The Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie

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.

Discover why common relaxation methods can sometimes increase anxiety. Learn how oxytocin acts as "nature's fire extinguisher" in healing, and find out the surprising interplay between oxytocin and vasopressin. Understand how past experiences can make quiet moments feel threatening. Gain insights into how your brain assesses safety and explore simple strategies to create a sense of security before attempting relaxation techniques. This discussion provides valuable tools for both practitioners and anyone struggling with mindfulness.

Dr. Sue Carter, a world-renowned expert on oxytocin, dives into the critical role this hormone plays in healing trauma and fostering safety in relationships. She explains how oxytocin serves as nature's anti-inflammatory and helps regulate the nervous system. The discussion highlights why traditional therapy alone may not suffice, the influence of early life attachments on our capacity to connect, and practical strategies for boosting oxytocin levels. Learn how nurturing relationships can transform survival into thriving.

Did you know that it's impossible to have gut issues without feeling grief and regret, and equally impossible to hold grief while maintaining a healthy gut?  In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie explores the powerful connection between constipation and grief, expanding on her discussion in Episode 124. She answers a listener's question about remaining stuck in grief work despite months of therapy, and how chronic constipation might be the  barrier preventing emotional healing. You'll hear more on: How grief triggers a biological trauma response that directly impacts digestion The effect constipation has on your nervous system How constipation leads to brain inflammation, mental fatigue, and emotional shutdown Why your gut health directly impacts your ability to process emotions Practical strategies to improve your constipation  Why talk therapy alone may not be enough when the nervous system is stuck in overwhelm If you're struggling with both grief and digestive issues, or if you're a practitioner working with clients who seem stuck in their healing journey, this episode offers crucial insights into the biological barriers that may be preventing progress. To hear the full episode and access additional resources, head over to Episode 124: Grief and Gut Health to learn more!  

"Your gut cannot hold grief and regret and stay a healthy gut. It's impossible, and it's impossible to have gut issues and to not feel grief and regret." – Dr. Aimie Grief isn't just an emotional process, it's a biological experience that can deeply disrupt your gut health, nervous system, and overall well-being. In this episode, Dr. Aimie explores the gut-brain axis and how emotional trauma like grief gets stored in the body, often leading to digestive issues and nervous system dysregulation. Discover how grief affects the vagus nerve, diaphragm function, and the enteric nervous system—your body's "second brain." Learn why doctors often overlook the link between trauma and the gut, and how somatic healing offers a powerful, holistic approach to recovery. In this episode, you'll learn: How the vagus nerve connects grief and gut health The 3 most difficult types of grief to process: attachment grief, absent grief, and heart shock grief How unprocessed grief disrupts diaphragm function and the digestive system The difference between being stuck in grief vs. actively grieving How grief contributes to inflammation and pressure in gut health How your gut and brain work together to process emotional trauma And more! Whether you're a practitioner or on your own healing journey, this episode sheds light on the mind-body connection, offering a holistic healing perspective on grief, trauma, and gut health.   Resources Mentioned in 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 - many have taken the 21 Day Journey because of grief, and wanting to safely access and regain a sense of safety, energy, and find their authentic self again. Over the course of 21 days, I’ll guide you through a structured sequence of somatic-based self-practices designed to help you reconnect with your body, calm your nervous system, and begin healing from the inside out. Steps to Identify and Heal Trauma - A Roadmap for Healing - Use this free 23-page guide to recognize when grief has become stored trauma in the body them, and get simple steps to the healing journey. It’s great for anyone who wants to understand trauma better or support others on their healing journey.   Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 42: Unlocking The Role Of Disguised Grief in Health with Dr. Joan Rosenberg Episode 89: Tapping, EFT and Energetic Boundaries For Inner Child and Gut Issues with Jennifer Partridge   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.  

What if your inability to change habits and reactions wasn't about lack of willpower or being lazy, but was actually about your body not having enough energy to make the change? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why so many people feel stuck in old patterns or habits, expanding on her conversation with Katie Wells from Episode 123. She answers a question from Jessica, a therapist, about why her clients intellectually understand their problems but can't seem to make changes stick and feel drained after therapy. Dr. Aimie explains how trauma becomes an energy problem in your body. She breaks down what happens inside your cells when trauma gets stored and why healing requires energy that many people simply don't have. You'll hear more about: How trauma affects your body's mitochondria (aka the cellular powerhouses) The warning signs that your energy system is struggling Why feeling exhausted after therapy means your body doesn't have the energy to heal (Hint: You’re NOT actually failing!) Simple steps you can take today to boost energy levels naturally If you know what your problems are but can't seem to change them, or if you're helping someone who's stuck in this cycle, this episode offers practical steps that actually work with your biology instead of against it. To hear the full conversation, listen to Episode 123: Light, Sleep, and High-Impact Habits to Heal Your Nervous System  

“I said to my body, ‘I want to be your friend.’ And it took a deep breath and said, ‘I’ve been waiting our whole life for this.’” – Katie Wells Doing the inner work isn’t just emotional, it’s biological. In this episode, Dr. Aimie is joined by Wellness Mama founder and health journalist Katie Wells to talk about the high-impact habits with light, sleep, and movement can help support nervous system regulation and emotional healing In this conversation, you’ll learn why trauma is actually an energy problem, how your environment may be silently working against your healing, and how small, daily habits can dramatically impact your capacity for rest, resilience, and recovery. Together, Dr. Aimie and Katie dive into the misunderstood connection between light exposure, sleep quality, nutrition, and trauma recovery. They explain why pushing yourself, without creating safety and energy, can backfire, and how to finally work with your biology rather than against it. You’ll hear more on: Why trauma is an energy problem  How your nervous system responds to light, sleep, and environmental signs Why rest and safety signals are essential to healing How to listen to your body’s cues without overwhelm Why doing more won’t help you heal, and what your nervous system actually needs instead And more! Katie Wells is a mom of six with a background in journalism. She took health into her own hands and started researching to find answers to her own health struggles. Her research turned into a blog and podcast that turned into an amazing community, Wellness Mama. She is one of the 100 most influential people in health and wellness and is considered a thought leader for the current generation of moms.   Guides, Tools & Resources: Biology of Trauma book - how the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal - at the time of this recording, The Insider’s Circle Book Club is open and pre-orders have gone live. You will receive over $400 worth of bonuses if you pre-order now. And if 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, increase your energy, and build the foundation for deeper trauma healing, join me inside the 21-Day Journey. Over the course of 21 days, I’ll guide you through a sequence of gentle, somatic-based practices designed to help you reconnect with your body, calm your nervous system, and begin healing from the inside out. Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 68: Struggling with Sleep How to Regain Restful Nights with Suzi Senk Episode 82: Using Biological Rhythms to Recover From Trauma with Dr. Leslie Korn 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.