What does the term “functional medicine” refer to?

The term “functional medicine” refers to an approach that seeks to identify and address the root cause of diseases. This perspective emphasizes understanding each patient as an individual, taking into account their unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Instead of just treating symptoms or managing diseases, functional medicine practitioners aim to uncover the underlying issues that contribute to a patient's health problems. This holistic view allows for more personalized treatments and can lead to long-term health improvements by addressing the source of illness rather than merely alleviating symptoms. This focus on prevention and wellness, alongside chronic disease management, distinguishes functional medicine from more traditional models that primarily concentrate on managing existing conditions without necessarily exploring their origins.