How Acupuncture Works: Acupuncture's Role in Allostasis and Homeostasis

How Acupuncture works

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM), Acupuncture Crows Nest

How acupuncture works: In the intricate dance of the body's equilibrium, where balance is the key to health, acupuncture emerges as a delicate yet powerful partner. At the heart of this relationship lies the concept of allostasis, the body's adaptive response to stressors, and its ultimate aim of restoring harmony, or homeostasis. Let's delve into the profound connection between acupuncture and these fundamental principles of well-being.

Allostasis, a term coined by Sterling and Eyer in the late 1980s, describes the dynamic process by which the body maintains stability through change. Unlike homeostasis, which seeks to keep internal conditions constant, allostasis recognises the inevitability of fluctuations and actively adjusts physiological parameters to meet the demands of the environment. This adaptation involves complex interactions between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, orchestrated by the brain's regulatory centres.

Enter acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which views health as a state of balance between opposing forces, Yin and Yang. Acupuncture aims to restore this balance by stimulating specific points along meridians, channels through which vital energy, or Qi, flows. While modern science continues to unravel the mechanisms behind acupuncture's effects, research suggests that it modulates various physiological processes, including neurotransmitter release, immune function, and hormone regulation.

How does acupuncture interface with allostasis? One theory proposes that acupuncture triggers a cascade of neuroendocrine responses, including the release of endorphins, serotonin, and cortisol, which help the body adapt to stressors. By influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), acupuncture may promote resilience to stress while fostering a return to equilibrium.

Moreover, acupuncture's effects extend beyond the immediate alleviation of symptoms, targeting underlying imbalances that disrupt homeostasis. Practitioners tailor treatments to address each individual's unique constitution and disharmonies, aiming to restore optimal functioning across physiological systems. Whether addressing chronic pain, anxiety, or digestive disorders, acupuncture seeks to rebalance the body's internal terrain, thereby supporting long-term health and resilience.

In the context of allostasis, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to healing, acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment. By promoting adaptive responses to stress and facilitating the restoration of homeostasis, acupuncture empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater vitality and equilibrium. As our understanding of the intricate interplay between acupuncture and allostasis deepens, so too does our appreciation for the profound wisdom inherent in this ancient healing art.

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