The Role of the Subconscious in Chronic Illness
- drgingernash
- Jul 14
- 5 min read
The intricate relationship between the subconscious mind and chronic illness has long captivated my attention. As a graduate student in the history of medicine, I was particularly drawn to a year-long course titled “History of the Brain,” where I delved into the connections between mental and physical health and the way culture influences the definitions of health and disease. My own health crisis during my pursuit of a PhD redirected me toward a career in medicine, but in hindsight, it led me precisely where I was meant to be. My personal struggles helped fuel my passion for exploring the complex interplay between various physiological systems, particularly the endocrine (or hormonal) and nervous systems.
My naturopathic practice has long focused on improving the physiology of these organ systems, but I also believe it’s crucial to explore how psychological factors, including subconscious processes, can influence the onset and progression of chronic illnesses. I approach this topic with great care. My goal is not to suggest that you’ve caused your illness or to imply that it’s all “in your head.” Instead, I want to highlight the intricate interplay between the mind and body and how this understanding can lead to deeper, more lasting health.
Let me share a story from my own life that shaped my understanding of the subconscious mind and its connection to illness. From the age of about six or seven, I experienced what my mother referred to as “temper tantrums.” These were no ordinary outbursts; I would wake up in the dead of night, screaming and thrashing, kicking walls and punching my legs with my little fists. My mother would try to calm me, but she often felt helpless, as if I were possessed and unreachable. This turbulent phase lasted until I was around eleven, when, quite suddenly, it all stopped.
But just as one storm subsided, another began. I began to experience severe migraines that incapacitated me for one to two days at a time. I was unable to tolerate light, sound, or even strong smells. The migraines came frequently and had no link to my menstrual cycle. Aside from these episodes, I was an active, healthy child—an adventurous tomboy with smelly feet from wearing sneakers without socks all summer, spending my days exploring the woods and swimming in a small lake in Rockland County, New York.
To provide some context, I’m the youngest of six children and I was raised in challenging circumstances. My father left when I was three, after a long and abusive marriage, leaving my mother to navigate life with all six of us. While I was fortunate not to experience physical abuse or neglect, there was an ever-present sense of danger. My father’s alcoholism loomed large, and my older siblings had their own battles with alcohol as well.
My mother, though loving and devoted, was also a classic co-dependent, unable to establish healthy boundaries. As a result, I grew up with an underlying feeling of imminent threat. Despite her affection, I never truly felt safe. Now, looking back, I realize that those temper tantrums and the migraines that followed were my body’s way of coping with the stress around me. Once I “aged out” of the tantrums, my subconscious mind developed a new mechanism to express distress: neuroinflammation. Even after my father was gone, my mind was still searching for safety. It became a central narrative of my life and informed my identity as a teen and young adult. And of course, during those outbursts and migraine episodes, I received more attention from my mother and siblings. In one sense, my body was trying to signal for help, but it was also a way to navigate the chaos that defined my early years.
The Science Behind the Connection
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a fascinating field that has shed light on the intricate connections between the immune, nervous, and endocrine (hormonal) systems over the past 30 years. This is the very space where my naturopathic work resides—at the crossroads of these systems.
The nervous system, in particular, is highly sensitive to the effects of stress hormones. Research consistently shows a significant link between adverse childhood experiences and the onset of chronic pain, including migraines. The hypothalamus, a crucial brain region responsible for regulating many bodily functions, also plays a significant role in migraines. It maintains balance among the autonomic, hormonal, and circadian systems, influencing a wide range of processes related to hormonal changes, gut function, and sleep patterns. Commonly referred to as the “HPA Axis,” this system is a central focus for many of my chronically unwell patients. Imbalances within this axis can manifest in various ways, contributing to the development and persistence of chronic illnesses.
For me, the beliefs I formed as a child—understandably—contributed to a narrative of insecurity. I felt I wasn’t safe, that I had to be hypervigilant, and that I needed to struggle to get my needs met. This led me to believe that even those who loved me couldn't be trusted to establish the boundaries that would make me feel secure. Naturally, this narrative evolved into an identity as a “survivor.” The scrappy little Ginger then found herself in many relationships where vulnerability felt challenging. I often preferred to take care of myself, remaining "on guard" against any possibility of future pain.
Reflecting on my own journey, I discovered that my migraines completely vanished when I learned to live without a constant sense of stress and hypervigilance. Achieving this state required a combination of psychological, subconscious, and physiological support.
When I encounter any health condition in my patients, I start my evaluation at the physiological level. Sometimes, a migraine is just a migraine—perhaps due to food sensitivities or a recent viral infection that causes lingering neuroinflammation (ahem, COVID). However, when a patient does not respond to standard therapies that alleviate their suffering, or if they hint at past experiences that seem connected, I sense there may be deeper issues at play. In these cases, I suggest that we explore these underlying factors together.
Integrating deep transformational coaching into my naturopathic practice has profoundly enriched my understanding of how both physiological systems and subconscious beliefs shape the body’s ability to achieve balance, or homeostasis. This truly “mind-body approach” empowers me to address not only the physical conditions that require support but also the deeper, often overlooked aspects of the subconscious that can significantly influence overall health. The goal is to help facilitate lasting transformation in my patients’ lives. I am thrilled with the connections many of my patients are making already, and subsequent improvement in some of the chronic conditions that accompany such exploration.
In health, Dr. G
P.S. Interestingly, migraines are more prevalent in women, highlighting the impact of hormonal fluctuations related to estrogen and progesterone. This further illustrates the intricate connection between the nervous system and hormone balance. As I mentioned, my migraines disappeared for many years. However, they made a brief return during perimenopause. Thankfully, I now possess the understanding and tools to effectively address them.
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