All Structured matter in the body is surrounded and supported by fluids. This fluid environment, or terrain, is to the cell as the soil, water and air are to plants. Functional medicine focuses on the terrain of the body; it is the nature of the terrain that can support health or disease. The BTA or Biological Terrain Analysis has been developed based on an understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and nutrition. The test provides information regarding the underlying causes of disease. Using a computerized device, the BTA can determine whether or not a patient’s biochemistry will support vitality and wellness. The BTA is an important step in the assessment of current conditions as well as future prevention.

The two bodily fluids saliva and urine are analyzed on the basis of:

pH (acidity & alkalinity): relates to many functions including absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
rH2 (oxidation-reduction potential): demonstrates the amount of free radical damage or oxidative stress.
R (resistivity): relates to the amount of electrically conductive ions or minerals in solution, or the ability of a fluid to conduct an electrical current. 

The BTA is not used to diagnose pathology rather it offers essential information pertaining to the current status of the patient. The BTA results may be used to determine a course of treatment, track progress or determine the necessity for additional (more specific) tests.

The BTA is important for several reasons:

It is scientifically based
It is clinically reproducible
It offers evidence of changes at the cellular level

This last point relating to early detection allows time to correct imbalances before they become pathological. The BTA detects imbalances that standard laboratory tests miss and often identifies abnormal states in those patients who have “normal” laboratory results.

The BTA is important in providing individualized treatment; every body is unique and must be treated specifically. Patients who appear to have similar conditions may have differing biochemistries which require different methods of treatment. Based on the BTA, changes can be made at the cellular level that helps our bodies to naturally combat illness and disease.