The deliberate clinical and behavioral implementation of strategies to acutely and chronically reduce the excessive or inappropriate secretion and action of catabolic hormones, primarily cortisol, in response to physiological or psychological stress. This process of ‘quelling’ is essential for mitigating the damaging effects of chronic allostatic load on the cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems. Effective regulation supports systemic recovery and hormonal health.
Origin
This concept is a direct application of psychoneuroendocrinology, which studies the interplay between the mind, nervous system, and endocrine system. The focus on ‘quelling’ acknowledges the clinical necessity of actively suppressing the hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis often seen in modern chronic stress states. This approach is a cornerstone of stress management in clinical practice.
Mechanism
Quelling operates by interrupting the maladaptive feedback loop of the HPA axis, which is responsible for cortisol release. Techniques involve mindfulness practices and specific breathing exercises to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts as a physiological brake on the stress response. Targeted nutritional and botanical agents may also be used to modulate adrenal enzyme activity and reduce the overall cortisol burden, thereby protecting muscle mass and improving insulin sensitivity.
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