We often talk about regular and alternative. Alternatively, you may immediately have a frightening image. As far as we are concerned, it is an unfortunate classification and name. In addition to 'regular' or conventional medicine, there are a number of medical movements that look at the person as a whole. This often concerns holistic, functional or integrative medicine (also known as holistic, functional and integrative medicine). But what does this mean? Is there a difference? And what does it really matter?
The three terms at a glance
All three terms are based on the fact that our body is a whole, a complex system and not a collection of separate organs or bodily functions. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but we can make some distinctions. In holistic medicine, the emphasis is on the interconnection between physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of well-being. With the holistic lens, health is viewed integrally, all aspects are important. Hence also an integrated view, or integral medicine.
Both functional and integrative medicine are based on this broad vision. Yet they have a slightly different approach route. Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of disease. Often through detailed tests and targeted and personalized interventions. Integrative medicine often uses conventional medical practices as a basis and combines them with proven complementary therapies, tailored to the personal situation. Unlike conventional medicine as we know it in Western countries, it looks beyond symptoms to address underlying causes, considers broader lifestyle factors and places more emphasis on prevention and strengthening the body's self-healing capacity.
How they differ from each other in practice
Although they have a similar vision, some nuances can be distinguished. Various methods are used within the holistic or integrated approach, all to optimize the connection between body, mind and soul. Traditional medicine from various cultures is also sometimes used. Functional medicine often uses specific studies to determine the cause and provides personalized lifestyle advice based on science - often using supplements, herbs and, where necessary, medication. In addition to the conventional approach, integrative medicine uses additional proven effective methods such as acupuncture, mindfulness, osteopathy, etc.
They are not competing philosophies but all contain valuable insights from different angles.
Below is a small overview of the three concepts:
| Aspect | Holistic / IntegralMedicine | Functional Medicine | Integrative Medicine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Well-being of the whole person in all dimensions | Analysis of underlying causes and biochemical imbalances | Combination of conventional and complementary approaches |
| Relationship to conventional medicine | Can stand alone | Close cooperation with conventional system | Explicitly integrates conventional medicine |
| Diagnostic approach | No specific techniques, often based on the story and clinical picture | Extensive history and often specific laboratory tests | Mix of conventional diagnostics and alternative assessments |
| Focus of treatment | Balance between body, mind and soul | Targeted nutritional and lifestyle interventions | Scientifically substantiated selections from multiple systems |
| Educational background | Varied | Often conventionally trained with specialized additional training | Typically conventionally trained with additional training |
The Ideal Combination for Your Situation
For some diseases and complaints, conventional medical interventions remain essential. Rapid assessment and treatment is necessary, especially in acute situations. However, for sustainable health, chronic disease management and prevention, a broader approach is needed. This may involve identifying underlying physiological imbalances from functional medicine, addressing influencing factors through holistic approaches, and integrating proven complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments. In regular medicine, there are more and more professionals who need a broader approach and use it wherever the system allows. Whatever combination you make to tackle your situation, the most important thing is that you take ownership and experience over your own health. No medical approach can succeed without paying attention to your health and the choices you make on a daily basis.
Healing is an Art
It is an art to choose the right person, the right approach at the right time. That may sound like abracadabra, but it is really possible. For this it is essential to see someone for who he/she is within a context, a person with his/her own wishes, norms and habits. So no protocols work. But a guide to help you navigate the complex terrain of health and healing. Being that guide, that is Practice's mission.
