As a born non-native English speaker, whenever I hear the word “disease,” I hear “dis-ease” instead—something that doesn’t make me feel at ease. A few days ago, I was reflecting on this, thinking about how beautiful and layered words can be. Coincidentally, I ran into a friend from high school. She was always incredibly self-critical, constantly putting herself down, largely because her father was very strict—and frankly, not a good person.
Since childhood, she had struggled with stomach issues. She even said a few times that it felt like something was stuck in her stomach. One day, she visited a spiritual healer who told her that her father was in her stomach—not physically, of course, but energetically. In other words, the hate and bitterness she held toward him because of how he treated her were still lodged inside her, manifesting as physical pain and constipation.
Now, as someone who has dealt with illness myself (I’ve had Type 1 diabetes since I was 16), I know firsthand how deeply connected our minds and bodies are. I believe that some, not all, diseases are influenced by our mindset and energy.
In this article, I want to explore some common conditions and their potential spiritual causes. Please note: this article is not medical advice and is intended for entertainment and reflection only.
The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection
Here’s the basic principle: our bodies often mirror what’s happening in our minds and spirits. As the saying goes, “what’s within is without” or “as above, so below.” Or as they say in Europe: “a healthy spirit lives in a healthy body.”
Repressed anger → Liver problems
Chronic fear → Digestive issues
Heartbreak → Actual heart pain
This isn’t just spiritual “fluff”—science now acknowledges the psychosomatic aspect of disease (how emotions affect physical health).
A List of Diseases And Their Possible Spiritual Causes
Chronic Fatigue & Low Energy
Possible Spiritual Cause: Lack of purpose, burnout, or feeling trapped in life.
Feeling constantly drained, physically, emotionally, or mentally, can often be more than just needing rest. Chronic fatigue could signal a deeper disconnect: from your life’s purpose, from joy, or even from your own true desires. Another sneaky culprit? ‘Energy vampires’—those negative people in your orbit who unknowingly (or knowingly) suck the vitality right out of you.
Digestive Issues (IBS, Bloating, Acid Reflux)
Possible Spiritual Cause: Difficulty “digesting” life experiences, fear of change, or holding onto toxic emotions.
The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” because of how closely it responds to emotional states. If you’re constantly experiencing bloating, reflux, or discomfort, perhaps you’re experiencing something that you’re not able to process. Holding onto fear, anger, or anxiety can create inner turmoil that shows up as physical discomfort in the digestive system.
Back Pain
Lower back pain → Money worries, feeling ungrounded, or like no one’s really got your back
Upper back pain → Emotional burden, pressure to perform, or feeling underappreciated
Middle back pain → Guilt, unresolved past trauma, or emotional weight
Your spine is your physical and energetic backbone. When it starts to ache, it often reflects a lack of emotional or practical support. Are you carrying too much responsibility? Do you feel alone in your struggles? These are questions worth asking.
Back pain may also be the body’s way of highlighting stored guilt or old trauma that’s been tucked away but never fully processed.
Headaches & Migraines
Possible Spiritual Cause: Overthinking, mental overload, or resisting the flow of life.
Frequent headaches or migraines often reflect an overactive mind. If you’re constantly thinking, planning, worrying, or trying to control everything, your head may eventually cry out for rest. Suppressed anger or unspoken emotions can also build up tension that manifests as headaches.
Skin Conditions (Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne)
Possible Spiritual Cause: Anxiety, feeling “irritated” by life, or a lack of healthy boundaries.
Your skin is your barrier between you and the outside world. When you feel emotionally “attacked” or vulnerable, your skin may react. Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or acne, can be linked to underlying stress, anxiety, or suppressed emotions, especially anger and shame.
Heart Disease & High Blood Pressure
Possible Spiritual Cause: Lack of joy, unresolved grief, or emotional hardness.
Your heart is where all the big feelings live—love, empathy, and the stuff we sometimes struggle to say out loud. When it’s “closed off” due to past heartbreak or trauma, that tightness can eventually manifest physically. High blood pressure can be a result of pent-up frustration or emotional tension that’s never released.
Thyroid Issues (Hypo/Hyperthyroidism)
Possible Spiritual Cause: Feeling silenced, unable to express needs, or a fear of speaking up.
The thyroid sits at the throat, the energy center of communication. If you’ve spent years holding your tongue, hiding your needs, or fearing judgment, your throat chakra can become energetically blocked, potentially affecting your thyroid health.
Autoimmune Diseases (Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.)
Possible Spiritual Cause: Self-attack, deep self-criticism, or unresolved inner conflict.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body begins to attack itself. Spiritually, this may reflect a similar pattern happening emotionally—self-hatred, self-blame, or unresolved inner battles.
Respiratory Issues (Asthma, Bronchitis)
Possible Spiritual Cause: Feeling suffocated in life, fear of fully expressing oneself, or grief.
Breath is life; it’s the most basic form of receiving. If you’re feeling emotionally “choked,” grieving a loss, or holding back your truth, your lungs may respond.
Consider whether you feel free to be yourself. Are you catching yourself barely breathing—physically or emotionally—just hoping life will shift on its own?
Joint Pain & Arthritis
Possible Spiritual Cause: Resistance to change, rigidity in thinking, or bitterness.
Joints symbolize flexibility and movement. If you find yourself stuck in resentment, clinging to the past, or afraid of adapting, your joints may begin to reflect that emotional state. Arthritis, in particular, may point to long-held anger or an unwillingness to forgive.
What Can You Do About It?
If any of these interpretations resonate with you, let them be an invitation, not a diagnosis. And remember: Healing starts with awareness. For example, if you often have stomach problems, ask yourself: What in my life can I not digest? Or if you experience ringing in your ears—what am I refusing to hear or acknowledge?
True healing often asks us to go deeper. Your body is always speaking—are you listening?
