What is Functional Medicine?

As the term “functional medicine” is becoming more recognized in our culture, many people struggle to clearly define exactly what it is. Most people see it as an alternative form of healthcare, and they would be correct. But what does that really mean? Simply put, functional medicine is an approach to health that addresses the underlying cause of disease rather than just treating surface symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners work with the seven nodes of clinical imbalances, taking into account the client’s whole health history, life style factors, as well as their mental, emotional and spiritual health. In examining these areas, the goal is to identify root causes of the client’s symptoms and tailor a personal plan that helps them achieve better balance and overall health.

What is Holistic and Integrative Healthcare?

The terms “holistic” and “integrative” are also popular terms when trying describe an alternative approach to health. The word holistic according to Merriam-Webster means, “relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the individual parts”. When it comes to a person’s health, a holistic approach means the client is examined, treated and honored as a whole person. Yes the physical, but also the mind, emotions and spirit of a person are factored into steps toward healing. The term integrative is defined as, “to form, coordinate or blend into a functioning; to unite with something else.” The idea behind integrative medicine is an openness to blend multiple techniques, skills, practitioners and modalities as it pertains to the client’s needs. It is the belief that the healing approach is not one-size-fits-all and will likely require a team effort.

What is Muscle Response Testing?

Muscle Response Testing (also referred to as Applied Kinesiology), is a non-invasive approach to analyzing the body’s systems to help determine underlying causes of health imbalances. This analysis is done on the surface of the body as it relates to the nervous system and function of the body’s organs and systems. Information is derived by a feedback response from the nervous system indicating where the body needs attention and support. Muscle Response Testing Practitioners work to find areas of stress or malfunction in the body, their root causes and methods of support for bringing the body back into balance. The practitioner and client work together to determine certain supplements, life style changes and emotional support needed to take new steps toward healing.

What is the benefit of doing Emotional Release Techniques?

More than ever, our culture is coming to realize how deeply interwoven our physical and emotional health is. They effect each other profoundly! There are multiple techniques and approaches that can be utilized when working with healing as it pertains to emotions. Often, because of the structure of our society and culture, we just don’t take enough time to deal with emotions. They can get buried for years, even decades and resurface in the form of physical illness, stress, anxiety and mental health issues. Learning how to identify, process and release old trapped emotions is becoming an integral part of over-all healing. Many people experience better overall health, general mood and relief from physical pain and illness when doing some form of emotional release technique or therapy.