Recently, I interviewed Laura Dankof. Laura is a functional medicine nurse practitioner, speaker, and author of Seeds for Change: a Path to Health and Healing. The following is an article, written by Laura, that was first published here on www.pathtohealthandhealing.com.
Recently I was interviewed by health coach Julie Smith from www.juliesmithcoaching.com.
We had a frank discussion about what functional medicine is; how this approach to healthcare is different; and why it’s so powerful. Watch the video and for more information on the who, what, what and how of functional medicine read more here.
Who is a functional medicine practitioner?
Examples of practitioners that practice functional medicine can include Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Chiropractors, and Acupuncturists.
What is functional medicine?
Functional Medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease, not just symptom treatment. Functional medicine examines every factor involved including symptoms, genes, environment, and lifestyle factors to treat the causes of disease, not just the symptoms. A functional practitioner will:
- Focus on the root cause of symptoms to guide treatment
- Take a holistic view of the entire body rather than a collection of separate systems
- Examine the body, mind, and spirit connections to determine both physical and emotional aspects of disease
- Aim to improve the body’s innate healing ability
- Partner with patients allowing both parties to actively participate in treatment
Why should I seek out a functional practitioner?
Functional Medicine has been proven to help a wide range of conditions including:
Digestive Disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, acid reflux, leaky gut, chronic infections
Hormonal Problems: thyroid conditions, menstrual irregularity, pre-menstrual syndrome, and menopause
Cardiometabolic Conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions: depression, attention deficit disorder, and migraine headaches
Autoimmune Diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease
Skin Disorders: psoriasis, acne, and eczema
Pain and Fatigue Conditions: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome
How can a functional practitioner help you?
The main goal is to repair and restore the body’s natural ability to heal by restoring system balance. Since each of us is different, our care plans are unique. Care plans may include:
- Lifestyle changes such and diet and exercise
- Stress management tools
- Detoxification programs
- Nutritional supplements
- Botanical rememdies
- Prescription medications
Each plan developed between a patient or client and the functional medicine health professional aims to restore imbalances causing a specific condition or prevent chronic conditions from occurring in the first place. If you are frustrated that you are not being heard, or getting the answers you deserve, I may be able to help. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.pathtohealthandhealing.com.
The author, Laura Dankof, has over 25 years’ experience working in health care. She has guided thousands of people over the years to identify the root cause or causes of their symptoms so they can begin to heal. She offers virtual and in-person consultations to help people heal their gut, balance their hormone and reclaim their health and vitality.
Julie Smith is a certified Life Coach, Leadership Coach and Health Coach. She empowers others to create calm and clarity through work and life transitions. Together, they build confidence, create postive change, and greater well-being so they can lead themselves and the organizations and families they serve. Her clients include purpose-driven professionals, leaders and organizations. 
