Functional medicine is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, rather than just treating the symptoms. It takes a holistic approach to healthcare, considering the entire body and the interconnections between different systems, rather than viewing each organ or system in isolation.

In functional medicine, practitioners often spend a significant amount of time with patients, gathering detailed histories and looking at various factors that might be influencing their health, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. They might use diagnostic testing and other tools to get a comprehensive view of a patient's health.

The goals of functional medicine are generally to:

1. Promote wellness and prevent disease through lifestyle and nutrition interventions.

2. Treat the underlying causes of disease, not just the symptoms.

3. Treat the whole person, considering their unique genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors.

4. Foster a collaborative relationship between patients and practitioners, where patients are active participants in their healthcare.

5. Integrate traditional Western medical practices with other complementary and alternative approaches, as necessary.