Just a teeny 2 minute video here which is one of the simplest explanations of the difference between mainstream and functional medicine approaches I have seen. In this case, the chap is discussing a little girl with psoriasis and you can see how the drug approach differs significantly from the detox/re-nourish approach.
I have been asked several times if I am a functional medicine practitioner. The answer is yes and no.
Basically, I used to belong to the IFM (Institute of Functional Medicine) and, if you recall, I started an MSc in functional medicine. I realised, in essence, it is just a new name for the naturopathic/testing and treatment approach I have been using for well over a decade. And it costs a lot of money to be registered. And there is a lot of marketing going on to get you to go on seminars, conferences etc etc. I would love to and I’m sure I would learn much useful stuff, but actually, I decided I would keep up with research and FM knowledge my own way and that I could better spend my time and money continuing what I was already doing.
The reason I like this video is right at the end really where he says it is not really rocket science. You take the clues from the case, you remove the factors you think are causing the harm and you add in all the stuff to encourage the body to right itself. I’m not saying that is an easy or quick thing to do, but the approach itself is a simple and positive one, and very different to the drugs/surgery approach of mainstream medicine.
Note, too, that the key in this case was food sensitivity (inc gluten) and leaky gut. It is in many chronic cases with other factors added on top. The trick is finding and dealing with them.
Anyway, have a look at the very quick video if you like. Just thought it might answer some of those questioners about the difference between what I do and what an FM practitioner does. Not a lot really; they have pretty forms, expensive books, printed protocols and such but the approach is very similar 🙂
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