After reflecting on my recent experience in the US for our event in New Orleans, I was struck by the way medication is marketed on TV particularly with the extensive lists of side effects that accompany each advert. It got me thinking about how different things are in the UK, where our approach to medication feels more tempered. We tend to rely on our doctors to discuss potential side effects, and our pharmacists help ensure we’re aware of the best ways to take medication. If anything feels wrong, we know to go straight back to our doctor without hesitation.
But there’s another side to this story that deserves attention. In the UK, the allocation of medication is often driven by budgetary concerns. Certain drugs might be offered freely because they are less expensive, even though they may not be the most effective option. Conversely, more effective drugs might be the last resort because they’re costly. This creates an interesting contrast with places like the US, where the drive for more medication can be strong due to financial motivations. In the UK, the decision-making process may lean towards under-medication due to financial constraints rather than over-medication, but both approaches still impact the individual’s choices and access to treatments.
This is where the importance of seeking alternative perspectives comes into play, and functional medicine provides a refreshing approach. As Pilates teachers, we have a unique view into our clients' wellness journeys. While some of our clients may be managing their conditions with medication, it’s vital to consider a more holistic approach that looks beyond just treating the symptoms.
Dr Mark Hyman, a leading US figure in functional medicine, often discusses how conditions such as food allergies or even reactions to vaccines are more about how the body responds to these external factors than the factors themselves. His work has made me think about how this concept applies not just to food, but to the way we think about health and wellness in general. Functional medicine encourages us to look deeper, asking why our body is reacting a certain way, rather than just focusing on alleviating the surface-level symptoms.
In the UK, functional medicine is still relatively underrepresented, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t explore it. As Pilates teachers, we can be part of this conversation by encouraging our clients to think about their health holistically. If medication is necessary, it’s important to take it mindfully, but there’s also value in understanding the underlying causes of conditions and exploring other avenues like movement, nutrition, and stress management.
On this Wellness Wednesday, I invite you to consider the role of functional health in the lives of your clients. Are there ways to help them investigate the root causes of their issues? Can we guide them to ask the right questions when it comes to their treatment plans, especially in a system where budgetary constraints may influence their access to certain medications?
Let’s keep advocating for wellness from all angles, using Pilates to enhance both physical and internal balance.
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