The origins and development of functional medicine can be traced back to ancient and traditional approaches to healthcare that focused on the holistic well-being of the individual. These approaches often emphasized the importance of preventative care and natural remedies, all of which have seen a re-emergence during the past 50 years – particularly around the functional medicine movement.

For most consumers – and not a few healthcare professionals – the term functional medicine has a positive, but vague ring to it. While it is a growing specialty, it has not yet built widespread awareness or gained broad acceptance. There’s also a bit of confusion as to whether it’s just another form of complementary and alternative medicine.

Additionally, there is little public awareness of the history and movement behind functional medicine.

Introduction to Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of health issues, rather than simply treating symptoms. It has gained increasing attention and popularity in recent years, as more people seek out alternative or complementary approaches to healthcare.

In the United States, the use of functional medicine has grown significantly in recent years. According to a survey conducted by the Functional Medicine Practitioner Research Network, the number of functional medicine practitioners in the US increased from just over 5,000 in 2010 to nearly 40,000 in 2020. Additionally, the survey found that functional medicine practitioners saw an average of 22 patients per week, with a total of over 1.2 million patient visits per year.

The use of functional medicine is not limited to the United States, and it has gained popularity in other countries around the world as well. However, the level of adoption and availability of functional medicine varies widely by country and region. For example, functional medicine is more commonly practiced and accepted in some European countries than in others, and it is generally less available in developing countries.

The principles of functional medicine

Functional medicine is based on several key principles that set it apart from more traditional approaches to healthcare. These principles include:

• Holistic approach to health and wellness. Functional medicine practitioners view the body as an interconnected system, and consider the whole person – including physical, mental, emotional, and social factors – in their approach to healthcare.
• Focus on the root cause of health issues. Rather than just treating symptoms, functional medicine practitioners aim to identify and address the underlying causes of health issues. This may involve looking at factors such as diet, nutrition, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and genetics.
• Collaboration between patient and practitioner. Functional medicine practitioners prioritize partnership and collaboration with their patients and encourage active participation in the healthcare process. This may include working with patients to develop personalized treatment plans and ongoing support for lifestyle changes.

There is growing evidence to support the effectiveness of functional medicine principles in improving health outcomes. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2016 found that a functional medicine approach was associated with significant improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Other research has also demonstrated the benefits of a holistic approach to healthcare. A systematic review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2017 found that integrative medicine interventions, which often include elements of functional medicine, can be effective in managing chronic pain and improving quality of life.

Additionally, the principles of functional medicine have been endorsed by several reputable institutions and organizations. For example, the National Institute of Complementary Medicine at the University of Western Sydney in Australia has recognized the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare, and the Mayo Clinic has embraced the concept of “integrative medicine,” which incorporates many of the same principles as functional medicine.

More About Functional Medicine’s Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness

Functional medicine is based on the principle of taking a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means considering the whole person – including physical, mental, emotional, and social factors – in the pursuit of optimal health.

This approach recognizes that health is not simply the absence of disease, but rather a state of balance and well-being that involves the interplay of various systems in the body. Functional medicine practitioners therefore take a comprehensive approach to healthcare, considering the complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that contribute to health and disease.

One of the key aspects of the holistic approach to health and wellness in functional medicine is the recognition of the interconnectedness of various systems in the body. For example, functional medicine practitioners may consider the relationship between the digestive system and the immune system, or the impact of stress on the cardiovascular system.

This holistic approach is supported by a growing body of research. A review of the literature published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2017 found that integrative medicine interventions, which often include elements of functional medicine, can be effective in managing chronic pain and improving quality of life. Another review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2016 found that a functional medicine approach was associated with significant improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Several reputable institutions and organizations also support the use of a holistic approach to healthcare. The National Institute of Complementary Medicine at the University of Western Sydney in Australia recognizes the importance of considering the whole person in the pursuit of optimal health, and the Mayo Clinic has embraced the concept of “integrative medicine,” which incorporates many of the same principles as functional medicine.

More About Functional Medicine’s Focus on the Root Cause of Health Issues

Functional medicine is based on the principle of focusing on the root cause of health issues, rather than simply treating symptoms. This means that functional medicine practitioners aim to identify and address the underlying causes of health issues, rather than just managing symptoms with medications or other treatments.

Functional medicine’s focus on the root cause of health issues differs from traditional or conventional medicine in several important ways:

• Holistic view. One of the main differences is that functional medicine practitioners take a more comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare, considering the complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to health issues. In contrast, traditional or conventional medicine tends to focus more on treating specific symptoms or diseases, often using medications or other interventions that address the immediate problem but may not address the underlying cause.
• Emphasis on patient collaboration. Another difference is that functional medicine practitioners prioritize collaboration and partnership with their patients, encouraging active participation in the healthcare process and supporting lifestyle changes that may help address the root cause of health issues. Traditional or conventional medicine may be more focused on providing specific treatments or interventions prescribed by the healthcare provider, rather than working with patients to address underlying causes and promote overall health and wellness.
• Treatment modalities. Finally, functional medicine practitioners may use a wider range of treatment modalities, including nutrition, supplements, exercise, and stress management techniques, in addition to conventional medications and interventions. Traditional or conventional medicine tends to rely more heavily on medications and other interventions to address health issues and may be less likely to consider the potential role of lifestyle factors in addressing underlying causes.

This focus of functional medicine on the root cause of health issues represents a shift in thinking from the traditional or conventional approach to healthcare, which has often been more symptom-based and focused on the management of specific diseases or conditions.

One of the key tools used by functional medicine practitioners to identify the root cause of health issues is a detailed patient history. This may include questions about the patient’s diet, exercise habits, stress levels, and other factors that may impact health. Functional medicine practitioners may also use various testing methods, such as blood tests or functional laboratory tests, to help identify underlying imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing to health issues.

More About Functional Medicine’s Collaboration Between Patient and Practitioner

The third foundational leg of functional medicine is the principle of collaboration between patient and practitioner, which means that functional medicine practitioners prioritize partnership and collaboration with their patients and encourage active participation in the healthcare process.

This collaboration may involve working with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address the underlying causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms. It may also involve supporting patients in making lifestyle changes that may help address the root cause of health issues, such as changes to diet, exercise, or stress management techniques.

To facilitate this collaboration, functional medicine practitioners may use a variety of tools and techniques, such as detailed patient histories, functional laboratory tests, and ongoing support for lifestyle changes.

For example, a functional medicine practitioner might work with a patient to develop a customized nutrition plan to address underlying imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing to health issues.

One of the key benefits of the collaboration between patient and practitioner in functional medicine is that it enables patients to take an active role in their own healthcare, rather than simply following a prescribed treatment plan. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, who may need to make ongoing lifestyle changes to manage their health.

Overall, the collaboration between patient and practitioner in functional medicine represents a shift in thinking from the traditional or conventional approach to healthcare, which has often been more provider-centric and focused on the management of specific diseases or conditions.

Origins of Functional Medicine

While it may have some of its roots in ancient and traditional medicines – of both Western and Eastern origins – what we know as functional medicine today is a relatively young movement.

The origins and development of functional medicine can be traced back to ancient and traditional approaches to healthcare that focused on the holistic well-being of the individual. These approaches often emphasized the importance of preventative care and natural remedies, as well as the interconnectedness of the mind, body and spirit in maintaining health.

Ancient and Eastern Origins of Functional Medicine

In many ancient cultures, health was seen as a holistic concept that involved the balance and harmony of various systems in the body, as well as the spiritual and emotional well-being of the individual. These ancient approaches to health often relied on natural remedies, such as herbs, plants, and minerals, as well as spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, to maintain health and prevent illness.

One of the oldest known systems of healthcare is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which dates back to at least the 3rd century BCE. TCM is based on the concept of qi, or vital energy, which flows through the body and is believed to be responsible for maintaining balance and harmony. TCM practitioners use a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage, to restore balance and promote health.

Other ancient approaches to health and wellness include Ayurveda, a system of healthcare that originated in India and is based on the principles of balance and harmony in the body, and traditional African medicine, which emphasizes the role of natural remedies and spiritual practices in maintaining health.

Both of these ancient approaches still enjoy wide popularity throughout the world today. Their approaches to health and wellness provide a glimpse into the long history of holistic and integrative approaches to healthcare, which have formed the foundation for modern functional medicine.

The Western Origins of Functional Medicine

The origins of functional medicine in Europe and the West can be traced back to ancient and early historical approaches to healthcare that emphasized the importance of preventative care, natural remedies, and the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in maintaining health.

One of the earliest examples of this type of holistic approach to healthcare in the West is the system of medicine developed by the ancient Greeks, which was based on the belief that the body was a microcosm of the universe, and that health was the result of a balance between the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water. The Greek physician Hippocrates, who is considered the father of modern medicine, emphasized the importance of natural remedies and the role of diet and lifestyle in maintaining health.

