No BS Review – Functional vs Conventional Medicine
Do you live in Ottawa, and are you curious about the differences between Functional vs Conventional medicine?
If so, you are in the right place.
Today I will review the eight ways they differ.
In This Article:
Let’s jump in by looking at how they approach symptoms.
Approach To Symptoms
Functional medicine looks to treat acute and chronic symptoms by addressing the underlying or root cause of the problem.
In contrast, Conventional or Orthodox medicine treats acute and chronic problems by suppressing symptoms. Such an approach may be proper in some acute or early symptoms. But it does not promote long-term healing or address the root cause.
View Of The Body
Functional medicine treats the body as an interconnected whole and appreciates the influence of these interconnections in illness and health.
Conversely, Orthodox medicine views the body as a bunch of separate parts. Each of these parts has its specialist doctor (i.e. Gastroenterologist).
Safety
Functional medicine treatments have little to no side effects. Plus, other seemingly unrelated symptoms often disappear.
Functional medicine treatments may cause die-off effects, which are part of the healing process and are mild and short-term.
Contrariwise, Conventional medicine treatments, especially drugs, all have side effects. Doctors will often prescribe other medications to diminish these side effects. Conventional therapies may also cause withdrawal symptoms.
Focus Of Treatment
Functional medicine treats the person and not the disease. Treatments are tailored to the person’s needs.
However, Conventional medicine treats the disease and not the person. Therefore, people with the same disease or symptoms get the same treatment regardless.
Role Of Patient
Functional medicine is patient-centred, meaning they are empowered to play an active role in healing.
Contrarily, Conventional medicine is autocratic, which means the doctor leads the process. As a result, thepatient’s’ opinion is often discounted or ignored.
Treatment Modalities
Functional medicine treatment modalities combine modern and complementary medicine and emphasize the importance of diet, lifestyle and stress.
Differently, Conventional medicine treatments include drugs and surgical procedures to prevent death and manage symptoms.
Approach To Disease And Health
Functional medicine aims to promote health by preventing disease.
Conventional medicine focuses on controlling health by managing disease.
Source Of Approach
The Functional Medicine approach is based on the latest medical research. Much of the study is funded independently.
Orthodox medicine is also based on medical research. Pharmaceutical companies fund much of the study.
What Do You Think?
Do you agree or disagree with the review of Functional medicine vs Conventional medicine?
Have I missed any differences?
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below.
Do You Need Help?
Suppose you need help and live in Ottawa. In that case, I suggest you book a free functional medicine discovery session in person or via video to determine whether my Functional medicine approach fits your needs.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please do not apply this information without first speaking with your doctor.