Book a 30 minutes complementary consultation to discuss your needs

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare.

The term “Functional Medicine” was first used in the health industry in the early 1990s by Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a biochemist and nutritional researcher.  

It has gained recognition and popularity in the subsequent decades and has now become a recognised method for how we care for people.

This approach focuses on addressing the root causes of illness rather than just treating symptoms. It views the body as an interconnected system and seeks to understand how imbalances in one area can affect overall health. 

Practitioners of Functional Medicine consider factors such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and nutrition to develop personalised treatment plans for patients. 

These plans often include a combination of conventional medical practices and alternative therapies, with an emphasis on promoting optimal functioning of the body’s systems.

Functional Medicine aims to empower patients to take an active role in their health by providing education and support for sustainable lifestyle changes. 

By addressing the underlying causes of illness, Functional Medicine seeks to restore balance and promote long-term wellness.

Let’s find out how this approach works.

Related Topics

• Holistic HealingMyofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy
• Physical TherapyPhysiotherapy and Physical Therapy in Barcelona
• Holistic HealingAcupuncture

What types of illnesses benefit from a holistic approach to treatment?

Functional Medicine can be effective in addressing a wide range of ailments and diseases.  Including:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
• Metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia)
• Mood disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety)
• Digestive disorders (e.g., GERD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Allergies and sensitivities
• Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue)
• Chronic inflammatory conditions
• Neurological conditions (e.g., migraines, multiple sclerosis)
• Skin disorders (e.g., eczema, psoriasis)
• Obesity and weight management issues.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine, investigated the impact of a personalised Functional Medicine approach on patients with rheumatoid arthritis and results showed improvements in disease activity, functional status, and quality of life especially in people over 55 years old.

Functional Medicine | Factor – Genetics:

Functional Medicine acknowledges the role of genetics in predisposing individuals to certain health conditions. By understanding genetic susceptibilities, practitioners can tailor treatment plans to address potential risks and optimize health outcomes. Genetic testing may be utilised to identify specific gene variants and inform personalised interventions aimed at mitigating genetic predispositions through targeted lifestyle modifications, nutritional strategies, and supplementation.

Collaboration

Which healthcare professionals and doctors deliver Functional Medical services?

Functional Medicine typically involves collaboration among various healthcare practitioners and medical doctors to provide comprehensive care. 

These can include:

• Medical Doctors or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine : These physicians often serve as the primary healthcare providers in Functional Medicine, overseeing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients.
• Naturopathic Doctors: Naturopathic doctors focus on holistic, natural approaches to health and healing, aligning well with the principles of Functional Medicine.
• Dietitians or Nutritionists: These professionals provide expertise in nutrition and dietary interventions, helping patients optimise their diet to support their health goals.
• Functional Medicine Practitioners: These practitioners have specific training in Functional Medicine principles and may come from various backgrounds, including nursing, chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, or other holistic health fields.

• Clinical Nutritionists: Clinical nutritionists specialise in using nutrition therapy to address health issues and optimise overall well-being, often working closely with patients to develop personalised dietary plans.
• Integrative Therapists: These practitioners may include trained holistic physiotherapists,  acupuncturists, massage therapists, yoga instructors, and other holistic therapists who offer complementary modalities to support patients’ health goals.
• Mental Health Professionals: Psychologists, counselors, and therapists play a crucial role in Functional Medicine by addressing mental and emotional aspects of health and providing support for stress management and lifestyle changes.
• Laboratory Specialists: Functional Medicine often involves advanced laboratory testing to assess various aspects of health, including hormone levels, nutrient deficiencies, genetic markers, and gut health. Laboratory specialists help interpret these tests and guide treatment decisions.

By bringing together a multidisciplinary team of practitioners, Functional Medicine offers a comprehensive and integrative approach to healthcare, addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=lbzn5iz8Mbo%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Dr Mark Hyman | Family physician and an internationally recognised leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of Functional Medicine | This podcast is definitely worth the listen!

Functional Medicine | Factor – Environment:

Functional Medicine recognises the impact of environmental factors, such as toxins, pollutants, and stressors, on overall health. Practitioners assess environmental exposures and aim to minimise their adverse effects through lifestyle changes, detoxification protocols, and supportive interventions. By addressing environmental influences, Functional Medicine seeks to create a healing environment that promotes optimal health.

10 holistic health practices commonly included in a Functional Medicine plan:

• Nutritional Therapy: Customised diet plans tailored to individual needs and health goals.
• Lifestyle Modification: Incorporating stress management techniques, exercise, and adequate sleep.
• Supplement Support: Prescribing vitamins, minerals, and herbs to address specific deficiencies or imbalances.
• Mind-Body Medicine: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi to promote mental and emotional well-being.
• Detoxification: Supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
• Functional Movement: Integrating movement patterns that enhance mobility, stability, and strength.
• Sleep Optimisation: Strategies to improve sleep quality and duration for overall health and vitality.
• Stress Reduction: Implementing relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and stress-reducing activities.
• Gut Health Restoration: Healing the gut through probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-supporting nutrients.
• Environmental Toxin Reduction: Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins through lifestyle modifications and targeted interventions.

