When a vertebral subluxation is corrected, a greater expression of homeostasis is achieved. What exactly is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the cornerstone characteristic of health. It is the body’s inherent sense to maintain functional stability. The word homeostasis was coined in the early 1930s. Its derivation is from the root word, homeo- meaning “similar to” and -stasis meaning “standing still.” If we adhere to this meaning of the word, homeostasis literally means “similar to standing still.”
Originally homeostasis, and health, was thought to be just that: stable, fixed and unwavering. But this strict definition of the word makes homeostasis out to be very passive in nature. In reality, homeostasis and health are not passive but are in fact, dynamic.
The development of terms such as allostasis and heterostasis try to expand on concepts undiscovered in the original findings of health and homeostasis. While I commend scientific discovery and progress, these terms only further splinter our understanding of health instead of trying to bring unity to it.
Homeostasis has two qualities that contribute to its dynamic quality: resistance and adaption. It seems paradoxical, but in order to maintain stability, you must adapt. And in order to adapt, you must resist.
A great way to think about homeostasis is to think of a tightrope walker balancing on a thin wire. In order for the high-wire artist to maintain homeostasis on the rope, he or she must resist forces such as gravity and adapt to gravity simultaneously. One cannot obtain optimal health without these characteristics of homeostasis.
This analogy was described with great precision in the textbook Segmental Neuropathy: The First Evidence of Developing Pathology published by the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Quote:
“Optimum health may be compared to a delicately poised high-wire artist who maintains his balance by incessant identification and compensation for minute changes in his position. In contrast to this comparison, the spinning top, stable in its own inertia, slowly wobbles to a stop if more speed is not injected periodically.
Every puff of breeze, every twitch of wire, every thousandth of a step disturbs the status quo and demands immediate response by the performer. This response must be instantaneously and perfectly judged, otherwise swaying, which is inevitable, becomes uncontrollable – then he topples. Thus it is in your body: every system, every organ, every fiber, every cell is in a state of constant flux, adapting to the changing stress of the environment. This activity, exhibiting intelligence, does not ebb passively to and fro like seaweed in the tide. All indicating mechanisms must constantly be engaged in identifying the full range of all actions.”
When a vertebral subluxation is adjusted, the Nerve System can now better adjust to the situations it finds itself in. It can better adapt to stress and resist stress. A better expression of homeostasis is the result.
- Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP
Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP is a pediatric, family wellness and upper cervical specific Chiropractor. He is an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Jarek has postgraduate certification in Pediatric Chiropractic through the ICPA. Dr. Jarek also has postgraduate certification in the HIO Specific Brain Stem technique through The TIC Institute. Dr. Jarek is happily married to his wife Regina. They live in Youngstown, Ohio with their daughter Ruby.
