What is "allostasis"

n. The process of achieving stability, or homeostasis, in the body, through physiological or behavioral change.

Allostasis is the process of achieving stability, or homeostasis, through physiological or behavioral change. This can be carried out by means of alteration in HPA axis hormones, the autonomic nervous system, cytokines, or a number of other systems, and is generally adaptive in the short term . Allostasis is essential in order to maintain internal viability amid changing conditions (; ; ; ).