Unlike the cookie-cutter approach often taken in medicine, which focuses on prescribing medication to treat symptoms, functional medicine is different, as it seeks to uncover the cause of a particular health condition and address it. Utilizing science-based approaches, functional medicine is a highly individualized model of medicine.
Identifying the Cause
You can think of Functional Medicine (FM) as evaluating a tree. Oftentimes, people present with problems. And those are like the leaves of a tree. Let’s say somebody comes in with itching and has a rash. When it comes to root cause medicine, it’s looking beyond making the rash go away and alleviate the itching; it is determining what caused the problem in the first place, so we can remove the trigger. We can put a cream on the rash, and that might make the rash and the itching stop, but the second you stop using the cream, it will all come right back. Why not find out what caused the rash in the first place and take it out of the equation?
Naturally, we want to get that better so the patient’s life has improved, but what’s actually causing the rash? Is it an undiagnosed food sensitivity, for example? If that’s the case, what food is it? And one step further, why did the patient develop a food sensitivity at 30, if that’s when the rash happened?
With FM, it’s important to delve deeper and ask why, rather than just feeling complacent and getting the symptom to improve. Not only do we want the symptom to improve, we want it to go away. And that can happen by addressing the root cause through a customized treatment plan.
Who Can Benefit?
If you’re tired of just masking the symptoms, it’s time to get to the root cause of your condition and help you heal. Call today to book an appointment! Telehealth and in-person visits are available.
Jul 26, 2023 at 2:47 PM
I am type 2 diabetic and have definately developed food sensitvities, primarily gluten. I am definately interested in this. I have BC/BS for insurance. Will my insurance cover the testing and to get started?
Nov 22, 2023 at 2:19 PM
Hi Shawn! Sorry for the late response to this, we were trying a new system, and it seemed your email slipped through the cracks! BC/BS may cover some of the functional medicine visits and labs that our specialist may need to order. I would suggest so that we are better able to help you personally that you give our office in Huron a call at 605-352-5264 and they will be better able to answer any questions you may have. Have a great day!