I admit that before I discovered the Kalish institute I wasn’t a big fan of functional medicine. I have, over many years, done some training with various institutions and incorporated various tools, prescriptions and supplements into my practice – particularly with hormone issues and nutrition. But most of the functional medicine classes and practitioners I encountered didn’t seem to be doing anything foundationally different that conventional medicine – the only differences were the focus was on lifestyle changes and the prescriptions that were more often herbs then drugs.
I have always ascribed to the principles of traditional osteopathy. I spent the last 20 years studying with Dr. Jealous who was a pioneer and was deeply devoted to the healing capacity of life itself. I live in the mystery of healing, and have seen over and over how reliance on innate therapeutic forces is more powerful than most drugs, in most situations. I’m a physician so of course I see a time and place for drugs, surgery and other interventions. But most of our daily suffering just can’t be addressed with a pill or a knife. Osteopathy, particularly using the biodynamic model, engages the healing drive in each of us, to resolve or improve pretty much any problem – from the more obvious musculoskeletal issues, to the less clear neuro-immune endocrine, gastrointestinal and psycho-emotional issues.
The Kalish method of functional medicine also approaches each person as a whole being – and through this system of diagnosis and treatment the body can reach a place where chronic problems resolve and there is room for health to emerge. It’s not the same as osteopathy but most of the treatments, which are supplements, are designed to help the body return to it’s normal function. And It’s a bonus to be able to see what the underlying issues are using labs – something that hands on treatments doesn’t reveal so concretely.
I find the two systems – osteopathy and functional medicine using a whole body approach – complimentary. I am able to integrate them philosophically, and the information from treatments and labs stacks up to provide clear direction on a healing pathway.
Please schedule a 15 minute free consult to get your questions answered or reach out about starting a functional medicine treatment program today.
