What is the Origin of Allostatic System Recovery?

The term derives from the concept of allostasis, coined by Sterling and Eyer, which describes the process of achieving stability through physiological change. Allostasis comes from the Greek allos (variable) and stasis (standing). Allostatic load, the price of this chronic adaptation, necessitates the concept of "recovery" to denote the reversal of these stress-induced physiological shifts.

What is the Mechanism of Allostatic System Recovery?

Recovery is largely mediated by a shift from sympathetic dominance to parasympathetic tone, facilitated by inhibitory feedback loops within the HPA axis. Cortisol levels decrease, signaling the hypothalamus and pituitary to reduce the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This systemic de-escalation allows for the restoration of cellular energy reserves, repair of tissue damage, and normalization of hormonal pulsatility patterns, which are critical for metabolic and immune health.

Allostatic System Recovery ∞ Area

Allostatic System Recovery

Meaning

The physiological process where the body actively restores internal equilibrium following a period of chronic stress or allostatic load. This recovery involves returning the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system activity to their baseline, unstressed set-points. Effective system recovery is essential for preventing the cumulative wear and tear on neuroendocrine and metabolic systems that leads to poor health outcomes. It signifies the successful termination of the body’s defensive response to environmental or psychological demands.