Unlike Western medicine, functional medicine seeks to find the root cause of illness rather than masking symptoms. It also looks at how all the body’s systems work together. Often, problems in one system are caused by a different problem in another part of the body. For example, a hormonal imbalance may contribute to digestive issues and vice versa. Getting to the bottom of these issues can help you improve your overall health and well-being.

Functional medicine practitioners are trained to look at a person’s entire health picture, including their lifestyle, environment, and genetics. They can also use advanced lab testing to assess your body’s underlying function. They believe that a holistic approach to healthcare can provide more effective and lasting results than traditional treatment options, such as prescription medications.

This approach can be ideal for chronic illnesses like autoimmune disease and mood disorders. It is important to note, however, that you should always consult your primary care doctor before seeking a functional medicine practitioner.

A functional medicine austin practitioner can help you treat your symptoms and prevent future problems. They can recommend dietary changes, herbal remedies, and other natural treatments that can help you feel better. These treatments are safe and often more affordable than conventional medical treatments. They are also less invasive and more targeted to your specific needs.

Founded by April Bullock in 2018, the Family Health & Wellness Clinic is a holistic health practice based in Austin, TX. April has been working in women’s health for over 20 years, first as a midwife and later as a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner. Her passion for holistic medicine led her to the study of herbal and homeopathic medicine. She is skilled in integrating the best of western and integrative approaches into her practice of functional medicine.

Lauryn Maltz is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner. She is inspired by her 20+ years of personal and clinical experience, recovering from multiple complex chronic diseases herself. She believes that healing comes from a combination of physical, mental and emotional work. She is committed to bringing her patients a truly unique and personalized approach to wellness, incorporating the latest research into each client’s individual journey.

In this cohort study, the functional medicine model was associated with significantly greater improvements in Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Global Physical Health than propensity score-matched patients at a family health center. These improvements were sustained over 12 months. The authors of this article acknowledge that these findings are likely influenced by ascertainment bias, and longitudinal tracking of patients is needed to confirm the findings. They further recognize that there are unmeasured confounders that were not accounted for in the design of this study.