The Biology of Traumaâ„¢ With Dr. Aimie

Why does the simple act of smelling essential oils directly regulate the nervous system during trauma and grief? How can practitioners support clients who struggle with feeling their bodies? What if smell is the most underutilized tool for creating safety and embodiment? Seven years ago, Jodi Cohen's 12-year-old son died suddenly in a car accident. Her 14-year-old daughter, about to start high school, needed her mother to stay present through the unimaginable. This episode shares Jodi's journey of daily choosing what helps and what hurts, discovering that smell became her most accessible pathway to nervous system regulation when everything else felt too overwhelming. You'll learn the science of why our sense of smell is our most direct connection to the limbic system, how rose essential oil counteracts the fear response in the brain, and why smell allows us to titrate our emotional experience in micro-moments rather than getting flooded. This episode bridges functional medicine and somatic trauma healing for both practitioners and individuals navigating grief, chronic pain, or trauma recovery. Whether you're supporting clients through loss or learning to regulate your own nervous system, you'll discover how to use essential oils as deliberate cues of safety that shift your state without anyone noticing. In this episode you'll learn: [00:01:28] Jodi's Story of Loss: How her son's death became a daily practice of choosing what helps and what hurts while parenting through grief [00:03:08] Why Smell is Critical to Survival: The science of olfactory receptors and how rose essential oil counteracts the brain's fear response [00:05:27] Stories Follow State: Why shifting your nervous system state automatically changes your thoughts without working on the stories [00:07:04] Parasympathetic Blend Behind the Ear: How applying essential oils on the vagus nerve regulates sympathetic dominance during overwhelming moments [00:09:11] Flooding Shuts Down Problem-Solving: Why you must regulate your nervous system before you can think clearly or make decisions [00:12:36] When Bedtime Brings Up Everything: How stillness at night surfaces all the grief and feelings we've avoided all day [00:14:24] Creating Neutral Space for Dorsal Vagal: Recognizing shutdown and using oils to observe feelings without reliving trauma [00:21:05] Titrating with Smell: Using essential oils for micro-moments of feeling followed by safe action to build capacity without flooding [00:24:37] Fascia, Lymph, and Nervous System Integration: Why addressing all three systems together creates coherence and lasting regulation [00:27:16] Where to Apply Essential Oils: Finding the divot behind the ear, belly button, and feet for maximum nervous system regulation Main Takeaways: Smell is Our Most Powerful Survival Sense: Of the five senses, smell connects most directly to the limbic system because it alerts us to food, water, predator odor, and fire—making it the most critical sense for survival and the most underutilized tool for nervous system regulation. Rose Essential Oil Counteracts Fear Biology: Research on olfactory receptors shows that rose essential oil directly counteracts the fear response triggered by predator odor in the brain, making it a powerful tool for trauma healing and embodiment. Your Stories Follow Your State: Thoughts and narratives automatically shift with your nervous system state—when you're in calm aliveness you notice beauty, in stress you spiral with worry, in shutdown everything feels hopeless. Shifting state is often easier than changing thoughts. Smell Creates Space Between Stimulus and Response: Essential oils provide the easiest accessible tool to create that critical pause between what happens and how we react, allowing us to move from automatic survival responses to conscious choice. Titration Makes Healing Sustainable: Using smell to titrate emotional experience—feeling for 30 seconds, then shifting attention—builds capacity to stay present with difficult feelings without getting flooded or retraumatized. Go Slowly When Activating Parasympathetic: People who've been sympathetic dominant for years will start detoxifying when they finally feel safe. Start with just smelling oils before topical application to prevent overwhelming the lymphatic system. Fascia, Lymph, and Nervous System Work Together: These three systems are woven together like a marriage—the vagus nerve is the masculine aspect, fascia is the feminine, and when both are in harmony the body moves into coherence. Grief Requires Daily Practice: Healing from trauma and loss isn't about being fixed or finding one solution—it's making a daily choice to lean into tools that work, even when you don't feel like it. Coherence Creates Lasting Change: When you align the nervous system, fascial network, lymphatic system, heart coherence, and limbic system together, you create deadbolts on the door of safety rather than just one lock. Notable Quotes: "When you're flooded, it turns off your access to your prefrontal cortex, which is kind of your problem solving skill. And so you need to regulate your nervous system so that you can problem solve." "It's not like I am fixed or I found this thing. It's that every day I live with chronic pain, I live with hard things, and every day I make a choice to deal with it." "The nervous system, lymphatic system and the fascial network are all woven together. The fascia is kind of the feminine aspect of the nervous system and the vagus nerve is the masculine, and I think they're married and they work together." Episode Takeaway: The healing journey from grief and trauma don't require you to be fixed—they require daily practice of choosing tools that work even when you don't feel like using them. Jodi's journey through the loss of her 12-year-old son reveals why smell became her most accessible pathway to nervous system regulation: essential oils create that critical space between stimulus and response because olfactory receptors connect directly to the limbic system, allowing us to titrate emotional experience in micro-moments, shift our state (which automatically shifts our stories), and regulate before our prefrontal cortex shuts down from flooding. Resources/Guides: Jodi Cohen's Vibrant Blue Oils - Jodi's Parasympathetic blend (clove and lime) applied behind the ear on the vagus nerve, along with her Rose, Lung Support, Limbic Reset, Fascia Release, and Heart blends mentioned throughout this episode. The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional. Related Episodes: Episode 100: 3 Power Stories: How to Reclaim Your Mental & Physical Health Through Biology of TraumaⓇ with Dr. Aimie Apigian Episode 97: Pain as Protection: Why Your Body Creates Chronic Pain & The 3 Questions to Ask to Release It with Georgie Oldfield Guest: Jodi Cohen is a bestselling author, award-winning journalist, functional practitioner, and founder of Vibrant Blue Oils, where she creates proprietary blends of organic and wild-crafted essential oils designed specifically for nervous system regulation. After her 12-year-old son's death in 2018 and navigating her ex-husband's bipolar disorder and suicide attempt, Jodi discovered that essential oils provided the most accessible pathway to regulation during overwhelming grief and chronic pain. Her #1 bestselling book "Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body" (Random House) synthesizes decades of scientific research on how essential oils support the body and brain. She has helped over 100,000 clients heal from anxiety, insomnia, autoimmunity, and inflammation, and was recognized as one of the 2024 Enterprising Women of the Year. Visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. 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. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please share and use your name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free and the discussion positive

What if your struggle with goodbyes isn't just about being emotional—but reveals something deeper about how you've been protecting yourself from grief? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian shares one of her most personal stories about transformation: how her lifelong pattern of avoiding goodbyes led to carrying decades of unprocessed grief, and how learning to stay present through endings completely changed her life—and became the foundation for the 21-Day Journey. This episode explores the hidden costs of emotional avoidance, why goodbyes can feel unbearable, and how learning to feel complete with experiences is essential for moving forward without regret. Dr. Aimie vulnerably shares her journey from someone who would literally book trips to avoid final goodbyes, to someone who could sit with her dying friend David and ask the question she'd never been able to ask before. In this episode you'll hear more about: The pattern of goodbye avoidance: How Dr. Aimie would emotionally distance herself long before endings arrived, protecting her heart but never feeling complete with experiences The hidden burden of unfinished goodbyes: Getting busy, finding escapes, leaving early—even booking trips specifically to avoid being present for closures The grief underneath: Why each goodbye felt so hard—it was tugging on a lifetime of accumulated, unprocessed grief from every goodbye she'd never properly faced The embarrassment of emotional sensitivity: Hiding her feelings to appear strong and tough, then sobbing alone once she was by herself The pattern of depletion: Always wanting more, never feeling like there was enough time, never feeling complete—and how this connected to her inability to say goodbye David's story: Meeting an 82-year-old man who became a dear friend during the pandemic, and the decision to bring him home from isolation when he was dying alone The question that changed everything: "Is there anything you feel you need to feel complete before you pass on?"—a question Dr. Aimie had never been able to ask patients in her years working in general surgery The moment of transformation: Sitting with David as he held her hand over his heart, not bracing herself, heart wide open—becoming a completely different person than the Aimie who would've found dishes to do or papers to file The birth of the 21-Day Journey: How the specific exercises and sequence were designed in those final hours with David, born from the realization that if she could change this much, anyone could The commitment to not do it alone: Why Dr. Aimie designed the journey to safely guide others through their healing, just like she did for David—providing not just exercises, but the science and support so no one has to figure it out alone Your relationship with goodbyes reveals more about you than perhaps any other aspect of your life. Learning to stay present through endings, to feel complete with experiences, and to honor what's been while still moving forward—this is the gift of true closure.

Many women enter perimenopause unprepared for the brain remodeling and nervous system changes that make this transition feel destabilizing. For practitioners supporting clients through midlife, and for women navigating perimenopause themselves, understanding how stored trauma amplifies symptoms and shrinks capacity changes everything about this journey. This episode features Dr. Mariza Snyder, author of The Perimenopause Revolution, who shares her personal journey through perimenopause while carrying complex PTSD from childhood abuse.  You'll discover why stabilizing blood sugar becomes foundational for cellular energy, how the critical line of overwhelm shifts during perimenopause, and why brain inflammation during this transition feels like cognitive decline.  Dr. Mariza reframes perimenopause as an invitation to review what's up for change—relationships, obligations, and patterns that no longer serve your nervous system—rather than something to survive. In this episode you'll learn: 02:16 Why Blood Sugar Stability Is Pillar One: How stabilizing cellular energy through food becomes foundational during perimenopause and nervous system dysregulation 04:30 Perimenopause as Neuroendocrine Transition: Understanding neuroinflammation and brain remodeling during erratic hormone decline 08:14 When Executive Function Falters: Why women who effortlessly managed 100 tabs suddenly can't multitask the way they used to 11:22 Change and Stored Trauma: Why perimenopause triggers those carrying trauma—change means the unknown, and the unknown feels more dangerous than familiar suffering 14:18 Everything Up for Review: How perimenopause forces discernment about what you've been tolerating, prioritizing, and saying yes to 17:03 The Critical Line of Overwhelm Shifts: How perimenopause shortens your capacity threshold and why that might be the invitation you need 20:53 The Cake Pop Phenomenon: Why women operate disconnected from their bodies and how perimenopause demands new attunement 23:14 Progesterone, GABA, and Melatonin Decline: The alarming rate at which women lose these calming neurochemicals during perimenopause 27:09 Shifting State Through Grounding: Practical strategies like naming objects in the room to get prefrontal cortex online 28:34 The Five Week Midlife Reset Plan: Movement, sleep strategies, meal plans, recipes, and symptom trackers to create wins without overwhelm Main Takeaways: Cellular Energy Determines Everything: Blood sugar stability creates homeostasis that supports mood regulation, stress tolerance, and nervous system capacity—making it foundational for both perimenopause and trauma healing. Perimenopause Shrinks Your Critical Line of Overwhelm: Your capacity threshold shortens during perimenopause, forcing discernment about relationships, obligations, and patterns that push you over the edge into dysregulation. Brain Inflammation Mimics Cognitive Decline: The erratic decline of estrogen, progesterone, GABA, and melatonin creates neuroinflammation that feels like early dementia but is actually your brain remodeling for the second half of life. The Hundred-Tab Brain Stops Working: Executive function that allowed effortless multitasking begins to falter—it's a time your brain is recalibrating to focus on one thing at a time. Stored Trauma Amplifies Perimenopause Symptoms: Women with childhood trauma, hypervigilant nervous systems, and complex PTSD experience perimenopause as more destabilizing because change triggers survival responses rooted in the unknown feeling dangerous. Everything Comes Up for Review: Perimenopause forces examination of what you've been tolerating—work obligations, relationships, people-pleasing patterns, and the habit of prioritizing everyone else before yourself. Disconnected Demands New Attunement: Operating disconnected from your body (all cerebral, nothing below the neck) no longer works—perimenopause demands you drop into your body and form new relationships with its signals. Notable Quotes: "If we could just optimize, stabilize our cellular energy through stabilizing our blood sugar, we really set a great foundation." "We could have a hundred tabs open and manage them effortlessly. And then I remember the day where I was really having to effort because that level of executive function begins to falter." "Nothing is wrong. Stop trying to find something to do right now. Like, just be present in the moment." "I feel like a cake pop sometimes. Everything is just happening here and what's below my head, there's nothing below. You know, I'm so disconnected." "Perimenopause is a time for discernment, because everything is up for review. We get to work on the trauma because it's probably coming up for review." "The critical line of overwhelm—you have less of a line. It shortens. And I don't necessarily think that that is a bad thing if you can become aware." Episode Takeaway: Perimenopause isn't just about hot flashes and missed periods. Your brain is literally remodeling itself. Hormones that showed up predictably for decades now arrive erratically. For women carrying stored trauma, this feels destabilizing. Change means the unknown. The unknown feels dangerous. You don't know who you're becoming. You don't know what your capacity will be. You don't know if you can trust your brain anymore. Your nervous system responds the only way it knows how—by staying on alert. The critical line of overwhelm shifts during perimenopause. Your capacity threshold shortens. What felt manageable last year now pushes you over the edge. The relationships that drain you. The obligations you never wanted. The people-pleasing patterns you've carried for decades. They suddenly feel intolerable. Your nervous system no longer has bandwidth for what doesn't serve you. Stabilizing cellular energy through blood sugar becomes foundational because dysregulation multiplied by time creates the neuroinflammation that mimics cognitive decline. Women who operated as "cake pops"—all cerebral, disconnected from body signals—discover that perimenopause demands new attunement. Your body is no longer willing to be ignored. The invitation is to grieve your former self, accept your brain's recalibration, and choose what you're calling into the second half of your life with fierce discernment about what matters enough to maintain your nervous system regulation. Resources/Guides: The Perimenopause Revolution by Dr. Mariza Snyder - The comprehensive manual for navigating perimenopause with nervous system support, blood sugar strategies, movement plans, meal plans, and the five-week midlife reset. Get the book and access over $700 in bonuses at drmariza.com/book The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional.  Related Episodes: Ep 166: The Body Keeps Score: How Trauma Rewires Your Nervous System with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk Ep 123: Light, Sleep and High-Impact Habits To Heal Your Nervous System   Guest: Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional practitioner and author of The Perimenopause Revolution, the comprehensive guide helping women navigate perimenopause with nervous system regulation, cellular energy optimization, and practical strategies for the decade-long transition. With her own experience of complex PTSD and hypervigilant nervous system, she brings both clinical expertise and personal understanding to supporting women through midlife brain remodeling. Learn more at drmariza.com and connect with her on Instagram @drmariza. Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. 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. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please share and use your name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free and the discussion positive

After treatment, Dirci was told by her oncologist to go back to her life as “normal.” But as she steps into the cancer support groups, everyone is in fear of remission. Melanie received the diagnosis of breast cancer, felt the fear of if treatment would get it all, and decided now was the best time for nervous system healing -not later. She finds herself on the radiation table using her somatic tools and finding a calm and a freedom that surprises the nurses.  Many people receive cancer diagnoses without anyone explaining how stress, trauma and nervous system dysregulation create the biological conditions where disease can be welcomed.  For practitioners supporting clients through cancer treatment, and for individuals navigating their own healing journey, understanding the connection between stored trauma and physical health changes everything about experiencing freedom from the fear that accompanies a diagnosis, even after successful treatment. This episode shares two stories about breast cancer and the nervous system regulation work that became essential to their ability to find freedom during and after the treatment.  You'll hear from Dirci, a mother of twins who developed breast cancer during the pandemic after years of daily overwhelm, and Melanie, whose postpartum anxiety and childhood hypervigilance preceded her diagnosis.  Both women went where their oncologists said wouldn't make a difference—yet addressing their nervous system dysregulation became the missing, foundational piece for their emotional health. Their journeys reveal what becomes possible when we heal the underlying Biology of Trauma® instead of returning to the patterns that created illness. In this episode you'll learn: [02:01] Dirci's Story: How her sister's death, twins' therapy sessions, and daily overwhelm preceded breast cancer [10:54] When Doctors Say "Go Back to Normal": Why returning to life as usual after treatment felt wrong [14:09] The Moment Everything Clicked: Discovering trauma in her body through Dr. Aimie's interview [18:30] From Information to Embodiment: How the 21 Day Journey created awareness and presence in daily life [21:04] The Transformation Others Noticed: Looking better after cancer treatment than before diagnosis [27:02] Melanie's Story: Postpartum anxiety, rage, and hypervigilance that preceded her breast cancer diagnosis [36:04] Using Rage as a Pause Button: How anger became a coping mechanism to control overwhelming environments [41:45] Going Through Treatment with Peace: Using the heart hold on the radiation table instead of panic [48:26] Tools That Don't Wear Out: Why nervous system regulation practices remain effective years later [49:40] Healing the Next Generation: Breaking intergenerational trauma patterns by regulating your own nervous system Main Takeaways: