Why autoimmune diseases develop in the human body?
There isn’t a single, tidy answer to why autoimmune diseases develop. Modern medicine points to a complex mix of genes, environment, hormones, the microbiome, and immune regulation. A complementary lens—Biodecoding—looks at how the meanings we attach to past events can shape stress responses and day‑to‑day patterns. This article offers both views in clear language and shows how we work with clients at The Empowering Hive.
Two lenses, one aim: relief and clarity
The medical lens describes autoimmunity as a loss of “tolerance,” where parts of the immune system begin reacting to your own tissues. Risk tends to rise when genetic susceptibility meets environmental inputs (infections, pollutants, smoking, some medications, etc.), with epigenetic changes (chemical tags that influence gene expression) acting as a bridge. Women are affected more often than men for multiple reasons (hormones, X‑chromosome factors, and others). No single factor explains all cases, and care usually focuses on diagnosis, monitoring, and long‑term management guided by qualified clinicians.
The Biodecoding lens is complementary and looks at the personal meaning built around key moments in life. It proposes that an emotionally charged event can give rise to a protective belief (a lens of interpretation). That belief fuels automatic responses (feelings, tension, stress chemistry). Over time, this can become a repeating pattern—in moods, behaviours, relationships, or how you experience symptoms. Working with the belief level can soften the response and support healthier choices. This isn’t a replacement for medical care; it’s a reflective framework that can sit alongside it.
Are autoimmune diseases hereditary? (genes vs. inheritance of patterns)
Short answer: Genes matter, but they are not destiny. You can inherit genetic variants that increase susceptibility (some within immune system genes, such as HLA types), and yet never develop disease. That’s because expression is influenced by context—what you’re exposed to, the health of your gut and hormones, sleep, stress load, and more.
From a Biodecoding perspective, families also hand down ways of seeing and reacting to life: beliefs about safety, time, worth, and belonging; styles of coping; relational patterns. These aren’t “faults”; they’re strategies that made sense once. If your parent with a thyroid condition tended to feel chronically rushed, anxious about timing, or unable to make time for themselves, you may have absorbed similar internal rules. Under sustained stress, those rules can drive the body into a high‑alert stance. Biology and biography meet here.
Key idea: Genes can set the stage. Environment and learned patterns shape the play.
What tends to trigger onset?
There’s rarely a single spark; more often, it’s a stack of influences:
Life stressors (bereavement, job loss, relocation, conflict) that strain the nervous system.
Infections or exposures (a virus, pollutants, smoking, certain drugs) that challenge immune balance.
Hormonal and microbiome shifts (pregnancy, perimenopause, changes in diet or gut health).
Accumulated fatigue (sleep debt, overwork) that weakens resilience.
From a Biodecoding angle, a triggering period is often a time when an old belief is re‑activated. Example: “It’s only safe if I control everything.” When life becomes uncontrollable, the body may stay on high alert—tight muscles, shallow breathing, clenched jaw, restless sleep. We explore the belief, honour how it protected you, and update it so your system can down‑shift.
The event → belief → response → pattern model (plain English)
Event: Something meaningful happens (shock, loss, sudden change, or a slow‑burn conflict).
Belief: Your mind writes a rule to stay safe (e.g., “I must always be ready,” “If I rest, I fall behind,” “I’m responsible for everyone.”).
Response: Emotions, muscle tension, and stress hormones rise; behaviours follow (hyper‑vigilance, over‑giving, perfectionism, avoidance).
Pattern/Symptom: Over time, this shows up as repeating life patterns and can colour how you experience physical symptoms.
Our work focuses on the belief step: surfacing the rule, placing it in context, and choosing a kinder, truer rule for thisseason. When the meaning updates, the body often stops bracing so hard.
Illustrative thyroid example: If your learned rule is “there’s never enough time,” you may live in a chronic rush—always speeding up, rarely replenishing. In sessions we might explore where that rule began, what it cost, and what a more life‑giving rule could be (e.g., “I’m allowed to move at a human pace.”). The goal isn’t to “think positive,” but to choose a belief you can live by—consistently.
Can autoimmune disease be cured?
Medically speaking, many autoimmune conditions are long‑term and are managed rather than “cured.” Treatments aim to reduce inflammation, prevent damage, and protect quality of life.
From a Biodecoding perspective, some people report meaningful improvements—less distress, steadier energy, clearer boundaries, healthier choices—which can translate into better day‑to‑day wellbeing. Outcomes vary by person, history, and the presence of appropriate medical care. We never advise stopping or altering prescribed treatment. Our aim is to help you change what you can—your meanings, responses, and habits in daily life—so your system isn’t fighting you while you heal.
How sessions work at The Empowering Hive
We tailor the process to you, but a typical flow is:
Intention & consent — what you want from the work; clear boundaries and pacing.
Timeline mapping — noticing meaningful dates around symptom onset or repeating patterns (including perinatal/family threads you choose to share).
Story & belief discovery — gentle questions, visualisation, or body‑based noticing to surface protective rules.
Re‑framing & choice — updating the rule so it fits who you are now; planning small, concrete changes.
Integration — a short practice (sentence to reinforce, boundary to try, journalling cue). With consent, we can complement with Bach Flowers or other gentle supports.
Sessions are collaborative and paced to your nervous system. You remain in charge at every step.
Where to begin and what to expect
Bring a brief timeline (onset, flares, major life events), any diagnoses/medications you choose to disclose, and 1–2 intentions.
Expect a mix of insight and practicality. Many clients feel lighter, clearer, or simply tired after a session—normal when your system unwinds. Hydrate, rest, and note key insights.
Keep your medical appointments. This work accompanies—not replaces—your care.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re living with an autoimmune condition and want supportive, complementary work alongside your medical care, let’s map the first gentle steps together.
Learn more about Biodecoding sessions
Prefer to start right away? Book now
Resources & next steps (gentle)
Master Stress (e‑book, free with Kindle Unlimited)
Self‑care oracles (digital):
