The Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie

Your mind says you’re safe, but your body still feels tense, overwhelmed, and stuck in danger mode. Why does this happen? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why mental and emotional healing doesn’t always translate into physical healing. You’ll learn how trauma gets “stuck” in your nervous system, why your body can keep sending danger signals even when your mind feels better, and practical ways to help your body feel safe enough to recover. Your nervous system works like a dashboard, constantly checking if you can handle what’s happening or need to shut down. When it stays stuck in survival mode, even after therapy, it can cause chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. The good news is, you can help your body feel safe again and start to heal. In this episode, you'll find out more about: The difference between stress vs. trauma (and why it’s not about the event itself!) Why your body creates a personal safety filter based on past experiences How inflammation, toxins, and hidden stressors send danger signals to your nervous system Why your body’s natural healing shuts down when you’re in survival mode Simple ways to track and shift your nervous system state every day Whether you’re doing your own healing or supporting clients who still feel stuck physically despite mental progress, this episode reveals the missing piece of trauma recovery. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the body’s signals and walk away with practical tools to help the body catch up with the mind. 🎧 For more on chronic pain and trauma biology, listen next to Episode 130: Why It’s Not Stress That Causes Chronic Pain and What Really Does.

Chronic pain affects millions of people who've been told their symptoms are just from stress. They've tried relaxation techniques, stress management, and lifestyle changes, but nothing really seems to work. They’re left feeling stuck, exhausted, and frustrated that their body just won’t heal. But why does the body stay in pain even when the injury has healed? In this episode, Dr. Aimie look at what most people believe about chronic pain. Instead of blaming stress, she shows how chronic pain actually comes from trauma stored in the body, and explores what's really going on and why this matters so much for healing. Drawing from her own experience with chronic shoulder pain after a collarbone fracture, Dr. Aimie explains how her body was storing trauma, not just stress. Even after surgery and treatments, the pain wouldn't go away until she discovered what was really happening in her body. You'll discover the difference between stress and trauma responses, why your body might be stuck in a chronic trauma response, and the hidden biochemical imbalances that make some people more likely to develop chronic pain. You'll learn: [1:45] Why stress does NOT cause chronic pain (and what actually does!) [5:20] The critical line of overwhelm that turns stress into trauma [11:34] What happens in the nervous system when you feel trapped and powerless [16:33] Why unresolved trauma keeps your body stuck in a danger response [21:15] The role of biochemical imbalances and why they increase pain sensitivity [26:06] How oxidative stress and mitochondria contribute to functional freeze [30:12] The hidden link between copper excess, anxiety, and chronic pain [34:52] Practical steps to repair your biology and help your body feel safe again Whether you're someone struggling with chronic pain or a practitioner seeking better tools to help clients, this episode reveals why understanding trauma biology, not just stress management, is the key to breaking free from chronic pain and reclaiming your life.   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 and experience the benefits of 26% decrease in daily physical pain, 28% decrease in sleep issues and digestive issues, 30% decrease in anxiety, depression, or want to learn how to do this for those you help - 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.  3 Most Common Biochemical Imbalances In Mood and Trauma Healing - Discover the common biochemical imbalances that are frequently at the core of mood and trauma patterns. Learn how these imbalances are identified and addressed to help improve emotional well-being.   Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 91: The Neuroscience of Chronic Pain: How Our Brain Predicts And Creates A Biology of Pain with Dr. Howard Schubiner Episode 96: Pain as Protection: Why Your Body Creates Chronic Pain & The 3 Questions to Ask to Release It   Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of the content provided in this podcast.  

Feeling exhausted or unwell after therapy is surprisingly common. The podcast dives into why emotional breakthroughs can lead to physical symptoms, tracing it back to our nervous system’s responses. Discover how your body interprets emotions as potential threats and learn simple strategies to manage this turmoil. The discussion highlights factors like sleep, diet, and emotional energy that influence therapy outcomes. Listeners will gain insights on post-session practices to improve well-being and navigate their healing journey more effectively.

Many individuals find themselves stuck in survival mode, even after years of therapy and self-help. The podcast dives into the crucial role of the nervous system in healing and why traditional methods often miss the mark. Listeners will discover how trauma impacts the body, why merely believing you’re safe isn’t enough, and the hidden signals that indicate a disconnection from emotions. Dr. Aimie offers a roadmap to transition from feeling overwhelmed to embracing a more vibrant, connected life.

Dive into the fascinating link between childhood attachment trauma and autoimmune conditions. Discover how early fears can program your immune system and even lead to chronic illness years later. Learn why inflammation spikes in response to fear and how it can wreak havoc on your brain. The discussion also reveals practical steps to rebalance your immune system, making it perfect for both practitioners and individuals on their health journeys. Uncover the hidden biological connections that could transform your understanding of wellness.