Normal Was What Made Them Sick: When doctors said "return to life as normal," both women recognized that normal—daily overwhelm, hypervigilance, pushing through exhaustion—was what had created the conditions for illness in their bodies. Too Much Too Fast and Too Little for Too Long: Dirci's story shows how these two trauma patterns combined—sudden losses and daily therapy stressors—created chronic nervous system dysregulation that manifested as breast cancer two years later. Cancer Communities Can Create More Fear: Traditional cancer support groups focused on recurrence statistics and survival rates kept both women in fear states, while trauma healing communities offered a path toward joy and aliveness instead. Awareness Creates Different Parenting: Learning to regulate her own nervous system helped Dirci recognize when her children were in sympathetic or shutdown states, allowing her to parent from understanding rather than trying to change behaviors. The Body Needs Tending During Treatment: Melanie went through radiation and biopsies with peace by using tools like the heart hold and orienting—creating connection with medical staff instead of panic. Healing Tools That Don't Wear Out: Unlike other modalities that lose effectiveness over time, the nervous system regulation tools from the 21 Day Journey remained relevant and powerful for both women years later. Moving From Hours to Presence: Dirci shifted from feeling like she never had enough hours in the day to actually being present in her life—the essence of the healing journey.   Notable Quotes: "I knew that the way my life was happening was what put me into cancer. So I needed to find help." - Dirci Souza "I don't want to have fear, I just want to support my body. I would rather be working towards finding a path to feel joy and feel alive than to take a path that brings along the fear." - Dirci Souza "Until then, I had no idea. Didn't cross my mind. Trauma. Am I traumatized? For me it was just life. What I was going through and I needed to be brave, I was surviving." - Dirci Souza "I used anxiety to fuel myself. So I would keep doing whatever it is I needed to do. That's the energy I ran on." - Melanie "I could not have imagined remaining so calm and centered going through cancer treatment. I could put my hand over my heart right there on the radiation table. That was one of my favorite moments through the whole cancer journey." - Melanie   Episode Takeaway: When oncologists say "return to life as normal" after cancer treatment, they miss a critical piece: normal was often what created the conditions for illness. Both Dirci and Melanie's stories reveal how years of nervous system dysregulation—chronic hypervigilance, pushing through exhaustion, using anxiety as fuel—created the biological environment where cancer could develop. Dysregulation multiplied by time creates disease. Their diagnoses arrived after years of too much too fast combined with too little for too long. The remarkable insight: both women looked better after cancer treatment than before diagnosis. Why? They finally addressed underlying nervous system dysregulation, not just the cancer. Simple tools like the heart hold and vu breath created immediate regulation—Melanie used the heart hold on the radiation table and experienced peace instead of panic. Most powerfully, healing your nervous system heals the next generation through co-regulation, breaking intergenerational trauma biology that manifests as chronic illness decades later. Resources/Guides: The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional.  Related Episodes: Episode 32: What are the Ways the Body Communicates Stored Trauma? with Dr. Aimie Apigian Episode 74: Why Stored Traumas Become Syndromes & Somatic Solutions with Peter Levine Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. 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. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please share and use your name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free and the discussion positive

What if the brain fog you're experiencing isn't just tiredness—but your nervous system's way of disconnecting you from an unbearable reality? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian answers a question from Rachel, a therapist in Seattle, about why the freeze response is associated with brain fog. Many people think of the freeze response as simply paralysis, not understanding the sophisticated biological mechanisms happening at the cellular level. This episode dives deep into the freeze response—when it happens, why it happens, and the brain inflammation that creates the disconnection and fog we experience. Understanding this biology helps us recognize when we or someone we're working with has a chronic functional freeze, so we know where to start with healing. In this episode you'll hear more about: The five steps the body takes to go into a trauma response—starting with activation and crossing the critical line of overwhelm The two reasons we cross that critical line: "too much too fast" (excessive activation) and "too little for too long" (prolonged stress without recovery) Why your nervous system decides certain situations are life threats—even when logically they're not (like being berated in residency