An Intro to Functional Medicine’s Approach to Finding the Root Cause of Your Symptoms
Clinically reviewed by Functional Medicine Doctor Dr. Indra Barathan.
With functional medicine creating waves in the health industry, it offers a fresh perspective on healthcare that's as invigorating as it is transformative. By shifting the focus from symptoms to root causes, this patient-centred approach empowers both practitioners and patients. It’s an invitation for you to take an active role in the state of your wellbeing, and by understanding the principles and practices of functional medicine you can make informed decisions about your health and start your journey toward optimal wellness.
But, what is functional medicine exactly and how does it work? And how is this modality, with its holistic lens and in-depth health screening, able to get to the core of your health symptoms that have felt like unresolved mysteries before? In this article we bring you a deep dive into the core principles, potential life-changing benefits, and practical applications of functional medicine so you can feel prepared for your first consultation.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is quickly gaining traction in the UK, and overseas in the US, as an effective healthcare approach that addresses the root causes of illness and chronic conditions. It is a patient-centred, science-based approach that emphasises the interconnectedness of the body's systems. The leading educational Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) describes it as “a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual’s illness.” IFM also advocates for a much more personalised approach, recognising that ‘precise manifestation of each cause [of disease] depends on the individual’s genes, environment, and lifestyle’. According to the IFM, this personalised method allows practitioners to ‘identify and understand the underlying or root causes of disease’ and develop tailored treatment plans that promote optimal health and well-being.
Dr Indra Barathan, a UK-based functional medicine doctor, shares her take on the benefits of functional medicine’s approach: “Functional medicine empowers patients to take control of their health by addressing the root causes of their symptoms, rather than just treating the surface. It’s a deeply personalised and holistic approach, helping people achieve lasting vitality and balance in their lives.”
The Core Principles of Functional Medicine
The functional medicine approach focuses on identifying reasons for suboptimal health and implementing personalised solutions using clinical learnings and the latest science. The practice of functional medicine is built upon five core principles:
Biochemical Individuality.
The acknowledgment that each person is unique, and treatment plans must be personalised to meet their specific needs
Patient-Centred Care
Patients are at the centre of the treatment process, with a strong emphasis on active participation and collaboration
Your Body’s Innate Intelligence to Return to Balance
Functional medicine acknowledges the body's ability to self-regulate and maintain balance
Web-Like Connections
The interconnectedness of the body's systems is recognised and treatment programmes go to a deeper level to address the root causes of health issues instead of treating symptoms at the superficial level.
Health As Positive Vitality
Functional medicine encourages the pursuit of optimal health, rather than merely the absence of disease. Its aim is to unlock your body’s innate intelligence to heal and allow you to live life to the fullest.
What Is It Like to Follow A Functional Medicine Treatment Programme?
When you decide to go see a functional medicine practitioner the process will likely be very different from what you’re used to in the conventional sense. And practitioners are used to seeing people who have exhausted any and every conventional option before coming to see them.
To start with, your initial consultation with a functional medicine practitioner includes an extensive consultation, with the practitioner taking as much time as needed to fully document your health details. They’ll gather detailed information about your health history, lifestyle, and symptoms. And this can also include tracing it all the way back to your family’s health history and previous life events that might have had an impact on your health over the years.
After gathering all of this information, your functional medicine doctor will decide which tests are applicable to investigate the root cause of your specific symptoms, and how to optimise so you can reach your health goals. This may include testing for genetic markers, hormonal health, stress levels, fertility or gut health.
After this first consultation and once the test results are in, your practitioner will design a personalised treatment programme for you based on your individual needs. This is quite an immersive experience, and a programme may involve lifestyle modifications, nutritional counselling, targeted supplements, and stress management techniques. To keep track of how this programme is working for you, regular follow-up consultations are crucial for monitoring progress, adjusting treatment plans, and ensuring you stay on track to achieve your health goals.
It’s also common for functional medicine practitioners to work alongside a multi disciplinary team of clinicians and health practitioners, from yoga teachers, to nutritional therapists, health coaches, psychologists and bodyworkers. This way, you’ll be able to improve your health from all different angles and reap the long-term benefits of the holistic health approach.
Finding a Functional Medicine Practitioner in the UK
The good news is that most functional medicine practitioners offer their services online, giving you more flexibility and choice when it comes to finding the right practitioner for you. Make sure you research potential practitioners and their qualifications before booking a consultation, and look for practitioners who are certified and have been trained by reputable organisations, such as the Institute for Functional Medicine.
On Circe, you can book your treatment with expert functional medicine practitioners - easily online. All practitioners on Circe are certified, registered with a regulatory organisation and vetted by our team. They also offer payment plans, various programme options, and work in both group and individual settings.
