The body is a network of interdependent systems, with each organ system affecting all others. The beauty of a whole body approach to medical care is that when one system improves, all others tend to improve as well. We help to uncover root causes of conditions to begin the process of true and long-term healing. We focus on removing factors that hinder optimal function, while supplying those needed to thrive.
By contrast, the conventional healthcare model treats the body as disconnected organ systems (i.e. respiratory, nervous, digestive) and wrongly assumes that they operate independently. The conventional model makes the false and harmful assumption that treating a disease in one system does not affect the others. Take the example of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If this digestive tract disease is treated with routinely prescribed acid-blocking medications (PPI’s), your risk of dementia (a brain disease), pneumonia (a lung disease), and hip fractures (a bone disease) all increase (1,2,3). Instead, as our patient, we aim to resolve the underlying issue causing GERD, while preserving and improving other systems.
At PrimeHealth, we use a Functional Medicine approach, understanding that all organs communicate biochemically (by signaling molecules in the blood and lymph), mechanically (by connective tissues that line each organ), and energetically (by electromagnetic waves that travel throughout our bodies). Intuitively, and experientially, this model makes perfect sense.
In medical training, we are taught to treat patients with what is called a “standard of care” for each condition, which often includes medications that block normal bodily processes, while neglecting more effective and natural approaches. As doctors, we must stay on top of research and attend conferences to learn of therapies that provide the best possible care for patients while minimizing harm. This is why we believe in using Translational Medicine as a part of our treatment approach.
Dr. Rafatjah will help you discover the root causes of disease during your 90-minute Initial Comprehensive Visit and through ordering and analyzing in-depth Diagnostic Testing.