FUNCTIONAL
MEDICINE
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual.
The Functional Medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness. It requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors and leverages that data to direct personalized treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes.
By addressing root cause, rather than symptoms, practitioners become oriented to identifying the complexity of disease. They may find one condition has many different causes and, likewise, one cause may result in many different conditions. As a result, Functional Medicine treatment targets the specific manifestations of disease in each individual.
What is a Functional Medicine Health Coach?
Functional Medicine Health Coaches make the difference between inaction and action. Functional Medicine Health Coaches know there’s more to a healthy lifestyle than fad diets and unsustainable exercise regimens. There’s a gap between what clients know they need to do to be healthy and the intrinsic motivation they need to actually make and sustain those changes. Coaches bridge that gap. Functional Medicine Health Coaches use Functional Medicine principles & positive psychology coaching techniques:
Educate clients and help them understand their doctor’s plan of care
Offer tools and accountability when clients implement new lifestyle changes
Motivate clients using positive psychology techniques
Guide clients through dietary changes, food plans, and physical activity protocols
Lead clients through group coaching sessions on specific topics
Work directly with the client’s practitioner when appropriate
Celebrate successes and encourage progress