Gladden Longevity Podcast -- formerly Living Beyond 120

The Science Behind Trauma and Healing - Episode 298

Aug 21, 2025
In this discussion, Aimie Apigian, a physician specializing in trauma and functional medicine, reveals how trauma is etched in our nervous system and tissues. She emphasizes the role of movement and agency in healing, alongside the power of reframing past experiences for personal growth. Exploring how childhood experiences shape our stress responses, Aimie also delves into innovative approaches to harness energy for recovery, connecting biological processes with emotional health. Her insights offer a roadmap to navigating trauma with resilience.
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ANECDOTE

Foster Parenting That Changed Her Path

  • Aimie Apigian became a foster parent during medical training and later adopted Miguel because his trauma made group placement impossible.
  • Living with Miguel revealed patterns in her own childhood and launched her focus on trauma work.
INSIGHT

Trauma Shows On Telomeres

  • Studies link trauma to oxidative damage and telomere shortening, but maternal depression shows a stronger correlation.
  • The body records stress exposures differently than our conscious labels of trauma.
INSIGHT

Stress Versus Trauma Biology

  • Aimie distinguishes stress biology (adrenaline-driven) from trauma biology (energy-conserving shutdown).
  • Trauma biology shifts physiology from energy use to energy conservation via autonomic changes.
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