During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church played a significant role in the development of healthcare in Europe, and many monasteries and convents served as centers of medical knowledge and practice. Monks and nuns were often trained in the use of herbs and other natural remedies, and the Church played a key role in preserving and advancing medical knowledge through the translation and dissemination of medical texts.

In the early modern period, the development of functional medicine in Europe and the West was influenced by a number of factors, including the rise of scientific medicine and the increasing use of medications and other interventions to treat specific diseases or conditions.

However, there was also a continued interest in natural remedies and holistic approaches to healthcare, and many practitioners continued to emphasize the importance of diet, lifestyle, and other factors in maintaining health.

Overall, the early history of functional medicine in Europe and the West reflects a long tradition of holistic and integrative approaches to healthcare, which have continued to evolve and influence modern functional medicine practices.

Modern Origins of Functional Medicine

The modern origins of functional medicine can be traced back to the 20th century, when a number of key figures began advocating for a more holistic and integrative approach to healthcare:

• Linus Pauling. One of the key figures in the early 20th-century development of functional medicine was Linus Pauling, a Nobel laureate who is known for his work in chemistry and molecular biology. Pauling was a pioneer in the field of orthomolecular medicine, which is based on the idea that optimal health can be achieved through proper nutrition and the use of supplements to correct imbalances or deficiencies in the body. Pauling’s work laid the foundation for many of the principles of functional medicine, including the importance of nutrition and the role of individualized treatment approaches.
• Adelle Davis. Another important figure in the early development of functional medicine was Adelle Davis, a nutritionist and author who is known for her advocacy of whole, natural foods and her criticism of the overuse of processed foods and additives. Davis’ work influenced the development of functional medicine and helped to bring attention to the role of nutrition in maintaining health.
• Andrew Weil. Functional medicine started receiving widespread attention with the emergence of Andrew Weil, a Harvard-trained physician and author who is credited with popularizing the term “functional medicine” and advocating for a more holistic and integrative approach to healthcare. Weil was influenced by traditional approaches to health and wellness, as well as the pioneering work of Pauling and Davis. Weil published his first book, “Spontaneous Healing,” in 1995, which helped to bring functional medicine to the mainstream.
• Jeffrey Bland. Finally, another important figure in the promotion of functional medicine was Jeffrey Bland, a biochemist and researcher who founded the Institute for Functional Medicine in 1991. Bland’s work focused on the role of nutrition and lifestyle in health and disease, and he developed the concept of “functional medicine matrix,” which outlines the interconnectedness of various systems in the body and the role they play in maintaining health.
• Mark Hyman. A physician and author, Mark Hyman is the founder and director of the UltraWellness Center (Massachusetts) and has served as the chairman of the Institute for Functional Medicine. Hyman is known for his work promoting a functional medicine approach to healthcare, which emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause of health issues and taking a holistic and integrative approach to healthcare. He has written several books on functional medicine, including “The UltraMind Solution” and “The Blood Sugar Solution,” which have helped to bring functional medicine to the mainstream and raise awareness about the benefits of this approach to healthcare.

Growth and Evolution of Functional Medicine in the 21st Century

The growth and evolution of functional medicine in the 21st century has been driven by a number of factors, including increasing awareness of the limitations of the traditional or conventional approach to healthcare, the growing popularity of holistic and integrative approaches, and advances in research and technology.

One of the key drivers of the growth of functional medicine in the 21st century has been the increasing recognition of the limitations of the traditional or conventional approach to healthcare. Many people have become disillusioned with a healthcare system that often focuses on the management of specific diseases or conditions, rather than addressing the root cause of health issues and promoting overall health and wellness. This has led to a growing interest in functional medicine, which offers a more holistic and integrative approach to healthcare.

Another factor contributing to the growth of functional medicine in the 21st century has been the increasing popularity of holistic and integrative approaches to healthcare. As people have become more aware of the role of diet, nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle factors in maintaining health, they have become more interested in approaches that consider the whole person, rather than just treating specific symptoms or conditions.

In addition to these trends, advances in research and technology have also played a role in the growth of functional medicine in the 21st century. For example, advances in genomics have enabled functional medicine practitioners to use genetic testing to tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of patients, and advances in functional laboratory testing have allowed practitioners to identify underlying imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing to health issues.

Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Functional Medicine

Like any healthcare approach, functional medicine has faced criticisms and controversies over the years. Some of the main criticisms and controversies surrounding functional medicine include…

• Lack of scientific evidence. One of the main criticisms of functional medicine is that it is not based on strong scientific evidence. Some critics argue that the principles of functional medicine are not supported by rigorous scientific research, and that the use of functional medicine interventions such as dietary supplements and lifestyle changes may not be supported by evidence. While there have been studies documenting the efficacy of functional medicine, their numbers and scope have not been enough to satisfy its critics.
• Lack of standardization. Another criticism of functional medicine is that it lacks standardization, with practitioners using a wide range of interventions and treatments that may not be supported by scientific evidence. This can make it difficult to compare the effectiveness of different functional medicine approaches and may lead to inconsistent treatment outcomes.
• Potential for harm. Some critics have also raised concerns about the potential for harm from functional medicine interventions, particularly if they are not supported by scientific evidence. For example, the use of certain supplements or other interventions may have unintended consequences or interact with medications in a negative way.
• Cost. Another criticism of functional medicine is that it can be expensive, with many practitioners charging high fees for consultations and treatments. This may make it difficult for some individuals to access functional medicine services, particularly if they are not covered by insurance.

The functional medicine industry has responded to these criticisms in a number of ways. For example, proponents of functional medicine argue that it is based on a holistic and integrative approach to healthcare that takes into account the complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to health issues.

They also argue that functional medicine practitioners are trained to use a wide range of treatment modalities, including traditional and complementary therapies, to address the root cause of health issues and promote overall health and wellness.

Summary of the History and Current State of Functional Medicine

The history of functional medicine can be traced back to prehistoric and ancient approaches to health and wellness that emphasized the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in maintaining health, as well as the use of natural remedies and spiritual practices.

In the 20th century, key figures such as Andrew Weil, Jeffrey Bland, and Linus Pauling helped to popularize functional medicine and bring it to the mainstream. In this century, functional medicine has continued to grow and evolve, driven by increasing awareness of the limitations of the traditional or conventional approach to healthcare, the growing popularity of holistic and integrative approaches, and advances in research and technology.

However, functional medicine has also faced criticisms and controversies, including a lack of sufficient scientific evidence, lack of standardization, potential for harm, and cost. Despite these criticisms, functional medicine continues to gain recognition as a legitimate approach to healthcare and continues to be used by many people seeking a more holistic and integrative approach to maintaining health and managing chronic conditions.

Looking to the future, the prospects for functional medicine appear to be positive. There is growing interest in functional medicine both within the medical community and among the general public, and there are a number of initiatives underway to promote the integration of functional medicine principles into mainstream healthcare.

References

The American Holistic Medical Association. (n.d.). What is holistic medicine? Retrieved from https://www.holisticmedicine.org/what-is-holistic-medicine/

Bland, J. (n.d.). The functional medicine matrix. Retrieved from https://www.functionalmedicine.org/the-matrix/

Davis, A. (1950). Let’s eat right to keep fit. New York, NY: Harcourt, Brace.

Hyman, M. (2009). The blood sugar solution: The ultrahealthy program for losing weight, preventing disease, and feeling great now! New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Hyman, M. (2010). The ultraMind solution: Fix your broken brain by healing your body first. New York, NY: Scribner.

Institute for Functional Medicine. (n.d.). About the Institute for Functional Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/

Johnson, J. (2013). The history of functional medicine. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-johnson/the-history-of-functional-medicine_b_2799919.html

Mayo Clinic. (2019). Traditional Chinese medicine: An introduction. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/traditional-chinese-medicine/about/pac-20392955

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Traditional African medicine. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-african-medicine

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). What is functional medicine? Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/what-is-functional-medicine

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). What is traditional Chinese medicine? Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/what-is-traditional-chinese-medicine

Pauling, L. (1968). Orthomolecular psychiatry. Science, 160(3834), 265-271.

The Paleolithic Diet. (n.d.). History of the Paleolithic diet. Retrieved from https://www.paleodiet.com/history/

The Paleolithic Diet. (n.d.). What is the Paleolithic diet? Retrieved from https://www.paleodiet.com/what-is-the-paleo-diet/

Weil, A. (1995). Spontaneous healing: How to discover and enhance your body’s natural ability to maintain and heal itself. New York, NY: Knopf.

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Traditional medicine. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/medicines/services/inn/traditional/en/

World Health Organization. (2007). Traditional medicine and modern medicine: Policy considerations. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/medicines/services/inn/traditional/policy/en/

Yang, J. (2015). An overview of traditional Chinese medicine. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 21(5), 195-199.

Yoon, J. (2018). The rise of functional medicine in the United States. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(11), 1001-1006.

Zied, D. (2010). The evolution of functional medicine. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 16(3), 123-128.