Functional Medicine

Overview

As a systems-based approach, functional medicine focuses on treating the underlying symptoms of disease. It focuses on the patient as a whole and takes into consideration the role that genetics, lifestyle, and the environment all have on an individual. Here’s what you need to know about functional medicine and its benefits for mind-body wellness.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine practices use a systems biology approach to identify the underlying causes of disease. By focusing on treating the patient as a whole, functional medicine is a highly personalized form of therapy that balances the body by kickstarting its innate healing mechanisms.

Practitioners of functional medicine look to a patient’s complete medical history to identify the root causes of the disease. They place focus on enhancing a patient’s physiological, cognitive, and emotional well-being and provide solutions that help tackle the underlying causes of illness instead of just identifying and treating the disease itself.

What Are the Different Types of Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is highly individualized, and treatment differs from one patient to the next. Lifestyle choices, nutrition, and the environment can all play a role in the formation of disease in a patient, which is why functional medicine takes these into consideration when formulating a plan of treatment. It is particularly useful in treating patients with autoimmune and cardiovascular disease, as well as depression, chronic pain, IBS, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

There are many different types of functional medicine treatments. Some common ones are:

  • Ayurveda
  • Homeopathy
  • Naturopathy
  • Traditional Chinese medicine
  • Acupuncture
  • Tai Chi
  • Herbal medicine
  • Aromatherapy
  • Meditation
  • Hypnosis

What Are the Benefits of Functional Medicine?

There are multiple benefits to opting for functional medicine therapies to address the onset of disease and illness. As a form of personalized medicine, functional medicine treatments are also non-invasive and drug-free. Some types of functional medicine like traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture have been used by practitioners for centuries to diagnose and restore balance to a patient’s body, mind, and spirit.

What to Expect During a Functional Medicine Appointment

If you’ve never been to a functional medicine appointment, you might be wondering what to expect. A trained provider at Chris Strickland will begin with an extensive medical history to determine the root cause of your current symptoms of the disease.

Your provider will ask in-depth questions about your lifestyle, your family history, mental well-being, and environmental factors. This session may be up to three to four hours in length and can also include a physical examination, as well as lab and imaging tests. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your provider may also recommend different types of functional medicine such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and tai chi—these treatments are all personalized to the patient in question.

For more information about functional medicine, contact Chris Strickland at (706) 769-9779.

  • The Preventive Program

    Both natural teeth and teeth with restorations survive best in an oral environment that is clean and where the intake of harmful foods is controlled. Our program is designed to help prevent new cavities, preserve teeth that have been restored and manage periodontal disease. At the initial visit oral

    Read more
  • The Psychology of Pain

    Understanding Pain Pain is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is deeply intertwined with our psychological state. It is not merely a physical sensation, but a subjective experience influenced by our thoughts, emotions, and the context in which it occurs. The Mind-Body Connection The mind and

    Read more
  • Tobacco

    Dentistry health care that works: tobacco The American Dental Association has long been a leader in the battle against tobacco-related disease, working to educate the public about the dangers inherent in tobacco use and encouraging dentists to help their patients break the cycle of addiction. The Association

    Read more
  • Toenail Problems

    Toenail problems are common issues that can affect people of all ages and can range from minor concerns to more serious conditions requiring medical attention. In this article, we'll explore various toenail problems, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options, to help individuals understand

    Read more
  • Toothaches

    Simple toothaches can often be relieved by rinsing the mouth to clear it of debris and other matter. Sometimes, a toothache can be caused or aggravated by a piece of debris lodged between the tooth and another tooth. Avoid placing an aspirin between your tooth and gum to relieve pain, because the dissolving

    Read more
  • Topical Pain Relief

    The Concept of Pain Management Pain management is a comprehensive approach that aims to reduce discomfort and enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with chronic pain. It encompasses a range of treatments, including medication, counseling, physical therapy, and topical pain relief. Topical

    Read more
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

    Understanding Pain Management Pain management is a comprehensive approach that aims to alleviate discomfort and enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with chronic pain. It encompasses a range of treatments, including medication, counseling, physical therapy, and Transcutaneous Electrical

    Read more
  • Tympanometry

    Tympanometry is a diagnostic tool that plays a pivotal role in assessing the health and functionality of the middle ear. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the intricacies of tympanometry, shedding light on its significance, the underlying principles, and applications in audiology. Understanding

    Read more
  • Types of Floss

    Dental floss comes in a variety of colors, materials and even flavors. Waxed varieties slide through the teeth, allowing people with extremely tight spaces to floss more easily. Popular flavors of floss include wintergreen and cinnamon. Waxed floss does tend to fray more than unwaxed floss. A type

    Read more
  • Ultrasound

    Foot ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a non-invasive imaging technique used to visualize the structures and tissues within the foot. This article delves into the uses, procedure, benefits, and considerations associated with foot ultrasound to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding

    Read more
  • Veneers

    Teeth that are badly stained, shaped, or crooked may be improved by a veneer placed on the surface of the affected teeth.Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic cemented over the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or that are chipped,

    Read more
  • Vertigo

    Vertigo is a disconcerting sensation that many individuals experience at some point. It's not just fleeting dizziness but a persistent feeling of spinning or unsteadiness that can significantly impact daily activities. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of vertigo, exploring

    Read more
  • Vestibular Disorders

    The vestibular system, an intricate network within the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. When this delicate equilibrium is disrupted, individuals may experience a range of symptoms collectively called vestibular disorders. In this exploration, we unravel

    Read more
  • Vestibular Function Testing

    The vestibular system, a complex network within the inner ear, plays a pivotal role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Vestibular function testing is a crucial diagnostic tool that allows healthcare professionals to delve into the intricacies of this system, offering insights into the causes

    Read more
  • Videonystagmography (VNG)

    The field of vestibular assessment has witnessed significant advancements in diagnostic technologies, and Videonystagmography (VNG) is a key player in unraveling the mysteries of inner ear function and balance disorders. In this exploration, we delve into the significance, procedures, and applications

    Read more
  • Water Picks

    There is never a suitable substitute for daily brushing and flossing. While some products, including water irrigation devices (or “water picks”), may be useful for specific applications, they may not be as effective as traditional flossing in the removal of plaque. Water picks use powerful

    Read more

Contact Us

Send Us An Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed