What is the Difference Between Naturopathic Medicine and Functional Medicine?
By Lauren Lee and Danni Bichler
When it comes to healthcare, it is important that we have the ability to choose what aligns with our individual needs and values. In life-threatening situations such as a cardiac arrest or anaphylaxis, surgery and/or prescription medication is the most effective and scientifically validated. In persisting, complex, and non-critical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or type 2 diabetes, there is the option to identify and treat the underlying cause of the condition without medication or surgery, and this is where naturopathic medicine and functional medicine come in.
Both focus on the same thing “addressing the root cause” however, they differ in their foundational principles, training and education, and treatment approach.
Here are the key differences you need to know before deciding what is best for you
Foundational principles
Although explained and categorised differently, the foundational principles are similar with the exception of “The Healing Power of Nature” emphasised in the naturopathic medicine model.
Naturopathic Medicine
Underpinning how naturopathic practitioners support individuals, is the consideration and application of the following six principles, which originated in Germany and Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries but formalised in the US in 1989:
First Do No Harm - using the least invasive and risky means of support.
The Healing Power of Nature - the body has an inherent ability to heal itself when obstacles to health are removed (e.g., smoking, alcohol, poor diet) and a supportive environment is provided.
Identify and Treat the Cause - looking beyond short-term relief of symptoms which will continue to arise until the root cause is addressed.
Doctor As Teacher - education of the latest research so you can make informed and sustainable health supporting behaviours.
Treat the Whole Person - consideration not just of physical health but also emotional, mental, social, environmental, and spiritual. Referring to specialists when needed.
Prevention - identifying and addressing habits and risk factors that are non-conducive to prolonged health and well-being.
Functional Medicine
Underpinning how functional medicine practitioners support individuals, is the consideration and application of the following five principles, which was created and founded in 1990:
Systems biology framework - organising imbalances and underlying causes of illness based on 7 core systems i.e., gut health, immune health, energy regulation, detoxification, cardiovascular and lymphatic, chemical messengers, and musculoskeletal.
Biochemical individuality - composed of your unique genetic and environmental make-up to correct imbalances.
Understanding the patient's complete story - a structured interview process that considers the social determinants of health e.g., healthcare
Patient-centred care - establishing a mutually empowering partnership with the practitioner and patient that is free of bias.
Personalised recommendations - including diet and nutrition, exercise and movement, stress management, sleep and rest, and targeted nutraceutical and pharmaceutical therapies.
Training and education
Naturopathic Medicine
Here in Australia, minimum education practitioner standards (i.e., a 3-4 year Bachelor’s Degree) are enforced to register with some professional associations and to order to supply naturopathic and herbal medicine products. Continuing education is required in order to maintain registration with professional associations. Interestingly in countries like Canada, a naturopath has a slightly different title (i.e., naturopathic doctor, ND) as the education entails a Doctor of Medicine as well as a 4 year postgraduate education.
Functional Medicine
Unlike naturopathic practitioners who complete a specific Bachelor's Degree, functional medicine practitioners in Australia typically come from a diverse range of professions (e.g., example, general practitioners, dentists, nutritionists, chiropractors), so have already completed a Bachelor’s Degree from a health-related field and as such, obtain an additional certification which can take anywhere from 2-2.5 years but can be completed as quickly as 18 months. This membership must then be maintained annually and a written exam renewed every 10 years.
Treatment approach
Naturopathic Medicine
Notably, naturopathic practitioners here in Australia cannot diagnose an individual with a condition or disease. To address the root cause, pathology testing can be ordered privately or referred through Medicare, iridology may be conducted by way of assessing the iris of the eye, and investigative testing may be recommended such as gut and vaginal microbiome mapping, hair tissue mineral analysis testing, or a food intolerance test. Based on the results, the practitioner will then prioritise which areas to address first, and in Australia, this personalised support may include: diet and lifestyle recommendations, western herbal medicine, homoeopathic medicine, flower essences, and nutraceutical supplementation.
Functional Medicine
Unless the practitioner has a former medical degree, a diagnosis also cannot be provided. The root cause is addressed in the same way via pathology testing and investigative testing which is typically called “functional testing”. Personalised treatment is also provided, excluding homoeopathic medicine and flower essences, and an emphasis on nutrition coined as “Food First’ with the addition of pharmaceutical prescription if a medical doctor.
Making an informed decision
At the end of the day, both naturopathic and functional medicine practitioners strive towards the same thing - to work together with you to achieve the best healthcare possible! We want to make sure you feel seen, heard, and knowledgeable when it comes to your own health decisions. Finding the right practitioner for you can be a journey based on personal preference. Here at Papaya, we are on a mission to improve Women’s Healthcare in the Inner West of Sydney, so if you feel called to work with us, book in with one of our naturopaths today!