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.
Dr. Aimie Apigian returns to the show for a deeper exploration of how trauma gets stored in the body, and how that unresolved trauma can drive chronic symptoms and autoimmune conditions. A double board-certified physician with master’s degrees in biochemistry and public health, Dr. Aimie blends cutting-edge medical science with somatic trauma therapies to help people recover and thrive.
In this conversation, we:
- Unpack the biology of trauma
- Explore how to tell the difference between chronic stress and stored trauma and
- What it looks like to repair well
Dr. Aimie also shares a deeply personal story that led her to this work and offers a sneak peek into her groundbreaking new book, The Biology of Trauma, out this September with a foreword by Dr. Gâbor Maté.
If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to Episode 28 for more on the powerful connection between trauma and autoimmunity, and then come back here to go even deeper into the healing process.
Quote: “The goal in life is not to avoid trauma at all. The goal is to complete the [trauma] responses so it doesn’t stay in our body and make us sick.”
What's Inside:
04:50: What exactly is trauma and how to know if you’re unknowingly dealing with trauma in the body.
10:57: The manifestation of symptoms is an invitation to heal.
15:15: The “hope” in repairing trauma and what it means or looks like to do so.
20:37: What actually happens in the body when it endures a trauma and what does it need to “complete the trauma response.”
40:30: Resources from Dr. Aimie to help you complete the trauma response
Resources mentioned:
Pre-order Dr. Aimie’s forthcoming book: The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It - https://amzn.to/44dghsI
Dr. Aimie’s website: biologyoftrauma.com
The 21‑Day Journey to Calm Aliveness: traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/21-day-journey - http://traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/21-day-journey
The Biology of Trauma® Podcast: https://biologyoftrauma.com/biology-of-trauma-podcast/
Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition? If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/
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