functional medicine

American  

[fuhngk-shuh-nl med-uh-sin] / ˈfʌŋk ʃə nl ˈmɛd ə sɪn /

noun

1. individualized medical care that recognizes the interactions between genetic and environmental factors and between the body's interconnected systems.

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Etymology

Origin of functional medicine

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Means opened a practice focused on functional medicine, a form of alternative medicine, and began recommending supplements and blood tests on social media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

“Yes thank you so so much for giving a voice to this topic,” commented functional medicine expert Dr. Will Cole.

From Salon • Oct. 17, 2024

Attendees at the daylong event can attend panels and talks on functional medicine, medical cannabis, and treatments of neurodegenerative diseases.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2018

The bride’s father is a physician assistant at Optimal Health and Performance, a functional medicine practice in Portland, Me., that specializes in nutrition and wellness.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2018

My close inner circle are yogis, meditation practitioners and functional medicine doctors, a nd a core group of women who support each other and our dreams.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2011