7 Benefits of Combining Functional Medicine with Chiropractic Care
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Merging chiropractic with functional medicine has become very common as an overall approach to improving overall health. Both modalities, although rooted in treating the body as a whole, have their method of addressing various health problems. Functional medicine aims to identify the root causes of disease and illness, while chiropractic addresses spinal and nervous system well-being. Together, these treatments can work synergistically to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness. The following seven are advantages of merging functional medicine with chiropractic treatment for holistic health management.
1. Increased Pain Relief and Management
Chronic pain has the potential to affect the quality of life severely, and usually, it is a consequence of many factors. Chiropractic treatment is well known for pain relief qualities through spinal adjustments, enhancing alignment and reducing nerve interference. Functional medicine, on the other hand, addresses underlying issues such as nutritional deficiency, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance. Together, when used in conjunction with each other, these two therapies offer a complete solution that not only targets pain but also works to eliminate the source of causes of discomfort, ensuring long-term relief.
2. Improved Digestive Health
The digestive system is central to overall well-being, and imbalances are responsible for most conditions like bloating, constipation, and food intolerance. Functional medicine considers an individualized approach via diet, gut microbiome, and digestive enzymes to consider the possible contributors that might be disrupting digestion. Chiropractic supports this by balancing nerve function, particularly the gut-brain axis, which controls the mechanisms of digestion. By working together, the two practices are able to balance the digestive system, and individuals feel enhanced digestion and improved nutrient absorption.
3. Immune System Support
There is a need for a healthy immune system to ward off infections and enjoy overall well-being. Functional medicine checks the immune system through lab tests to determine any deficiencies or imbalances, and according to that, practitioners can prescribe individual supplements and dietary modifications. Chiropractic care boosts immune function by keeping the nervous system in proper function, as the spine governs immune function. These therapies combined strengthen the immune system, rendering illness less probable and increasing the body’s ability to heal.
4. Better Mental Clarity and Concentration
Mental cloudiness, inability to concentrate, and fatigue are common complaints that can get in the way of productivity and quality of life. Functional medicine addresses concerns such as blood sugar imbalance, nutrient deficiency, and stress levels, all of which contribute to mental fatigue. Chiropractic care can help by relieving stress and tension in the body, which tends to affect the nervous system and cognitive function. Together, these therapies can regain mental acuity, enhance concentration, and enhance overall cognitive function, making individuals feel more alert and active in their daily lives.
5. Hormonal Balance and Wellness
Hormonal imbalances can have a great impact on physical and emotional well-being and encompass symptoms such as mood swings, weight changes, and fatigue. Functional medicine measures hormone levels through blood testing and provides customized treatment protocols that can include changes in diet, supplements, or lifestyle. Chiropractic care encourages hormonal balance by enhancing the effectiveness of the nervous system, which governs much of the body’s functions, including hormonal function. The combination of both therapies can lead to better regulation of hormones, better mood, and increased energy.
6. Reduced Stress and Enhanced Relaxation
Chronic stress may cause a range of physical and mental health problems, from tension in the muscles and headaches to anxiety and sleep disorders. Functional medicine addresses the physical effect of stress by assessing factors such as cortisol level, nutrient status, and adrenal function. Chiropractic care reduces the physical effect of stress by promoting relaxation through spinal manipulation and soft tissue techniques. When combined, functional medicine and chiropractic care provide a balanced approach to stress management, helping to relax the body and reduce anxiety, and overall health.
7. Overall Health Optimization
Maybe the most significant benefit of combining functional medicine with chiropractic care is maximum overall health. Functional medicine addresses certain areas of concern through lifestyle modifications, diet, and supplement protocols, while chiropractic care attempts to enhance the spine’s structure and optimize nerve function. For example, a visit to a chiropractor in Seattle can improve spinal alignment, which improves brain-body communication and results in better health. All of these therapies together offer an integrated, proactive approach to maintaining health, preventing illness, and promoting longevity.
Conclusion
The combination of functional medicine with chiropractic offers an integrated, holistic approach to health and wellness. By addressing the root causes of disease and augmenting the body’s internal healing potential, these therapies synergistically augment pain management, gastrointestinal function, immune status, and more. Through individually tailored treatment regimens that address unique individual needs, this interrelated system can help individuals achieve better health outcomes and greater quality of life. Whether it’s relief from long-term pain, stress reduction, or optimizing well-being overall, the combination of chiropractic treatment and functional medicine is a viable solution.
Sources
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance
