Functional medicine

Congratulations to Dr Sherman on his editorial regarding complementary and alternative medicine.¹ I believe that he makes important points about the need for physicians to be more open to and understanding of complementary and alternative approaches.

I would like to point out that a huge body of research literature supports complementary and alternative medicine and that this information can now be easily accessed through the recent publication of the first Textbook of Functional Medicine.² Functional medicine is the brainchild of Dr Jeffery Bland, a nutritional biochemist who has pioneered evidence-based integrative medicine for more than 25 years. This textbook, a combination of the work of many of us who have practised in this area over the last generation, is a “must-read” for anyone interested in broadening their vision for healing in our troubled medical milieu. The textbook is extensively referenced with peer-reviewed literature that supports the biochemistry and nutrition that form the infrastructure of integrative medicine.

In addition, some physicians might be interested in a monthly tape series entitled “Functional Medicine Update,” which reviews the ongoing peer-reviewed research regarding integrative medicine and is authored by Dr Jeffery Bland himself. Both of these products can be obtained by visiting the Institute of Functional Medicine at http://www.functionalmedicine.org and clicking on the bookstore and publications menu or by phoning 800 228-0622.

I hope that some physicians will take up the challenge offered by Dr Sherman in his editorial. The suggestions above would be an excellent starting point for anyone interested in this area.