"Test results show everything is normal."
When facing unexplained chronic fatigue and pain, hearing this sentence can feel devastating.
In such cases, exploring Functional Medicine might be a viable option.
Just because you don't have a diagnosed disease doesn't necessarily mean you're in optimal health.
While conventional medicine focuses on creating a "disease-free state," functional medicine aims to achieve "your best possible state of vitality."
Where Does Your Health Stand?
When you think of 'medical care,' you might picture yourself on an operating table.
However, medicine exists on a broad spectrum—from conventional medicine that addresses symptomatic 'diseases' to complementary and alternative therapies outside this system.
Understanding this spectrum and applying the right treatment approach for your body is essential.
The Medicine Spectrum: From Conventional to Functional
The spectrum can be divided as follows:
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Conventional Medicine:
Uses proven standard treatments (medications, surgery) to resolve disease symptoms.
This is the standard medical system in most countries and is highly effective for acute conditions. It aims to guarantee a certain level of 'verified answers' regardless of who treats you or where you receive treatment.
However, this approach can be limited when dealing with individual conditions and constitutions that don't fit average data patterns. This has led to increased attention on complementary and alternative medicine and integrative medicine.
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Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM):
These are therapies outside the conventional medical system, including yoga, meditation, herbal therapy, and aromatherapy. They emphasize the body's natural healing power and energy.
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Integrative Medicine:
Combines conventional medical treatments and diagnostics with 'scientifically validated' complementary therapies (nutrition, exercise, stress management, etc.). Rather than simply mixing approaches, it integrates the most effective methods for the patient's quality of life.
Korean Medicine is closely aligned with integrative medicine, using both conventional medical diagnostics and traditional Korean medical diagnostics and treatments.
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Functional Medicine:
One methodology for practicing integrative medicine. It adopts CAM's 'nature-friendly tools' but translates them using conventional medicine's 'scientific language'. Its key characteristic is prescribing treatments based on modern evidence, supported by biochemical testing (organic acid tests, genetic testing, etc.).
Who Provides Functional Medicine in Korea?
Within Korea's medical system, functional medicine is currently a very important trend among all licensed practitioners (medical doctors, Korean medicine doctors, dentists) who provide 'medical' services.
- Medical Doctors: Many specialists are actively adopting functional medicine to overcome the limitations of standard care. They provide personalized IV therapy (customized nutrient drips) and high-resolution nutritional prescriptions through precision testing.
- Korean Medicine Doctors: Korean medicine already has 'integrative medicine' characteristics that emphasize constitution and overall balance. Many Korean medicine doctors combine functional medicine testing with traditional treatments to provide scientific and fundamental care.
- Dentists: They use it to treat how jaw problems and chronic mouth inflammation affect the whole body.
Essential Information Before Your Visit!
- Search Keywords: Look for places that promote "Functional Medicine" or "Integrative Medicine." Not all hospitals offer these services.
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Time and Cost: Consultations are lengthy (30-60 minutes), and most tests and treatments can be relatively expensive.
Design Your Health
Just because you don't have a disease doesn't necessarily mean you're in optimal health. While conventional medicine focuses on creating a "disease-free state," functional medicine aims to achieve "your best possible state of vitality."
Functional medicine treatment isn't just about doctors writing prescriptions. Patients must become 'Health Architects' of their own bodies, managing their diet, sleep, and stress. The doctor serves as a partner and guide in this process.
Beyond simply erasing symptoms, try listening to the subtle signals your body sends.
Functional medicine can be a powerful tool to help you live a more vibrant and sustainable life.
Dr. Cha Min-ki
| Wellness Educator, Co-president of KSCPA
