The Functional Medicine Approach to Healthcare
Functional medicine focuses its efforts on determining how and why illness occurs, and then restoring health by addressing the root cause of the disease. Functional medicine is unique in that it views the body as a complete system (as opposed to multiple autonomous parts and systems). It recognizes that every part of the body is inextricably linked and must be addressed accordingly.
“Functional Medicine is a science-based, personalized healthcare approach that assesses and treats underlying causes of illness through individually-tailored therapies to restore health and improve function.”
- Dr. Mark Hyman
“There is no ‘disease’ in the body, only dis-ease. The origin is always unique – always.”
- Dr. Jeffrey Bland
Strengths of Functional Medicine
Sustainable
Minimal risk of adverse side effects
Empowers the client to take control of his or her own health
Restores health, rather than merely treating symptoms
Personalized to the individual
The Seventh Hand Wellness Approach to Healthcare
At Seventh Hand Wellness, we use the principles of Functional Medicine to address each person’s health and wellness. We utilize thorough health histories, advanced diagnostic testing, and extensive evaluation and reevaluation to discover and address root causes. We emphasize diet and lifestyle as the primary tools for wellness. We take a long-term approach that considers all of the second and third order effects of the health decisions that we make.
We approach each person as an individual and unique “house.” Like our bodies, the elements of a house do not exist in isolation, but depend on one another to maintain the structure and the functionality of the house. Even though you may enjoy a really great window to sit and take in a sunrise, you cannot go straight to the window, but rather you must build the foundation, the frame, the roof, and all of the other elements that are necessary for that beautiful window to actually be the experience that you dream of and desire.
Likewise, you are a complete person that is wonderfully created and knit together for a purpose. We use the Pillars of Health to assess and guide our efforts to build your health into something that will not only last, but will support and enable you to pursue your purpose.
The Pillars of Health
Purpose
“Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter.”
- D.L. Moody
Pillars
The pillars are the six broad dynamics that determine the quality of our physical and mental well-being. They are interconnected and work together to support our purpose.
Improving one pillar benefits the others
Problems in one pillar can lead to problems in other pillars
Over-developing one pillar comes at the expense of the others
One (or more) pillar cannot carry the load of another pillar
Foundation
“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occured, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.”
- Luke of Antioch, 1st century physician