Body functionality through an indigenous lens: Learning from indigenous knowledge systems to facilitate appreciation

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Anthropology

Background:

• Body functionality, a component of positive body image, is linked to enhanced wellbeing.
• While a growing research area, body functionality principles are ancient in Indigenous cultures.
• Western contexts present socio-cultural barriers to appreciating body functionality intuitively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine Western barriers to body functionality appreciation.
• To contrast these barriers with Indigenous perspectives that foster it.
• To explore Indigenous facilitators of body functionality.

Main Methods:

• Literature review examining socio-cultural barriers.
• Comparative analysis of Western and Indigenous perspectives.
• Exploration of six Indigenous facilitators: land, community, spirituality, movement, creativity, and sexuality.

Main Results:

• Modern Western societies create barriers to intuitive body functionality appreciation.
• Indigenous cultures inherently cultivate body functionality through integrated practices.
• Six key Indigenous facilitators (land, community, spirituality, movement, creativity, sexuality) promote holistic body awareness.

Conclusions:

• Indigenous practices holistically integrate body functionality appreciation into cultural frameworks.
• Reconnecting with Indigenous values can improve conceptual and practical applications of body functionality.
• This approach offers a pathway to deeper body awareness and wellbeing.