Your life was stressful enough before the pandemic took things to a new level.
Struggling to get it all done while attempting to lead a healthy life was already hard with everything you have going on in your normal world. Throw in navigating working from home, grocery store essentials hard to come by, and the fear of hitting the gym (if you even had the time)… It turned your routine upside down.
If you were nearing the cusp pre-pandemic, then lockdown added fuel to the fire of the anxiety and burnout that you were barely keeping under control. To make matters worse, over the last 18+ months, the media has bombarded us with conflicting information on how to stay healthy. People came out of the woodwork imposing on us their values of health. These new self-proclaimed authorities preached about holistic practices as the way forward. Meanwhile, those of us who base our interventions using evidence gained from actual individual data, found ourselves in the weeds reminding people to make safe and realistic decisions for their health.
As a result, there’s been a lot of contradicting facts about what’s actually healthy, and indeed the holistic health pundits have muddied the waters around functional health. So I’m here to put a stop to the misinformation.
Holistic health and functional health practices ultimately have the same goal of health and vitality, but the methods used result in entirely different success rates – and timelines. To further complicate things, a functional health practitioner may incorporate some holistic techniques. So how do you know which is one is right for you?
Holistic Health vs. Functional Health
In short, the big difference between holistic health vs. functional health is that the latter relies on science. The other uses different methods of trial and error with no guarantees.
Although the intentions are good, holistic health practices are much like western medicine, except one uses herbs, crystals and supplements, while the other uses medications – but in the end, they both only focus on symptom management, and it’s still a one-size-fits-all approach. When compared to the data-driven, person-specific strategies of functional health, holistic health feels like throwing spaghetti against the wall and seeing what sticks.
It is true that both holistic and functional health practitioners have the goal to help their clients live healthier lives, without pharmaceuticals. However, functional medicine gets you there so much faster because of the use of functional lab work.
Are you ready to make your health your priority?
First Consultation Preparation
Before our kick-off meeting, functional medicine does a deep dive into your current health. This is imperative to get clarity on the way forward. At Well Works, we actually start off with a short health assessment and a readiness assessment to determine your commitment to the program.
After which, we order your labs to zero in on HIDDEN stressors. HIDDEN stands for Hormones, Immune system, Digestion, Detoxification, Energy production, and Nervous system. These diagnostics involve collection of urine, saliva, stool, and test kits are sent to your home where we screen for:
- Food intolerances
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Detoxification challenges
- Hormonal imbalances
- Stress levels
This information allows us to dig deeper than your basic blood tests or even a health history. When we combine your health history and lab diagnostics, we see exactly how your body functions.
It’s important to realize that we don’t recommend lab work just for the sake of running labs. We’re looking for specific weak links in the way your body functions. Once the results come in, we discuss how and why your lab results tie into your health history and current nutrition, lifestyle and symptoms. For most of my clients, this is a very eye-opening experience.
And this is what really sets functional health apart.
Plan Of Action Based On Analyzed Results
Here’s where things get really strategic.
By analyzing the lab test results, functional health practitioners make data-driven decisions utilizing those insights to customize your “prescription” or “protocol”. We personalize a routine for you to follow based on your detailed health history and lab results. Your plan will be supported by regular coaching that integrates nutrition and positive psychology, to ensure that it is tailored to your life.
It doesn’t stop with diet, either.
Your plan will also incorporate rest, exercise, stress reduction, and supplements. We call this our DRESS for Success protocol. And it addresses both your current and future health concerns.
Tired of being tired? If all the coffee in the world isn’t giving you the perk you need to enjoy your life, then it’s time to find out why.
Create A Sustainable Lifestyle
When coming up with diet and exercise plans, some holistic health fads encourage unrealistic, short-term regimes. On the other hand, functional health offers a whole new way of thinking that encourages sustainable nutrition, supplements, sleep, mindset and lifestyle changes that you can actually stick to long enough to see – and FEEL – results.
Rather than introducing hardcore fitness routines that will only deplete an already stressed out nervous system, our goal is to get your body working again and gradually build movement in. With the help of breathwork and hypnosis, you’ll find yourself exercising smarter – not more.
You also won’t be pressured to eat foods that you simply don’t like. Instead, we will help you find a unique combination of what you need and also what you enjoy. And often, depending on which program you join, we can source meals and have them delivered to you that take into account your sensitivities and preferences.
The point of investing in your health is to find something that works for you. If it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, it’s unrealistic to expect real change.
To ensure your regime is functional, our team works directly with you to come up with a plan. With Well Works, you will always have an entire team in your corner cheering you on.
Lifestyle Changes vs. Trendy Fads
You can adopt these healthier and sustainable habits into your regular lifestyle. When you’re doing what’s best for you and you feel the amazing results, it feels less and less like a “health plan”. Ultimately, it becomes second nature. Of course, this is our goal for you.
We want our system to set you up for a lifetime of success.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen so many people on the holistic health path chase trendy fads that don’t work long-term for their bodies because they’ve been conditioned to think these fads are healthy – vegans, vegetarians, kto, intermittent fasting, HIIT, Marathons, Plant Medicine … This is why we are determined to set the record straight about conventional and holistic health vs functional health. The former chases symptoms, while the latter, functional medicine, takes a strategic, data-driven look at your total health before making any moves, and works to improve the function of every cell, tissue and organ in the body.
When you work with Well Works, you’ll have confidence knowing your functional health practitioner is helping you make evidence-based choices to truly discover the root causes of your anxiety, eczema, fatigue, fibromyalgia, hot flashes, cold hands and feet, IBS, migraines, panic attacks and stress.
Basing strategies on sound data, functional health uncovers the root cause, rather than trying “this for that.” When it comes to your health, you want cutting-edge science in your corner, because you don’t have time to waste trying this for that, hoping it will stick.
So while a holistic health approach can get you 70% of the way, a functional approach will take you all the way.
Ready To Fast Track Your Healing?
If you are ready to put your health first, you’ve found the right team. Well Works takes a deep look at your health to discover the root cause of your symptoms and help you achieve real results.
I created the Become The CEO Of Your Health program to guide successful women who are ready to make their health a priority. This 6-month program not only puts you in the position to take command of your health but also equips you with the support of the entire Well Works team.
Starting with the initial consultation to regular check-ins and maintenance plans to occasional protocol tweaks, you’ll never feel alone on this journey. Your health is the wealth that money can’t buy – it will make you feel more abundant and full of life than all the bonuses you’ve received combined.
What are you waiting for?
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