Holistic vs. Integrative vs. Functional Medicine

There are a ton of buzzwords in the health and wellness space, some more important than others. But when it comes to finding the proper support for yourself, it is vital to understand the differences and similarities between different healthcare modalities like integrative, functional, and holistic healthcare models. These terms are often used interchangeably, but each is slightly different. Learn more below. 

What is holistic medicine?

The broad idea of holistic medicine is a wonderful place to start if you’re a practitioner who is taking the first step beyond the traditional medicine model. Holistic medicine focuses on treatment that considers the mind, spirit, and body. By evaluating the physical, spiritual, and emotional levels of health, the whole body can be brought to a state of coherence, or balance. The issue with holistic medicine though is that because it is such a broad idea, many practitioners can call themselves holistic. At MBC we identify with holistic care but we include a lot more than just holistic care. We take an integrative and functional approach as well. 

What is integrative medicine?

A large concern in the field of modern medicine is that often patients are reduced to a single symptom or diagnosis. This practice is actually the opposite of an integrative approach. In integrative medicine, there is often more than one modality used to assess the patients’ needs and create a treatment plan. This also means involving a variety of specialists and healthcare professionals in the clients’ care. For example, an integrative approach in mental health care would be incorporating a talk therapist specialized in the client’s areas of concern, a doctor for medication management (if needed), as well as body movement specialists or nutritionists. Here at Mind Body Co-op, we practice an integrative approach with a team of talk therapists, yoga teachers, DNPs, psychologists, and integrative nutritionists. 

An integrative approach is great but it is just a starting point. To take things one step further, it’s important to add a level of functional medicine to this. 

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine typically includes aspects of both holistic and integrative medicine. This type of practice looks at the science and the cultural implications of the client, for example, the genetics of a patient as well as their current and past environments. Holistic and integrative plans can be good for patients but can fall short when approaching the whole health of the body, and normally don’t look into the deficient biochemistries, hormonal balances, and nutritional states of the body. 

Which is right for you?

To choose which type of approach is best for you, you’ll have to think about what you are trying to accomplish. If you’re seeking spiritual healing, holistic and integrative health care options could be good but if you are also hoping to dig into the scientific aspects of your health, you may want to seek out a functional medicine practitioner. 

Mind Body Co-op is Chicago’s only space for individuals to discover, explore, and heal what is occurring internally at the cognitive, emotional, and physical levels. This unique, holistic approach to treatment and wellness is born out of the belief that examining the cognitive, emotional, and physical pieces and how they intersect helps lead to uncovering your full potential by providing thoughtful, collaborative, and complete integrative mental health care. We offer a variety of clinical services, including individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, psychological/neuropsychological assessments, medication management, DBT, adventure therapy, therapeutic yoga, and more. We provide culturally-competent services in English, Spanish, French, Polish, and Arabic. Learn more.