Functional
The functional aspect is one aspect of an individual that relates to the inner organs, glands, tissues and body fluids. It relates to how the body systems interact and communicate at the system, organ, and molecular levels. It involves the movement of fluid and energy between the cells, and within the cells, tissues and organs. Both the psychological, and structural aspects are able to override and influence its ability to operate; it is also able to override theirs.
The functional body has been the primary focus of conventional medicine for centuries as it has been the most easily analyzed and studied. Tools such as laboratory testing, radio-graphs, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and ultrasounds give doctors an important perspective on what is happening at a cellular, organ system, and physiological level. The functional assessment reveals the current state of health and the progression of disease.
The functional aspect is the 'work-horse' of the body. It relates to the systems such as the immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, musculoskeletal, endocrine and nervous. Each system has organs, tissues and body fluids that have an optimal range that much be maintained and preserved in order to sustain their role, function and existence.[1]
Naturopathic therapies such as Botanical Medicine, Clinical Nutrition and Hydrotherapy work primarily on this level.
References
- ↑ Lloyd Iva (2009) The Energetics of Health, a Naturopathic Assessment Elsevier.
