What Does it All Mean?
If you feel a bit confused about the difference between Conventional, Functional, Integrative, Alternative, Holistic, Western, Eastern, and Internal Medicine . . . well, don't feel bad. The reality is that most people (and quite a few doctors) do not understand the difference or how to navigate the often overwhelming world of healthcare choices.
So let's dive in and see if we can make some sense of it all.
Conventional Medicine
Conventional Medicine is a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called Allopathic medicine, Biomedicine, Mainstream Medicine, Orthodox Medicine, and Western Medicine.
Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine doctors use specialized training and techniques to find the root causes of complex illnesses. They may investigate multiple factors causing a condition, or they may look into multiple conditions causing one symptom.
Integrative Medicine
Integrative Medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies.
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine or General Internal Medicine is the medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of internal diseases.
Alternative Medicine
Alternative Medicine can be thought of as a range of medical therapies that are not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession, such as herbalism, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
Holistic Medicine
Holistic Medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person; body, mind, spirit, and emotions in the quest for optimal health and wellness.
At Global Medicine, we provide Internal Medicine from a functional, holistic and integrative approach. With my training, board certification, and licensure, I combine conventional, functional, and alternative medicine. Together we will determine a plan of health that combines all of these medical traditions into a customized program just for you.