or hearing hurtful words from someone you care about) The cellular biology of brain fog: How immune cells in your brain (microglia) unleash inflammation, cytokines, and chemokines that create the mental disconnection and fog The surreal feeling of freeze: Why voices sound distant, why you feel like you're in a daze, and why people around you seem far away even though they're right there Chronic functional freeze: The state where you're still functioning and going through life, but secretly wanting to hide, using substances like caffeine or food (especially histamine-producing foods) to push through Why anxiety is often your body fighting the freeze—using stress to stay out of shutdown, which is why relief from anxiety can sometimes make you fall into that heaviness The brain inflammation protocol: Specific nutrients and practices to keep your microglia in their resting state, including NAC, magnesium L-threonate, luteolin, GABA, resveratrol, and turmeric Ocular-cardiac reflex (eye support): A simple but powerful tool where gently pressing on closed eyes activates the vagus nerve for immediate calm Why starting with the freeze is essential—opening up the chronic functional freeze gives you more energy to dedicate to the healing journey Dr. Aimie's personal story of a biking accident and concussion—experiencing the freeze response firsthand as she regained consciousness on the sidewalk The freeze response isn't weakness or paralysis—it's your nervous system's sophisticated survival strategy when it perceives a life threat. Brain fog is always part of the freeze response, created by immune cells in your brain that help you disconnect from unbearable reality. Understanding this biology helps you recognize the freeze in yourself or others, and know that working with it is where healing must start.

Why does brain inflammation happen during the freeze response? How do you explain the difference between stress and trauma to patients? What's the single most important starting point for nervous system regulation? This episode answers these critical questions while revealing why emotional eating isn't a willpower problem and introducing the simple three-day tracking tool that changes everything for healing. You'll discover the critical line of overwhelm - that invisible threshold where stress becomes trauma - and learn practical strategies you can implement immediately to support your nervous system and begin the repair process. In this episode you'll learn: [01:19] The Biggest Myth: Why confusing stress and trauma leads to minimizing experiences and self-shame  [02:11] Physician's Lens on Trauma: If it makes you sick 20 years later, it wasn't just stress  [06:04] Three Nervous System States: Understanding polyvagal theory and the critical line of overwhelm  [09:52] Brain Inflammation During Freeze: Why immune cells unleash inflammation as protective survival strategy  [13:25] Dysregulation Multiplied by Time: Why autoimmunity takes 20 years of nervous system dysregulation to appear  [14:40] Three-Day Nervous System Journal: Simple hourly tracking tool that reveals hidden patterns  [19:00] The Gut-Brain Connection: Why your gut is inseparable from brain health and trauma loops  [21:22] Emotional Eating and Functional Freeze: Understanding food's hidden functions beyond willpower  [24:40] The #1 Starting Point: Why quality sleep has greatest impact on nervous system regulation  [25:44] Aligning with Circadian Rhythm: Morning sunlight, red light therapy, and working with your body's healing strategies Main Takeaways: Stress vs. Trauma Requires Different Repair: If it makes you sick 20 years later, it was trauma requiring fundamentally different approaches than stress management The Critical Line of Overwhelm: Personal capacity threshold where activation becomes trauma and the body automatically hits emergency brake Brain Inflammation Serves Protection: Immune cells unleash inflammation during freeze to facilitate disconnection and energy conservation for survival Time Compounds Dysregulation: Autoimmunity requires approximately 20 years of nervous system dysregulation to manifest as diagnosable disease Three-Day Tracking Creates Awareness: Hourly nervous system tracking reveals patterns showing time spent in shutdown, stress, or calm aliveness Innate Healing Requires Right Conditions: Surgical incisions prove the body heals itself when blocks are removed and proper support provided Gut-Brain Creates Stuck Points: Imbalanced gut causes neurochemical problems feeding back to worsen gut issues, limiting therapy progress Food Function Reveals Need: Emotional eating serves specific purposes - staying awake, avoiding feelings, managing energy - not willpower failure Sleep Impacts Everything: Quality sleep has greatest single effect on nervous system regulation and reduces sugar cravings Notable Quotes: "If it makes you sick 20 years later, that was not just stress. That was trauma your body was experiencing in childhood. You're looking at it through the lens of your adult self now, but that's not how you were experiencing it back then." "The critical line of overwhelm is where you've done your best. Your best wasn't good enough, and hitting the wall means there's no point in trying anymore." "Brain inflammation is part of a trauma response. Sometimes it triggers it. Sometimes it's triggered by the freeze response, but they always happen together." "Dysregulation multiplied by time becomes diagnoses. It's predictable." "Track your nervous system, and you'll be amazed at how much you learn about yourself in a week."   