The field of functional medicine refers to a medical approach that focuses on understanding the root cause of symptoms and addressing the underlying imbalances in an individual's health. It takes into account the whole person, including their lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors, rather than just treating the symptom or disease. Functional medicine practitioners use a range of diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of illnesses and develop personalized treatment plans that address the underlying imbalances in an individual's health. This approach is based on the idea that by understanding how different factors interact, it is possible to promote optimal health and prevent disease.