The biggest mistakes to practicing functionally
Posted by Andrea Nakayama
There are 2 mistakes that practitioners (even Functional MDs!) commonly make when working with their clients and patients.
If you’ve read through The 3 Tiers of Epigenetic Mastery, you know that step #1 to any healing protocol requires what we call “clearing the muddy waters.”
Of course the 3 Tiers primer gives you instructions on just how to do that!
If you haven’t downloaded your primer yet, or you forgot where you stashed it, don’t panic. You can access it here
Whether you’re just getting your copy now, or you’ve already begun to implement the practices with your clients, I want to bring your attention to 2 things:
- The biggest mistake people make BEFORE they read the 3 Tiers of Epigenetic Mastery
- The biggest mistake people make AFTER they read the 3 Tiers of Epigenetic Mastery
Mistake #1 to practicing functionally
The biggest mistake people make BEFORE reading the 3 Tiers is that they jump right over Tiers 1 and 2, and go straight for Tier 3.
This is the endless search for the quick fix and the magic bullet, which, as you’ve probably realized, rarely exist.
Although that feels like bad news at first glance, it isn’t really, because the lack of quick fixes is precisely why the world needs more people like you who are interested in practicing functionally.
Mistake #2 to practicing functionally
The biggest mistake people make AFTER reading the 3 Tiers is a mistake in understanding.
It’s not until Tier 3 in the Epigenetic Mastery primer that you’ll see me refer to the biological dysfunction (possibly known as an infection). This leads many people to think that you’re not addressing the infection until you make it to Tier 3, in a successive and methodical manner.
But treating an infection is not a linear path. And sometimes Tiers 1 and 2 take time, commitment, patience and persistence. Doing due diligence to these Tiers can feel like way too long to wait before addressing that darn chronic infection.
Here’s the good news…
Tiers 1 and 2 DO address the infection!
Yup, you read that right.
If you’re practicing functionally, if you’re paying heed to the 3 Tiers approach, you’re already doing it.
In fact, Tiers 1 and 2 address dysfunction of all kinds so well that many people never even have to do the complex and potentially more invasive interventions involved in Tier 3. And if Tier 3 work is being done with a partner practitioner, the results will likely be more efficacious and better tolerated for your shared patient if you focus your attention on the first two Tiers.
(If you’d like to understand this concept even better, you can click here to read more about the concept of terrain in a functional practice.)
Your takeaway…
Start with Tier 1.
Take your time. Be thorough. And know that whatever dysfunction your clients are suffering from, you’re addressing it from day 1 when you’re implementing the 3 Tiers approach.
This is key to becoming an Epigenetic Master, and it means you’re well on your way to bypassing the mistakes of practicing functionally.
Read more from the Functional Nutrition Alliance
Back it up
Root Case
Part 1: What’s Functional and what’s not
What can an MD learn from me?
EXPERIENCE A FREE TRAINING SERIES WITH ANDREA NAKAYAMA TO HELP YOU
Begin practicing functionally today!
MORE TO EXPLORE
You Might Also Like
The Importance of Blood Sugar
Blood sugar balance is a standard focus for patients with diabetes, and even those with non-diabetic hypoglycemia, but blood sugar is often overlooked as a cornerstone of care for other health concerns. Longtime readers and Full Body Systems students and grads know how much I stress the importance of addressing blood sugar in practice, whether […]
Read MoreRefined Sugar-Free, No-Bake “Donut Holes” Recipe
Do you love a sweet snack but hate the added sugar? I have good news for you! These refined sugar-free, no-bake donut holes are the perfect solution for you to satisfy your cravings while you reduce your dependency on the processed stuff. They’re made with nutrient-dense ingredients like almonds, pecans, and dates, and they’re super […]
Read MoreA Functional Understanding of Microflora and Candida
I’m a firm believer that you are not what you eat, but what your body can do with what you eat. In other words, you are what your body can break down and absorb. In many ways you are also the sum of your parts. Sure there’s the usual digestive parts – your mouth and […]
Read MoreStart with the Gut
It's been several months since I've written a Consumer's Report. Please don't let that fool you into believing that I'm not a consumer. Like you, I get caught out-and-about and also just appreciate being able to buy a pre-packaged thing or two that meets my exacting standards and serves my gut intentions. I especially love to get my hands on a product that simultaneously passes the grade, is gratifying to the taste buds and fuels my health. That's what these pages are all about! Today I raise a glass to KeVita, my favorite drink on-the-go.
Read MoreGraduate Spotlight: Salomey Adomako
Salomey Adomako is a registered nurse (RN) and a Functional Nutrition Alliance Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (CFNC) in Simsbury, Connecticut. She is originally from Ghana, West Africa, and devotes a great deal of time to her Ghanaian community in Connecticut. Salomey specializes in working with women struggling with chronic health issues to support their health […]
Read More