The Facts About Functional Medicine

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By treating the individual and not their symptoms, functional medicine practitioners tackle chronic conditions with a comprehensive approach. Here, we discuss everything you need to know—and who you can contact—on your unique medical journey.

What is functional medicine?

A growing branch in the world of alternative medicine, functional medicine relies on the basic principle that every person responds differently to every illness. The biology-based approach addresses the root cause or causes of disease, such as genetic makeup, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices, and combines both modern and traditional treatments.

Why should I consider it?

If you’ve been treated by a primary care doctor or are taking medications for a long-lasting illness without any positive change, functional medicine may be the answer. The most common conditions treated by functional means include diabetes, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and chronic fatigue, among others. Practitioners can offer a customized plan for you with the ultimate goal of permanent relief; the focus is on the patient, not the symptoms.

What are some popular functional treatments?

• Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): For both environmental and food allergens, SLIT (or “allergy drops”) involves the application of small doses of a liquid antigen taken under the tongue. The daily application aims to stop allergy symptoms after three to five years.
• Craniosacral Therapy: A hands-on therapy that relieves pain and tension by gentle manipulations of the skull.
• Infusion Therapy (Myer’s Cocktail): An intravenous vitamin and mineral formula of magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin C to treat acute asthma, migraines, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease, and more.
• Infrared sauna: A type of sauna that uses heat and light to help relax and detoxify the body, clinically proven to help fight cancer, reduce blood pressure, and promote weight loss.

If you’re considering contacting a functional practitioner, check out our resource guide below. Pick up your copy of the February 2019 issue for the print edition of this special section.

Inner Balance Integrative Medicine
65 Walnut Street, Suite 380, Wellesley Hills
781-239-9900 | innerbalancemed.com | Facebook

Inner Balance Integrative Medicine is a primary care office that combines holistic, functional, and traditional medicine to promote wellness, as well as prevent and treat disease. This blend creates a very therapeutic and supportive type of healthcare.

Mint
200 Lincoln Street, Suite 500, Boston
617-426-8029 | mintdds.com

Mint is the home of quality, wellness-focused cosmetic and general dentistry. Their philosophy of excellence includes every aspect of their practice, from customer service, to the safety of their materials, to the appearance of the final result.

The Rothfeld Center
465 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 201, Waltham
345 Court Street #101, Plymouth
781-736-1901 | rothfeldcenter.com | Instagram

Practitioners at the Rothfeld Center have extensive training in identifying the underlying causes of disease and dysfunction. They partner with patients to provide highly individualized diagnostics and treatment in a professional and healing environment.

Whole Family Wellness
10 Converse Place, Suite 101, Winchester
781-721-4585 | kerilayton.com
Facebook |  Twitter

For more than 10 years, Keri Layton, ND, has brought a whole-person approach to healthcare. Dr. Layton, a Bastyr-trained naturopathic doctor, integrates nutrition and herbal and functional medicine to optimize health.