Beat Autoimmune & Thrive! with Palmer Kippola

Dr. Aimie Apigian, a double board-certified physician and trauma healing expert, delves into the profound connection between unresolved trauma and autoimmune conditions. She explains how trauma manifests in the body and emphasizes the importance of processing these experiences for holistic healing. Aimie shares her transformative journey from conventional medicine to trauma therapy, offering insights from her upcoming book, 'The Biology of Trauma.' Tune in for a candid exploration of symptoms as invitations to heal and the necessity of completing trauma responses.

I’m doing something a little different today—and I think you’re really going to enjoy it. I recently had the privilege of being interviewed on the Better Health Bookshelf podcast, hosted by the insightful and generous Mike Capuzzi.Mike Capuzzi is a seasoned marketing strategist, Amazon #1 best-selling author, and host of the Better Health Bookshelf podcast, where he features standout health and wellness books and the authors behind them. With over 30 years of experience, Mike is passionate about spotlighting powerful, practical books that help people live healthier lives.Mike invited me to share my personal healing journey from multiple sclerosis, what inspired me to write Beat Autoimmune, and some of the key strategies from my F.I.G.H.T.S.™ framework that have helped so many others on their healing path. In this conversation, we dive into root causes like stress, food, and toxins—and I share practical tips you can start using right away to support your immune system and take back your health.Whether you're just starting to explore functional medicine or you're deep into your healing journey, there’s something in here for you. I’m so grateful to Mike for the opportunity—and for his permission to share this episode with you here. I hope this inspires you, and I encourage you to check out Mike’s Better Health Bookshelf podcast for more great conversations about health-transforming books.Quote: “Hope is real. Healing is possible.”00:00 – Introduction by Mike Capuzzi Mike introduces Palmer Kippola and her book, Beat Autoimmune, setting the stage for a discussion on reversing autoimmune diseases naturally.01:30 – Palmer's Personal Healing Journey Palmer shares her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at age 19 and her 26-year journey to recovery, emphasizing the power of addressing root causes.07:45 – The F.I.G.H.T.S.™ Framework Explained An overview of Palmer's F.I.G.H.T.S.™ framework: Food, Infections, Gut health, Hormone balance, Toxins, and Stress, as key areas to address in healing.12:20 – The Impact of Diet on Autoimmune Conditions Discussion on how certain foods can trigger or alleviate autoimmune symptoms, and the importance of the elimination diet to determine your optimal foods.18:00 – Environmental Toxins and Their Role Exploring how everyday toxins contribute to autoimmune issues and strategies to reduce exposure.23:15 – Stress Management Techniques Palmer discusses the profound effect of stress on the immune system and shares practical methods to reduce it.28:40 – Encouragement and Resources for Listeners Palmer offers hope and actionable steps for those dealing with autoimmune conditions, including resources for further support.Resources mentioned:Book: Beat Autoimmune - https://a.co/d/99MHeVwWebsite: https://palmerkippola.comBetter Health Bookshelf podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-health-bookshelf-discover-new-health-and/id1487836914Want 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/#beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

Roberta Tachi, an Embodiment Coach and Spiritual Guide, shares her inspiring journey of reversing Myasthenia Gravis and her commitment to helping others heal. She discusses the profound link between trauma and autoimmune disorders, offering techniques for trauma release and emotional well-being. Personal stories reveal the challenges of healing in foreign lands, and Roberta emphasizes the importance of intuitive healing and body connection. Listeners are invited to rediscover authenticity and engage in mindful practices that foster true healing.

Today I’m joined by Dr. Fred Luskin, one of the world’s leading researchers and teachers on forgiveness. He’s the founder of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects, a longtime lecturer at Stanford School of Medicine, and bestselling author of Forgive for Good, Forgive for Love, and the newly released Forgive for Good Recovery Workbook.Fred has spent decades studying the link between forgiveness and well-being. His research shows that forgiveness can reduce chronic stress, depression, and even physical pain — while boosting resilience, emotional balance, and inner peace.If you’re healing from an autoimmune disorder or any chronic condition, this conversation is especially for you. Emotional stress, resentment, and unresolved pain can keep the body stuck in survival mode, which fuels inflammation and autoimmunity. Forgiveness is a powerful balm and way of living that soothes the nervous system and supports deep healing.I had the privilege of taking Fred’s Forgive for Good workshop through Stanford Health Care, and I can say firsthand: his approach is both practical and profoundly transformative.Tune in as we explore why forgiveness isn’t just a virtue — it’s a vital practice for a healthy, thriving life.Quote: “Forgiveness is giving up all hope for a better past.”What’s inside this episode?02:20 What it is that makes unforgiveness so diminishing 04:00 Fred’s personal story that led him down the path of understanding and researching “unforgiveness” as his work07:25 What is forgiveness and what is it not?10:20 What he found from his study of forgiveness in the most extremely traumatic life circumstances, and the most important aspects of forgiveness17:25 Forgiveness strategies for someone who has experienced adverse childhood experience(s) (ACEs) and is facing an autoimmune response25:55 Steps someone can take to forgive and look forward in their life34:38 The integration of spirituality and history into Fred’s secular studies on forgiveness38:00 Forgiveness is a choice and a learned skillResources mentioned:Forgive For Good by Dr. Fred Luskin: https://a.co/d/7MzvjrEThe Forgive For Good Recovery Workbook: https://a.co/d/gSPBEXdWant 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/#beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

