Concept
Hormesis
The idea that a small, controlled dose of a stressor can trigger a beneficial adaptive response in the body.
Hormesis is the concept that a low, controlled dose of a stressor, such as heat, cold, or exercise, can prompt an adaptive response that a larger dose would not. It is often cited to explain why practices like sauna, cold exposure, and fasting are used. It is a biological concept, not a treatment, and its applications remain an area of research.
Also known as
hormetic, hormetic stress
Related terms
- Contrast Therapy (Hot/Cold Circuit)Guided alternation between heat exposure (sauna or hot tub) and cold immersion or cryotherapy in timed rounds, sold as guided circuits or open bathhouse sessions.
- AutophagyThe body's cellular recycling process, in which cells break down and clear out damaged components.
- BiohackingA broad term for self-directed experimentation with diet, devices, and measurements aimed at improving how the body functions.