Psyche and Life: Allostasis between the Predictive brain-mind system and Traditional Chinese Medicine

The paradigm of allostasis and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) share foundational conceptual and pathophysiological principles, as well as a holistic perspective on the relationships between psychological and biological dimensions. TCM emphasizes the profound connection between the body and Qi, while the allostatic model places the representation and regulation of bodily states at the core of all mental processes. According to predictive processing theories, the brain-mind system employs internal models to anticipate neurosensory states, continuously comparing predictions with incoming data from external and internal environments. By minimizing predictive errors, the brain-mind system constructs perceptions, plans actions, and regulates allostasis. Disruptions in the balance between predictions and prediction errors can impair allostatic efficiency, leading to clinical consequences. Similarly, imbalances in Qi – stagnation, deficiency, excess – disrupt psychophysical equilibrium and contribute to the development of chronic diseases, notably under prolonged stress conditions. Integrating Western and Eastern paradigms holds promise for developing more effective, patient-centered therapeutic approaches.