conventional medicine, specifically targeting chronic diseases. It is based on the principle of addressing individualized fundamental biological imbalances by considering a person’s genetic, biochemical, and physiological makeup, as well as their lifestyle habits. In doing so, it draws upon the latest research in various medical sciences such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, epigenetics, physiology, toxicology, microbiology, and epidemiology. Consequently, it offers the opportunity to address multiple underlying biological imbalances that may differ from one another. By working hand in hand with the patient, while considering their uniqueness, it aims to identify the underlying causes of chronic complex diseases and facilitate their prevention and early detection.

Functional medicine is not an alternative medicine approach. However, it closely relates to both conventional and alternative medicine, adopting a holistic approach towards the individual. The concept and application of functional medicine have evolved in the past 30 years through scientific discoveries regarding the pathways of disease development (such as inflammation and oxidative stress) influenced by diet, stress, physical activity, and environmental toxins. As a result, each patient is evaluated as a unique complex entity, and the factors contributing to the disease are identified on an individual basis, leading to personalized treatment plans.