Unresolved childhood attachment trauma can lead to surprising adult struggles like anxiety and chronic illness. The podcast delves into how early emotional pain is stored in the body, influencing health and relationships. It discusses the six core attachment wounds and the biological impacts of feeling unsafe. You'll learn about the connection between fear, inflammation, and physical symptoms, as well as pathways to healing through somatic practices. Discover practical steps to become your own safe person and break the cycle of trauma.

Your nervous system’s main job isn’t to make you happy. It’s to keep you safe. That’s why, even after the danger is over, your body can still act like it’s under threat. In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind how trauma gets stuck in the body and why it’s so hard to “just move on.” You’ll learn how something called the body trauma loop keeps your system in survival mode, and how the brain’s ability to learn (neuroplasticity) can actually lock in trauma patterns over time. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The 3 trauma survival responses: shutdown, disconnection, and freeze Why your body keeps flipping between stress and shut down How your brain and body learn to repeat trauma patterns automatically How things like inflammation and oxidative stress keep your nervous system stuck Why just saying “you’re safe” isn’t enough A step-by-step process to help your body shift out of survival and into safety Simple, body-based tools (somatic practices) you can use daily to calm your nervous system Whether you're a practitioner or someone who's tired of feeling anxious, frozen, or burned out, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in your body and how to start changing it. 👉 Want the full breakdown? Listen to Episode 127: Why the Body Is Wired for Danger – Understanding Trauma’s Impact on the Nervous System for a deeper look at trauma and nervous system healing.

When was the last time that you truly felt so safe that you had no anxiety, no fear, or insecurity for the future? Many people feel like they're always waiting for disaster to strike. Their body stays stressed even when nothing bad is happening.  If this sounds like you or those you help, here's why it happens and what you can do about it. The answer lies in understanding how early life experiences wire our nervous system for survival rather than safety.  When we get overwhelmed and can't find our way back to feeling okay, it’s a sign our bodies get stuck in danger mode. This mode can last for years or even decades, affecting everything from our health to our relationships.  In this episode, Dr. Aimie dives into why the body might feel constantly on edge and explains the 3 key factors that make past experiences stick with us.You'll discover simple methods to calm the nervous system and start feeling more secure in life. You'll learn more on: [2:01] The three key elements that create overwhelming experiences: feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and in disbelief [11:54] Understanding the critical line of overwhelm and why we cross it daily  [15:30] How early childhood experiences and generational trauma patterns contribute to nervous system wiring [18:45] The difference between "too much, too fast" and "too little, too long"  [21:54] How to recognize survival patterns versus safety patterns  [25:12] The first essential step to rewiring the nervous system [28:30] Why creating safety must come before processing difficult emotions [32:15] Practical somatic tools you can use immediately when you notice stress and overwhelm Whether you struggle with constant worry, can't seem to relax, or feel like you're always bracing for impact, this episode will help you understand what's happening in your body and give you practical steps to change it.   Guides, Tools & Resources: 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 and experience the benefits of 26% decrease in daily physical pain, 28% decrease in sleep issues and digestive issues, 30% decrease in anxiety, depression, or want to learn how to do this for those you help - 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.    Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 26: Doing Trauma Work Safely: The One Thing You Need To Do Before Processing Your Past Episode 72 What We Have Missed With Trauma-Informed Care: Boundaries, Attachment and Generational Impact   Related Youtube Videos:  Body Adapts to Dysregulation: Survival Mechanisms | Dr. Aimie Apigian   Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of the content provided in this podcast.  

Even if you’ve done years of therapy, learned to manage your emotions, and built self-awareness, your nervous system might still be stuck in survival mode. But why is this? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie dives into the biology behind how oxidative stress at the cellular level can keep your body trapped in a trauma response. No matter how much mindset work you’ve done! She breaks down how unresolved biological stress sends ongoing danger signals to your nervous system, fueling anxiety, overwhelm, and chronic dysregulation. You’ll hear more about: Why trauma isn’t just stored in your mind but in your mitochondria and DNA How oxidative stress acts like “rust” inside your cells and blocks emotional regulation The link between oxidative damage and PTSD, depression, and chronic illness Why your body needs energy, not willpower, to heal from trauma What actually helps repair oxidative damage and stabilize your nervous system How to use food, supplements, and sleep routines to support deep biological healing Whether you're supporting others on their healing journey or navigating your own, this episode reveals the hidden cellular barriers that can keep the nervous system stuck and offers practical ways to work with the body’s biology to create real progress. 🎧 Want the full picture? Listen to Episode 126: Neuroception Explained: How Your Nervous System Decides What’s Safe (and Why It Matters for Healing)

Dive into the fascinating concept of neuroception, the hidden process that influences your feeling of safety and danger. Discover why sticking to healthy habits often feels daunting, and learn how your body's alarm system might be sabotaging your healing efforts. Explore the different states your nervous system operates in, and gain insights on managing your internal responses to foster better health. Plus, find resources for healing and personal growth that can guide your journey toward feeling safe and empowered.