Functional medicine is a personalized approach to medical care that looks for the root causes of a patient’s illness. It involves a thorough examination of the different factors that can contribute to a disease, and arrests the development of that disease and its consequence without giving the patient excessive medication.
In a recent health forum held at Centuria Medical Makati entitled “Heart Health, Beyond Cholesterol and Your Medications,” functional medicine practitioner Dr. Stanley Chua talked about what his clinic, The Center for Functional Medicine, can offer for a healthy heart and a happy life ahead.
Doctor and patient work together to dig deep and find out the underlying causes of the illness. After a series of examinations, it can be revealed that the patient’s heart ailment is a result of complex health imbalances such as a stressful environment plus a history of the disease in the family.
Once the doctor completes the diagnosis, he will then develop a personalized program, specifically designed for the patient, to bring the patient to his optimal health. The doctor can incorporate lifestyle changes, nutrition balancing, supplements, stress reduction activities and exercises to restore the health of the heart.
Functional Medicine was introduced in the 1990s by Dr. Jeffrey Bland. It has gained popularity as of late for its effectiveness and efficacy. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines, so far, has the highest number of doctors specializing in functional medicine.
For functional medicine doctors, this practice is a mission. Certainly, the patient and the doctor need to work together to achieve the desired result.
“The average length of treatment that yields highly favorable result takes about a year. It is long but it’s worth it,” he said.
The Center for Functional Medicine is at Unit 2212, Centuria Medical Makati, Century City, Kalayaan Ave. corner Salamanca St., Makati City. Visit www.functionalmedicine.com.ph, e-mail [email protected]; call 5467945.
