In describing Functional Medicine to colleagues and clients, I like to present a few basic tenets that drive my practice. These are core beliefs that guide the ‘WHY’ when we are making lifestyle changes. When you start to change your mindset from ‘I have this disease’ to one of ‘What is my body trying to tell me?” it can make a huge difference in reversing various symptoms of dis-ease. Here are 4 basic principles that are important to keep in mind, no matter your current state of health.
1. Every person is UNIQUE, as is their particular disease.
Why it matters: Not every diagnosis has the same prognosis or treatment. Example: One person’s diabetes may have strong roots in their stress and cortisol response, while another patients may be due to a preference to high fructose containing foods.
2. Dis-ease often precedes Disease.
Why it matters: That pesky itching in your legs is your body’s response to something and should not be ignored. That cortisone cream may take away the itching, but only masked the underlying dis-ease process.
3. The Body’s natural, default state is one of wellness.
Why it matters: The body wants (so badly) to be well, and it will, if we give it the right inputs (right food, decreased stress, avoid bad stuff). Symptoms and diagnoses are not the result of a broken body, but the response the body is making based on what it senses.
4. Root causes of disease are unique.
Why it matters: Working with a functional medicine practitioner, like Doug, can help to educate and motivate you to make the changes your unique body desires. Book Now for a Free 15 minute Call to see if we’d be a good fit!