Contact us for a complementary 30 minute online consultation to discuss your healing program

Functional Medicine | Factor – Lifestyle:

Lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social connections, profoundly influence health outcomes. Functional Medicine places significant emphasis on lifestyle interventions, recognising their pivotal role in preventing and treating chronic diseases. Practitioners work collaboratively with patients to identify and address lifestyle imbalances, empowering individuals to make sustainable changes that support their health goals and enhance overall well-being.

Five compelling reasons to consider trying a Functional Medicine approach to caring for your body:

• Personalised Care: Functional Medicine focuses on understanding your unique health history, genetics, lifestyle, and environment to tailor a treatment plan specifically for you, promoting more effective and personalised care.
• Addressing Root Causes: Rather than just treating symptoms, Functional Medicine aims to identify and address the underlying root causes of illness or imbalance, leading to long-term health improvements and prevention of future health issues.
• Holistic Approach: Functional Medicine considers the interconnectedness of the body’s systems, emphasising the importance of nutrition, lifestyle factors, stress management, and mental well-being in achieving optimal health.
• Empowerment and Education: Functional Medicine empowers individuals to take an active role in their health by providing education, support, and tools to make informed decisions and sustainable lifestyle changes.
• Complementary and Integrative Therapies: Functional Medicine incorporates a wide range of therapies, including conventional medical treatments, nutrition, supplements, mind-body practices, and alternative therapies, offering a comprehensive and integrative approach to health and wellness.

Functional Medicine | Factor – Nutrition:

Nutrition is a cornerstone of Functional Medicine, as dietary choices profoundly impact physiological function and health outcomes. Practitioners utilise nutritional assessments and dietary analysis to identify imbalances and deficiencies, crafting personalised nutrition plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Emphasising whole, nutrient-dense foods, Functional Medicine promotes a diverse and balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients to support optimal health, immune function, and metabolic resilience. Additionally, targeted supplementation may be recommended to address specific nutritional deficiencies.

Considerations when choosing a Functional Medicine approach

While Functional Medicine offers many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages or considerations to keep in mind when integrating it into your healthcare program:

• Cost: Functional Medicine consultations and treatments may not always be covered by insurance, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
• Time Commitment: Functional Medicine often involves longer initial consultations and follow-up appointments, as well as a commitment to making lifestyle changes, which may require more time and effort from patients.
• Limited Accessibility: Functional Medicine practitioners may not be as widely available as conventional healthcare providers, especially in certain geographic areas, which could limit access for some individuals.
• Integration with Conventional Medicine: While Functional Medicine can complement conventional medical treatments, there may be challenges in integrating both approaches seamlessly, leading to potential conflicts or confusion in treatment plans.
• Reliance on Self-Management: Functional Medicine places a strong emphasis on empowering patients to take control of their health through lifestyle changes, which may require a higher level of self-management and motivation from individuals.
• Lack of Standardisation: The field of Functional Medicine is still evolving, and there may be variability in approaches and practices among different practitioners, leading to potential inconsistencies in care quality.
• Complexity of Treatment Plans: Functional Medicine treatment plans can be comprehensive and multifaceted, requiring patients to navigate and adhere to multiple recommendations, which may be overwhelming for some individuals.

It’s important that if you are considering a Functional Medicine approach that you weigh up these factors and consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best approach for your specific health needs and goals.Need help? Contact us to discuss your needs.

Integrative therapies and practices offered at Studio Australia Barcelona

While Functional Medicine primarily focuses on addressing root causes of illness and optimising bodily functions through personalised approaches, it may integrate certain complementary therapies.

Studio Australia Barcelona is where expertise in holistic health meets a commitment to personalised care.

Our mission is to empower individuals by understanding their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, fostering a life free from disease and pain.

Led by a team of expert therapists, we prioritise your needs, crafting tailored programs that integrate a variety of complementary, holistic medical and alternative treatments or practices including:

• Holistic Physiotherapy
• Reiki
• Acupuncture
• Diet & Nutrition Plans
• Qi Gong
• Energy Healing Techniques
• Transformational Hypnotherapy
• Transformational Coaching
• Pilates & Wellbeing Program

Our comprehensive approach encompasses a range of modalities to support your journey to optimal health.

Whether you need rehabilitation, seek wellness support or lifestyle guidance, need to relieve your stress, our therapists are dedicated to your holistic well-being and long term healing.Contact us for a complementary 30 minute online consultation to discuss your healing plan