Dr. Christine Schaffner, ND is a board-certified naturopathic physician who helps people recover from complex, chronic illness using a powerful blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge biological, natural, and energy medicine. She leads her own clinic, Immanence Health in Washington State, and works with clients virtually as well.Dr. Schaffner is also the host of The Spectrum of Health podcast, where she interviews top experts on a wide range of holistic health topics. I had the honor of being a guest on her show to share my journey of reversing autoimmune disease naturally.You may remember Dr. Schaffner from episode #5 of Beat Autoimmune & Thrive, where we explored How to Love Your Lymph. What I appreciate most about her is her compassion, curiosity, and deep commitment to educating both patients and practitioners about the often-overlooked root causes of chronic illness—and the many mind-body-spirit tools available for true healing.Full disclosure: Dr. Schaffner is my personal doctor and dear friend. I'm thrilled to welcome her back to the show.In this conversation, we explore her own profound healing journey, what she’s seeing in her practice today, and how she brings together a vast array of healing modalities to support those navigating complex health challenges like autoimmunity.Quote: “I believe anyone can overcome anything.” What’s Inside: 02:25 Dr. Schaffner’s story and most recent life threatening health journey 20:50 What is Terrain Medicine and how can people access it?33:15 The invitation to receive and be a collaborator with your body on the quest to healing and full health36:09 The masculine and feminine components of healing and systems of regulation40:30 Tools, modalities, and practices Dr. Schaffner has found to be transformational for herself and her patients47:38 EMDR for healing from acute and chronic traumaResources Mentioned:Dr. Christine Schaffner website: https://www.drchristineschaffner.com/Dr. Christine Schaffner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drschaffnerDr. Joe Dispenza website: https://drjoedispenza.com/Veda Austin, The Living Language of Water: https://www.vedaaustin.com/vedas-bookHealing Modalities and Practices:EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/Somatic Healing: https://traumahealing.org/Mei-lan - Angelic Frequency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Pn5puYb0oHeartmath science, blog, and tools: https://www.heartmath.com/Resonance devices: AO Scan: https://aoscanglobal.com/Energy for Life (formerly NES Health) https://www.e4l.com/Neural therapy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_therapyOzone therapy: A clinical review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3312702/Dr. Bradley Nelson’s books: Emotion Code and Body Code https://drbradleynelson.com/Biofield Tuning: https://www.biofieldtuning.com/Non-profit psychedelic science, research, education, and policy: Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): maps.org Ancient Medicines: Kambô - traditional Amazonian frog medicine ritual; and Rapé - sacred snuffLimbic Retraining:The Gupta Program: https://guptaprogram.com/DNRS: https://retrainingthebrain.com/Primal Trust: https://www.primaltrust.org/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/#beatautoimmuneandthrive

Dr. Shani Robins is a licensed psychologist and the founder of Wisdom Therapy™, a therapeutic approach he pioneered in 1998. He teaches psychology and wellness courses at a number of schools including Stanford University, Foothill College, and College of San Mateo.Dr. Robins holds a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from UCLA, an M.A. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, and a second Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He has been a California Board Licensed Psychologist for over 20 years.Blending the best of Western psychology—including Emotional Intelligence and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—with Eastern practices like mindfulness, compassion, gratitude, and humility, Dr. Robins helps people reduce suffering and live with greater wisdom.He specializes in psychotherapy for anxiety, anger management, and career counseling, working with individuals, couples, and groups. His integrative approach combines CBT, Mindfulness Meditation, and Wisdom Therapy to help clients lower stress and enhance well-being.In this inspiring episode, Dr. Robins shares practical strategies and timeless wisdom to help you break free from anxiety, pain, and emotional struggles—whether you’re healing from an autoimmune condition or simply seeking to live a more meaningful life. Learn how to reframe challenges, overcome cognitive distortions, practice mindfulness, and cultivate self-compassion, gratitude, optimism, and humility. Dr. Robins shows us how to be wiser and freer, starting with your very next thought.Quote: “How we think significantly influences how we feel.”What’s inside this episode?02:26 How wisdom and well-being can be defined when it comes to dealing with and healing chronic illness 13:54 Wise vs. unwise thought patterns, and the understanding that how we think directly correlates with how we feel  20:05 How we can approach and respond to new health challenges in a wiser and more skillful way25:26 Understanding mindfulness as a practiced skill that allows us to consciously observe our thoughts and create the opportunity to shift them35:35 How shifting our perspective through actively changing our biological default for survival and practicing gratitude frees us from suffering 43:50 How we can practice more humility, self-compassion, and optimism59:00 Final words from Shani on the practice of living a wise lifeResources mentioned:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) workbooks:Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think - https://amzn.to/4i8pW7SFeeling Good: The New Mood Therapy - https://a.co/d/6jUl00SShani’s website: Wisdomtherapy.comWant my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

