One of language’s inherent qualities is the capacity to have more than one way of saying the same thing—or, at least, what might be perceived as the same thing. There seems to be another way of phrasing something in countless cases, which can be helpful for connecting the dots between ideas, or it can result in the feeling that you can’t quite find the right word you’re thinking of between integrative medicine vs functional medicine.
Holistic medicine is no exception, especially when it comes to the connection between your practice, your patients, and the general public who may or may not know a lot about the intricacies of holistic medicine.
That’s why it’s helpful to take a step back to see how people might be referring to holistic medicine, such as integrative medicine or functional medicine, and then dive into the various terminologies to see where they overlap and where they differ.
In this article, we’ll break down a few popular terms for holistic medicine and discuss why it’s relevant that your practice is aware of them, too.
Let’s begin with answering the question: what is integrative medicine and how is it defined?
According to the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, integrative medicine is defined as “healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies.”
They’ve further defined 8 principles of integrative medicine, including points like:
Integrative medicine differs from holistic medicine because it involves a global approach to healing, including Western techniques and Eastern medicines when talking about integrative medicine vs functional medicine.
Integrative medicine is often interchangeably referred to as functional medicine—but this isn’t entirely accurate.
Whereas integrative medicine strives to leverage any kind of medicine, treatment, technique, etc. to help the patient on their wellness journey, functional medicine aims to address the root cause of illness by enabling optimal functions of the body and organs.
The Institute for Functional Medicine explains that “the precise manifestation of each cause [of disease] depends on the individual’s genes, environment, and lifestyle, and only treatments that address the right cause will have lasting benefit beyond symptom suppression.”
Functional medicine differs from integrative medicine in terms of approach; where integrative medicine seeks to utilize a variety of methods and techniques from around the world and different traditions, functional medicine starts with a deep dive into the patient’s individual make-up when talking about integrative medicine vs functional medicine.
Let’s dive into a few other common terms related to holistic medicine and what they mean:
Patient education efforts are always a good idea and can take shape in countless ways; one way is to help define various terminologies for your patients to learn more about holistic medicine.
Articulating the various terms that people might refer to your practice can help them realize the intricacies and multiple facets of the work that you do, which leads to a deeper appreciation and can encourage more dialogue between you and your patients, your patients and the general public.
Gaining an awareness and better understanding of the different phrasings people might have for your practice is also beneficial on the marketing front.
For example, people in your community might be looking for “integrative medicine vs functional medicine” on the internet instead of “holistic medicine”. By knowing this and learning more about your potential clients, you can target those keywords if they resonate with your practice, or, at the very least, you can provide educational material explaining what other terms mean.
Putting yourself in the potential client’s shoes can help you understand their thought process, connect with them in a more meaningful way, and build better relationships.
We know that operating a successful, impactful holistic practice requires a plethora of skill sets, time, creativity, and more. You have to wear many hats, which can get overwhelming and result in mounting frustrations and impatience.
But what choice do you have between integrative medicine vs functional medicine? When it comes to the medical billing and coding process, the burden doesn’t have to fall on your shoulders alone. That’s where Holistic Billing Services is the ace up your sleeve!
With our friendly experts by your side, you’ll enjoy an optimized revenue cycle, accurate claim submissions, prompt payment, and most importantly, more time and energy for your holistic practice.
When considering integrative medicine vs functional medicine, it’s essential to recognize that both approaches have unique strengths. However, for most individuals, integrative medicine offers a broader, more adaptable approach to health. It combines traditional and alternative treatments, creating a personalized care plan that addresses the whole person. On the other hand, functional medicine focuses more on finding the root cause of illness, which is beneficial but may not always be the best fit for everyone. Ultimately, integrative medicine is often better suited for people seeking a well-rounded, holistic approach to their health.
Contact us today to get started!
At Holbie, we offer complete and innovative Holistic Billing Services for acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic providers.
At Holbie, we offer complete and innovative Holistic Billing Services for acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic providers.
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