You might be aware of some of the many physical benefits which can be achieved through functional medicine. But what might surprise you is the mental and emotional health benefits that functional medicine can also deliver. Functional medicine takes an evidence-based approach to helping understand the root causes of brain dysfunction rather than just addressing the symptoms. Through comprehensive testing and individualised treatments which take a holistic approach, functional medicine has the ability to greatly improve your mental and emotional health in a long-lasting way.
How is functional medicine different to conventional medicine for mental and emotional health?
Conventional medicine views medication as a quick fix for many disorders and diseases and most specialists are trained to only treat one part of the body. For example, psychiatrists treat symptoms associated with the brain but are not trained on the body’s other vital systems which are all linked to it. The number of people who are being prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs is skyrocketing across the western world.
However, these medications merely attempt to treat the symptoms of mental health disorders and don’t always have long-lasting effects. They can also have unwanted side effects, from headaches to stomach aches, loss of libido and dizziness. Many people can spend years on these medications – which they become reliant on – without ever coming close to finding the root cause of their issues. Functional medicine is different. It aims to identify and address the root causes of disorders and diseases through viewing the body as one integrated system. Functional medicine treats the whole system rather than just the symptoms. When all parts of the system are functioning at optimal levels, the chances of poor mental and emotional health are much lower. Finding and addressing the root cause can not only leave you physically healthier but also much happier – all with a more long-term effect than medication and without the other unwanted side effects.
What can cause poor mental and emotional health?
There could be any number of contributing factors to a patient experiencing poor mental and emotional health. Some such causes could include a hormone imbalance, elevated levels of inflammation in the body, a build-up of harmful toxins or even addictive biochemistry. Through consultation and comprehensive testing, functional medicine specialists work to pinpoint such issues and will develop an individualised plan for you to address them. Solutions could include things like nutrient therapy, dietary recommendations, exercise recommendations and changes in habits or environment.
Follow these plans to address some of root issues in your body and you could quickly see improvements in your mental and emotional health.
Functional medicine specialist in Melbourne
If you want to experience the mental and emotional health benefits that functional medicine can deliver, contact Luke Clarke today. Luke is a Functional Medical Practitioner and Naturopath with decades of experience, who has helped countless patients get to the bottom of their mental and emotional health issues and help turn them around. Based in Melbourne, Luke Clarke offers a free 10-minute consultation to get you started.
Book your appointment today by calling 03 8820 0010.