Dr. Keesha Ewers, a board-certified expert in Functional and Ayurvedic medicine, shares her journey from perfectionism to healing. She unveils the Freedom Framework designed to reverse autoimmune diseases through addressing childhood trauma. The conversation emphasizes the holistic connection between emotional well-being and health, including the importance of recognizing dosha imbalances and practicing self-compassion. Dr. Ewers introduces innovative tools like Pebble Therapy for mindset transformation, advocating for curiosity and compassion in the healing process.

Sunjya Schweig, MD, an integrative medical doctor and founder of the California Center for Functional Medicine, dives into the world of chronic illness and autoimmunity. He discusses the importance of a data-driven approach for personalized patient care, highlighting foundational healing steps anyone can take. The conversation touches on the critical link between infections and autoimmune disorders, the impact of mold exposure, and the role of technology in managing health. Schweig emphasizes that understanding the root causes of illness is key to true healing.

My guest today is Dr. Keesha Ewers, a board-certified Functional and Ayurvedic medicine expert, Doctor of Sexology, trauma-informed psychotherapist, conscious dying doula, MAPS certified MDMA-assisted psychotherapy therapist, and founder of the Academy for Integrative Medicine Health Coach Certification Program. With over 30 years in medicine, she developed the HURT Model to understand how childhood trauma impacts adult health, leading to her Freedom Framework for reversing autoimmune disease.Dr. Keesha is a best-selling author of several books, including Solving the Autoimmune Puzzle: The Woman’s Guide to Reclaiming Emotional Freedom and Vibrant Health. She also co-hosts Liberating Generations with her daughter, a podcast on breaking free from intergenerational trauma.I’ve had the pleasure of being part of Dr. Keesha’s Reverse Autoimmune Disease Summit and deeply appreciate our generative and expansive conversations. Today, we’re diving into the well-established connection between childhood trauma and autoimmunity—and the profound potential for healing.Quote: “You weren’t robbed of a life you were supposed to have, you’re living the life that you’re supposed to live.”What’s inside this episode?02:30 Dr. Keesha’s big “wake up” and how she discovered the connection between trauma and autoimmunity 11:53 Understanding the perception and belief that everyone has some level of trauma 25:28 The approach of curiosity for reversing autoimmune, and when are you “done” working on your trauma?34:42 What well-digested trauma looks like 39:55 What the best form of trauma healing is44:27 The impact or trauma on you if you consciously or subconsciously forget it49:20 Ways to access trauma that your body knows or feels, but that you can’t remember52:37 Final words of wisdom from Dr. KeeshaResources mentioned:Dr. Keesha’s website: https://www.drkeesha.com/Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/functional-medicine-autoimmune-reversal-program/

Dr. Heather Moday is a board-certified physician and immunologist who specializes in integrative and functional medicine. In addition to her medical degree, Dr. Moday pursued a fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Weil. She is also a certified functional medicine practitioner through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Moday is the author of "The Immunotype Breakthrough: Your Personalized Plan to Balance Your Immune System, Optimize Health, and Build Lifelong Resilience," a wonderful book that explores different immune system types with strategies for achieving optimal health. Today Dr. Moday helps people transform their health by teaching them how to optimize their environment, nutrition, and stress management to balance their immune systems. I’m delighted to have her join me today to share simple lifestyle habits you can embrace to balance your immune system so you can both heal and prevent autoimmunity.Quote: “Your immune system doesn’t care if you have a deadline.”What’s inside this episode?02:30 Dr. Moday’s story and transition from allergist and immunologist to integrative and functional medicine practitioner 08:45 The patterns Dr. Moday saw emerge and the four different immunotypes 14:35 Where you can find quizzes and other resources to help you identify what type of immune system you have15:16 What Dr. Moday is seeing as the main drivers of autoimmunity 23:54 What’s the first step Dr. Moday takes when a patient comes to her with a constellation of symptoms and autoimmune disorders 29:00 Top solutions and strategies you can do to address chronic stress and other things that are contributing to autoimmunity 35:24 How to identify types of stress reduction techniques that work for you40:50 Final message from Dr.Moday regarding patience and being gentle with the healing processResources mentioned:Dr. Heather’s Website and Immunotype book: https://modaycenter.com/Follow Dr. Moday on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctormoday/Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/functional-medicine-autoimmune-reversal-program/