In 'The Biology of Trauma', Dr. Aimie Apigian delves into the intricate ways that traumatic experiences alter our physiological responses, keeping us stuck in cycles of fear and reactivity. The book highlights how the hypothalamus, a key area in the brain, responds to signals from the body, such as blood sugar levels, and triggers hormonal imbalances. These imbalances, involving hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin, create a constant state of alert, preventing individuals from feeling safe and secure. Dr. Apigian offers practical strategies and insights to help readers understand their body's responses and create an environment of safety that fosters healing. By addressing the biological roots of trauma, the book provides a comprehensive approach to recovery and well-being.
Many people push others away while desperately craving connection. Others battle chronic pain, digestive issues, or autoimmune conditions that seem to have no clear cause. But why is this?
The answer often lies in unresolved childhood attachment trauma, specifically the experiences we had before we had words to make sense of them.
This is why someone can have what looks like a good childhood but still struggle with anxiety, digestive problems, chronic pain, or autoimmune issues as an adult. The body remembers what the mind has forgotten.
In this episode, Dr. Aimie breaks down the biology of early emotional pain and how it becomes stored in the body as chronic symptoms later in life. You’ll discover the six core attachment wounds, why the body learns to stay in survival mode, how unresolved early trauma shapes your nervous system, immune system, and relationships in adulthood, and most importantly, how to become your own safe person. You'll learn:
- [2:08] Why babies need to be held to survive and what happens when they're not
- [8:45] How to recognize if "it's not safe to relax" is your core attachment pattern
- [11:35] The health impacts of early attachment trauma
- [15:20]How fear becomes stored in the body as inflammation and chronic illness
- [20:49] The six core attachment wounds that shape our nervous system and relationships
- [25:30] How childhood wounds create the belief "I'm not capable" and lead to chronic overwhelm
- [30:08] The surprising link between people-pleasing and chronic pain
- [32:45] How brain fog, histamine intolerance, and depression can stem from attachment wounds
- [37:50] The three-phase roadmap to safely heal stored trauma in the body
Whether you're someone living with unexplained chronic health issues or a practitioner supporting clients who seem stuck, this episode will help you understand the deep connection between childhood trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and adult symptoms and what it really takes to heal.
Helpful Links Related To This Episode:
- Biology of Trauma book - how the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal. Pre-order now and, at the time of this recording, you’ll get over $400 in bonuses included! Those bonuses are only for the pre-order window which goes until Sept 22, 2025. When you’ve already pre-ordered it on Amazon head over here to receive your bonuses.
- The 21 Day Journey - If you're ready to create a felt sense of safety in your body then join me for your 21-Day Journey, a structured sequence of gentle, somatic-based self-practices walking you through The Essential Sequence to safely open up stored trauma in the body.
- Attachment Trauma Roadmap - Learn how your nervous system affects your ability to form secure attachments. Discover simple steps to rewire your nervous system for better relationships and overall health
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The Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie