Keep Calm and Maintain Homeostasis

 “Balance” within the context of yoga usually means keeping ourselves from falling over when we attempt challenging poses, but balance truly happens at every level of our being.

Homeostasis, our ability to maintain equilibrium within our bodily systems, occurs at a cellular level.  To keep true balance in our bodies, we unknowingly regulate internal information at every moment. All of our bodily functions continuously work to adapt our internal environment to our external environment.

Our bodies send us signals all the time that we process consciously as well as subconsciously. This process requires a receptor, a control center and an effector.  Our receptors receive information from both our internal and external environments and then send signals to our different control centers that, in turn, trigger various processes. For example, when it is cold outside, our skin (receptor) signals to the hypothalamus in the brain (control center) that our body temperature has decreased. The hypothalamus then sends nerve impulses to cause muscle contractions (processes) that release heat in an attempt to warm our body.

There are 5 main physical systems of balance in our bodies.

The pH balance of our blood is affected by the foods we eat. Carbon dioxide, which is mildly acidic, is constantly produced by cells as they transfer carbohydrates, fatty acids and proteins into energy. As carbon dioxide accumulates in the blood, the pH level of the blood decreases into a more acidic state. By eating foods that encourage a more alkaline state, such as fruits and vegetables, our bodies maintain a higher, more oxygen-rich pH level.

Body Temperature is regulated unconsciously by sweating and shivering. However, living in a modern society, with heating and air conditioning as well as a multitude of specialty fabrics, this is easiest to control externally.

Glucose concentration, or sugar levels, is regulated by the pancreas’ secretion of insulin. When we consume a large amount of refined carbohydrates, our blood sugar spikes, and the pancreas overcompensates with insulin release to regulate these levels. This excess glucose that doesn’t enter cells is taken to the liver, where it is converted to glycogen. This stored form of sugar is then released to stabilize low blood sugar levels between meals and during the night. However, stress and hormone dysfunction can deplete our ability to store glycogen and result in blood sugar imbalances. A healthy, low sugar diet will help to keep this glucose cycle in check.

Calcium sensing regulators get activated by the parathyroid gland and release a hormone to regulate calcium levels by transporting calcium from the bones to the blood. When we do not consume enough calcium, too much calcium is mobilized from the bones and can weaken them. On average, we should consume at least 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day for optimal calcium balance.

Fluid volume, or osmolarity, is maintained by the kidneys. Our kidneys sense low blood pressure, which, in turn, triggers a complex response to raise blood pressure and conserve volume. This constant regulation of fluid volume and our blood’s chemical composition and removal of wastes and toxins happens with the kidneys’ ability to convert unwanted blood plasma into urine and excrete it from the body. Drinking water, replenishing electrolytes and a low-sodium diet will keep fluid volume at the appropriate level.

To maintain these constant states of equilibrium, we need to keep a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, exercise daily and get plenty of rest, so the body and organs function optimally. When we do any one of these things in excess, it becomes harder to maintain homeostasis.

Even when all of our systems keep us in balance physically, we have our mental and emotional state to consider. Having a rough day at the office, or overload with our family responsibilities can cause stress, a lack of sleep and upset our predisposition for balance.

Essential oils that have adaptogenic (stabilizing) properties help bring many bodily functions back into homeostasis. At the core of an adaptogen’s scope of actions is its ability to help the body cope more effectively with stress.

Frankincense’s high sesquiterpenes content stimulates and oxygenates the limbic system of the brain, which helps to elevate our mood and allows us relax. Because of its calming effects, Frankincense has the ability to bring balance to bodily systems.

Peppermint is a wonderful essential oil that has shown adaptogenic properties. It can be both warming and cooling, depending on the condition of the person, as well as its application. Peppermint also stimulates focus and concentration, which helps the mind stay clear and stress-free.

Lavender is another oil that actually possesses both sedative and stimulant actions. Its sedative actions have been known to alleviate palpitations, nervous tension, and lower blood pressure. At the same time, Lavender has a stimulating effect for someone with depression, a weak heart or shortness of breath.

Sandalwood is calming and emotionally harmonizing and is used to reduce stress and tension. By balancing the emotions, many of the other systems flow more smoothly and allow the body to maintain equilibrium.

Geranium has been used traditionally to support the circulatory and nervous systems, and has the ability to revitalize body tissues. It nourishes the lymphatic system and recharges the adrenal glands, which are the responders to stress and emotional changes.

Lemon is also an adaptogen and acts as a liver tonic. It can improve blood-sugar metabolism and keep the glucose levels in check. It also offers liver protection and has demonstrated anti-toxin activity.

All these essential oils can be utilized in various ways to help the body maintain homeostasis. While they each have their own unique properties, they all contribute to the overall terrain of the body, thus fortifying those areas that may be depleted. Some suggested uses would be to take add 7-10 drops of any combination of the above to one ounce of unscented oil or lotion, rub onto the pulse points and inhale.

It’s important to note that all pure therapeutic essential oils need to be diluted before applying to the skin and should never be used internally without the supervision of a clinically certified Aromatherapist.

Our desire for balance is not just a physical need. Striving daily for balance of the emotional and mental state will allow the freedom to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.