Within the living cell there are smaller subunits called organelles which each perform specific tasks. For example, the mitochondria is the part of the cell responsible for energy production. The nucleus of the cell contains the DNA and RNA which are the blueprints used for cellular activities. There are both rough and smooth endoplasmic reticular which can be thought of as the workspace in which the cell performs metabolic processes and produce proteins. A golgi complex then repackages the proteins in secretory vesicles for release at the cell membrane. Peroxsomes make enzymes that oxidize toxic substances inside the internal environment. Lysosomes produce enzymes for digestion and excretion of cell waste. Vacuole transport ingested materials, waste products and water. Centriole which consist of two cylinders of tubules are essential components for cell reproduction. The cell also contains a cytoskeleton which makes up the internal framework comprised of microfilaments and microtubules that aid the movements of substances throughout the cell. The jelly-like fluid in which the organelles float is called the cyotplasm.

In a healthy cell these subunits are constantly engaged in specific interactions to perform the required processes of cellular function. The amount of activity within a cell can be equated to the vitality of the cell. Thus a cell that has the ability to perform all its normal functions, and create the appropriate energy to sustain performance contributes to the overall vitality of the entire body. The more activity within the cells directly relates to the amount of vitality the body has available to maintain harmony, balance and functional health.

In contrast, when the body becomes stressed it can create imbalance within the organism which can interfere with the ability of the cells to function at peak performance. If adequate amounts of necessary elements are not available for the cell to overcome the load, cell function will be reduced. This will diminish the body’s reserve energy and reduce overall vitality. The more cells affected the lower the vitality will be.

Consider the amount of centrifugal force applied to a spinning top. Even though the toy is top heavy it can seemingly defy the force of gravity because of the vitality of the spin. The harmony of movement the top uses to stay erect is prolonged if a greater force is applied to the spin. As the vitality of the spin diminishes, the top will begin to wobble creating imbalances in the harmony of movement. When vitality of the movement is lost, the toy will stop spinning.

The same concept applies to cells. When cells are extremely active they are full of vital force and vitality. If a stress causes an imbalance within a cell, vitality will be reduced which may lead to loss of cellular function and performance. In a sense the cell becomes wobbly, less efficient and susceptible to other stress, illness or disease. If cellular vitality is completely lost the cell will go into atrophy. This can lead to more serious conditions. Loss of vitality within the cells will affect associated tissues, organs and systems until there is an obvious discomfort or symptom.

Vitality therefore is an expression which describes the movement or activity of vital force within the cells of living organisms.

To help those who are not familiar with the type of activities that take place inside our cells we have included a link to a YouTube video produced at Harvard University which shows the ever-changing activity, of the inner life of a cell. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDTt1AysseA This video is about eight minutes long and definitely worth watching.