The Biology of Trauma with Dr. Aimie Apigian

"Trauma becomes a burden that the body carries…and it's up to you to decide, do I still want to carry this or do I want to put it down?" - Dr. Aimie Apigian

You know how some women say they sailed through menopause like it was no big deal, while others struggle intensely with symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere? I used to think it was just hormones and genetics, but what I've discovered through my conversation with Dr. Aimie Apigian completely shifted my perspective on trauma healing women over 40.

Here's what blew my mind: that autoimmune condition, the weight that won't budge, the anxiety that hits during perimenopause, the gut issues that seemed to appear overnight - they might not just be about declining hormones. They could be your body finally revealing trauma that's been stored in your tissues for years, waiting for the right biological trigger to surface. And menopause? That's often the perfect storm that brings it all to light.

Dr. Aimie, a double board-certified physician and author of "The Biology of Trauma," explains why traditional therapy often falls short and why your body needs very specific things to heal - things that address not just your psychology, but the actual biological changes trauma creates in your cells, your immune system, and your nervous system. What's even more encouraging? She's seeing profound shifts in just 21 days when people get the right tools. 

Notice when you create unnecessary stress for yourself this week - rushing out the door, picking fights, or choosing stimulating foods. Ask yourself: "How does this serve me?" You might be surprised by the answer.

What you’ll learn:

• Why your capacity for stress shrinks during perimenopause - and how trauma stored in your body gets amplified during hormonal transitions

• The critical difference between stress and trauma - one energizes you, the other shuts down your mitochondria, thyroid, and metabolism

• How to recognize if you're living at your overwhelm line - and why trauma survivors unconsciously seek out that dangerous edge

• The real reason traditional talk therapy might have left you feeling worse - and what your body actually needs to release stored trauma

• Why lifting weights isn't just about building muscle - it's about building your capacity to handle hard things emotionally

• The three nervous system states you cycle through daily - and how to shift from overwhelm back to calm using somatic techniques

• How trauma shows up in your relationships, health, and daily life patterns - even if you scored zero on childhood adverse events

• The surprising connection between the vagus nerve and gut health - and why "vagus nerve toning" can sometimes backfire

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts!

• Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review

• Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627

• Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Join 55,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? 

• Go to subscribetojj.com

• Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)

• Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/bot

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices