What Is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine uses comprehensive clinical, biological and diagnostic testing techniques to find and address the root causes of chronic illnesses. Typical Western medicine, on the other hand, uses pharmaceutical medications to suppress symptoms rather than finding and addressing the root cause. Functional medicine, also known as the biomedical approach, considers any and all of the following factors as causes of chronic illness such as these:
Functional medicine can and has been used to heal children from:
In This Expert Interview
Key Discussions
Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine
Functional medicine excels in addressing chronic conditions by focusing on root causes, patient-practitioner partnerships, and holistic care—unlike the conventional model, which is strong in acute, urgent care but often fails when symptoms persist or become complex.
Root Causes and Systems Approach
Functional medicine uses a systems-oriented approach to investigate foundational factors such as genetics, environmental exposures, lifestyle, stress, nutrition, and relationships, aiming to identify and address the “roots” beneath symptoms rather than just treating individual symptoms (“leaves”).
Empowerment and Personalization in Health
The most effective healing occurs when patients are empowered stakeholders in their own care, with proactive, predictive, and personalized approaches that are tailored to individual thresholds and preferences for change.
The Importance of Continuing Education and Questioning the Status Quo
Practitioners and patients are encouraged to remain lifelong learners, question existing paradigms, explore alternative healing modalities, and be aware of the biases and funding behind medical research in order to make informed, holistic decisions.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Functional medicine practice
07:17 Empowering patients through functional medicine
13:26 Holistic approach to medical diagnosis
20:00 Discussing pregnancy and emotional impact
23:19 Discussing patient interaction and touch
26:47 Blue zones and community living
32:03 Challenges in functional medicine
38:23 Building a Lyme support community
47:46 Alternative medicine and scientific bias
53:10 Helping serious wellness seekers
01:05:42 Functional medicine certification process
01:14:30 Parenting through health challenges
01:18:26 Discussing muscle testing training
01:24:19 Connecting with a hopeful community
About Jennifer Boyd PA
Jennifer Boyd PA graduated Summa Cum Laude from the prestigious PA program at LIU/Brooklyn Hospital after a career in international business development and an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University.
Jennifer has multiple post-graduate certifications and has completed professional coursework in Functional Medicine, Biological Medicine, Darkfield Microscopy, Biological Terrain Analysis, Lyme Literacy, and Organic Land Management. She has also earned her Master designation as a Reiki professional.
Jennifer is the owner of Boyd Wellness, a holistic practice for patients engaged in the serious pursuit of wellness. She is a sought-after speaker and guest of national radio programs and contributor to various on-line magazines as well as a “Green Diva” correspondent.
You can find out more about her work at her website: https://boydwellness.com/
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