The five basic principles that define functional medicine

1: Functional medicine views us as being genetically and biochemically unique. This personalized approach treats the individual, not the disease. It supports the healing mechanisms of the body, rather than attacking the body.

2: Functional medicine is science based. The research shows us that what happens within us is connected in a complicated balance or cascade of hormonal and biochemical changes. Understanding those relationships allows us to see deep into the functioning of the body.

3: Your body has an innate intelligence and has the capacity for self-regulation to establish a dynamic balance of all your body systems.

4: Your body is self-healing and can prevent nearly all the diseases of aging.

5: Health is not just the absence of disease. It is a state of vitality and vibrant living, not a "within normal limits" lab test.

How is functional medicine different? Instead of asking, "what drug matches up with this disease," functional medicine asks the vital questions that few medical physicians ask: "why do you have this problem," "why has function been lost," and "what can we do together to restore function?" In other words, functional medicine looks to find the root cause or mechanism involved with any loss of function, this reveals why symptoms are there, or why the patient has a particular disease label.

A unique aspect of our clinic is that we encompass acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathic and functional medicine. On your first visit with us we do a thorough history, physical examination and order additional lab work that may be needed to correctly define the underlying cause of your health issues. We guide your care with what is discovered with these processes while utilizing the various options we offer for care: acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathic, functional medicine, herbal medicine and vitamin/mineral therapies.

This content was adapted or modified from Mindbodygreen.com.

Jerry Bailey is a chiropractic physician, certified acupuncturist and a functional medicine provider. he holds a masters of science in nutrition and functional medicine. He is also a professor of neuro-endocrinology at the University of Western States in the Masters of Science in nutrition and functional medicine. bailey works with patients on their health issues including IBS, Crohn's, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hormone imbalances, stress, fatigue, chronic pain/fibromyalgia, headaches along with back pain, neck pain and arm/leg pain. Visit www.lakesideholistic.com for more information.