At the Epigenetics Healing Center, we always get asked — “What is Epigenetics?”. Many patients get Epigenetics (Functional Medicine) confused with natural medicine or even traditional medicine. How is Functional Medicine different from Traditional or Natural Medicine? The absolute truth of the matter is that functional, traditional, and natural medicine are all completely different worlds and approaches to relief.
What is Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine is what Americans have become used to over many years. This is when you go to your doctor’s office when you’re not feeling well, he or she finds out what disease is causing this, and then they prescribe you a medicine to combat the symptoms.
With more permanent diseases like asthma, you are prescribed medicine for life like an inhaler. Below are some of the characteristics of traditional medicine many have become used to:
- Views the Body as a Collection of Parts
Each body part has its own special doctor. (IE – Cardiologist, Dermatologist, etc.)
- Devalues Patient Insight
Patient participation is often discouraged, education to the patient is limited, and your practitioner often seems rushed to diagnose and leave.
- Medicinal and Procedural Side Effects
Additional issues or trauma can arise from the prescribed medicine or procedures that traditional doctor’s suggest
- Relies Almost Strictly on Drugs & Surgeries
With centuries of knowledge traditional doctors still almost strictly prescribed drugs and surgeries. The big money makers.
- Treats Symptoms
Traditional Medicine is reactive, combating diseases after they’ve become so diminishing that they can no longer be ignored.
What is Natural Medicine (Naturopathy)
Natural Medicine, also referred to as Naturopathy, is an alternative form of medicine from the traditional method of healing. Many consider natural medicine to be the stepping stone or first step to modern and traditional medicine practices. Natural Medicine focuses on using herbs to treat symptoms of a disease, and while more economical than traditional medicine, typically takes a back seat to drug therapy that has become more common with traditional medicine.
Since Natural Medicine is seen as the foundation of traditional medicine, it shares some similarities in its characteristics:
- Views the Body as a Collection of Parts
In natural healing, the body is looked at as a sum of its parts. Naturopathic doctors will prescribe herbs and medicines based on your overall health.
- More Affordable than Traditional Medicine
Many patients decide to switch from traditional medicine to naturopathic medicine because of the price point. Herbs are also easier to obtain than prescription drugs.
- Less Potent Side Effects
While natural medicine can still cause side effects, they are typically less severe and invasive than the drugs prescribed by traditional medicine.
- Relies Almost Strictly on Herbs
With centuries of knowledge, naturopathic doctors continue to look strictly towards herbs to address medical concerns.
- Treats Symptoms
Similar to traditional medicine, classic natural medicine is reactive, combating diseases after they’ve become intrusive to one’s lifestyle.
What is Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine is what the Epigenetics Healing Center practices. We’re here not only to find out what’s wrong, most of the time we already know what’s wrong, and honestly, that’s not what’s most important. Functional Medicine and The Epigenetics Healing Center want to find out why — Why you fibromyalgia, why you have rheumatoid arthritis, why you have whatever autoimmune disease you may have. Once we figure out why, by using some of the most in-depth testing that exists in the world, then it becomes pretty darn easy to tell you how to fix things.
You want to get to the root cause, you don’t just want to change the numbers on your lab results with drugs or herbs. Some characteristics of Functional Medicine include:
- Views the Body as a Collection of Parts
In functional medicine, the body is looked at as a sum of its parts. Functional doctors will look at each and every part of you to discover the root cause.
- Values Patient Insight
The patient is empowered to become apart of the healing process. Patient feedback band participation is important. It’s your life, we help you take control of it.
- Little to No Side Effects
Functional medicine is the safest of the listed methods. Patients typically see little to no side effects over the course of their program.
- Relies on Multiple Methods of Healing
Combines the best of traditional, naturopathic, and traditional medicine to build a plan specific to each patient. Focuses on healthy diet and lifestyle.
- Treats the Underlying Cause
Searches for the root or underlying cause of the symptoms instead of just suppressing the symptoms themselves. This leads to more successful and longer lasting results.
The Epigenetics Healing Center Can Help
“I want you to learn to love your life again and enjoy everything without pain, without limitation, and without feeling dependent on the ones you love to take care of you. When you come to The Epigenetics Healing Center, you’re getting to the root cause of your medical issue. You’re getting a permanent solution that is sustainable and lifelong.” – Dr. Goodbinder
The Epigenetics Healing Center is here to find the root cause of your problem. Stop trying to combat your symptoms with drugs or herbs and solve the issue the right way. If you suffer from chronic illness, pain, or other medical ailments Dr. Goodbinder’s program may be the most effective solution you have ever come across. Contact us today!
Are you ready to restore your life?
Dr. Jay Goodbinder ND DC DABCI is a doctor in Kansas City, MO who serves patients in the surrounding Kansas City areas, cities across the United States, and in several countries around the world.