Functional Medicine: What are the Different Types?

Functional medicine is a form of health care which uses a biology-based approach to identify the root cause behind a patients’ health concerns, and curate an individualised form of treatment for them.

There are many different types of functional medicine which patients can choose to undergo to address their health concerns. Most are usually drug-free and natural, and focus on treating health problems at their source, and not to simply mask their symptoms. Read on to learn more about a few different types of functional medicine.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic is a form of functional medicine and body-based technique which uses a hands-on approach to adjust and manipulate areas of the spine to improve musculoskeletal health. It is a natural, manual treatment and is often used to address chronic pains (such as bain pain and neck pain) as well as correct postures to relieve the body of stress and fatigue.

Chiropractic may be performed in conjunction with other treatments - such as with traditional western medicine when treating sports injuries as a form of rehabilitation - or may be considered as the primary form of health care as well. In addition to performing spinal adjustments, chiropractors may also recommend simple stretches and exercises to help patients recover from their musculoskeletal health concerns.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is another form of functional medicine which involves a whole range of different activities to stimulate and connect the body, mind and spirit. It may include acupressure, colour therapy, emotional release techniques, homeopathy, nutritional changes and counselling among other forms of health care.

Kinesiology focuses on healing the entire body - rather than specific parts of it - and aims to correct imbalances within the body by improving their physique, brain chemistry, emotions and nutritional health. Kinesiology may help with mental issues such as learning difficulties, fears, addictions, relationship problems and hormonal disorders.

There are many different types of functional medicine, all of which have varying purposes and histories. Be sure to visit a health practitioner for a recommendation before undergoing any form of functional medicine or health care treatment.