Episode Takeaway: The critical line of overwhelm represents your personal threshold where stress becomes trauma and your body automatically engages the emergency brake. Brain inflammation during freeze is part of the deliberate survival strategy - helping you disconnect, go numb, and conserve energy for survival. The insight: dysregulation multiplied by time becomes disease. Autoimmunity takes approximately 20 years of compounded nervous system dysregulation to manifest. This explains why short-term stress doesn't cause chronic illness but prolonged trauma patterns do. The three-day nervous system journal - tracking your inner state hourly - reveals patterns invisible to both practitioners and clients. This tracking tool shows how much time you spend in each of the three states and guides targeted intervention. Quality sleep stands as the single most powerful starting point for nervous system regulation. Better sleep reduces emotional eating, decreases sugar cravings, and increases your capacity to handle stress before crossing that critical line into trauma territory. Resources/Guides: The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional.  Related Episodes: Episode 101: Brain Inflammation: Addressing The Overlooked Gatekeeper To Trauma Release with. Dr Austin Perlmutter Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. 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. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please share and use your name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free and the discussion positive

What if having the same gene as your sister doesn't mean you'll have the same outcome? What if trauma and nervous system dysregulation could be the difference between expressing a genetic disease—or not? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian answers a question from Rachel in Texas, who discovered she carries the BRCA gene mutation. Despite making the same lifestyle changes as her sister—who also has the mutation—Rachel developed breast cancer while her sister remained healthy. Why? Dr. Aimie reveals the biological mechanism that connects nervous system dysregulation to genetic expression: oxidative stress. This episode offers a scientifically grounded yet hopeful perspective on why two people with identical genetics can have vastly different health outcomes—and what you can do about it. In this episode you'll hear more about: Why BRCA mutation carriers have a 45-72% lifetime breast cancer risk (versus 12-13% in the general population)—but not everyone with the gene develops cancer The biological link between nervous system dysregulation and oxidative damage to DNA How BRCA genes interact with NRF2 antioxidant pathways, creating increased vulnerability to oxidative stress Why both sympathetic activation (stress/anxiety) and dorsal vagal shutdown (depression/numbness) decrease your body's ability to clear oxidative stress The "calm alive" state: when your body naturally engages its healing and antioxidant repair mechanisms Dana's story from The Biology of Trauma—a physician with childhood trauma who found a breast lump and learned to repair nervous system dysregulation Practical tools: why vitamin C and antioxidant-rich foods (broccoli, blueberries) matter for genetic conditions How somatic self-practices can quickly shift your nervous system state and support cellular repair Why having a genetic condition doesn't mean you're powerless—epigenetics shows us DNA expression can change Genetics load the gun, but environment and nervous system state pull the trigger. This episode is a powerful reminder that even when you carry genetic risk, your nervous system regulation, oxidative stress levels, and daily practices can dramatically influence whether those genes are expressed. Your biology is not a life sentence.

Many people living with genetic conditions like MEN1, or hereditary autoimmune disorders feel trapped by their diagnosis. Practitioners often monitor and treat symptoms without addressing how trauma and nervous system dysregulation amplify those symptoms. But what if your nervous system still holds the key to how you experience your genetic condition? In this conversation, Lizzie Dunn, diagnosed at 13 with MEN1, shares how she came to my work skeptical about trauma's role in genetic disease. She discovered that her body wasn't betraying her. It was protecting her. And through nervous system regulation and somatic work, she experienced shifts she never thought possible. This episode bridges the gap between conventional medicine and trauma healing. Whether you're a practitioner working with genetic conditions or someone living with a hereditary diagnosis, you'll learn how the nervous system acts as the master conductor of your biology. In this episode you'll hear more about: [00:00:09] How nervous system regulation influences genetic disease symptoms [00:03:00] Why the nervous system sees genetic mutations as vulnerabilities that trigger faster trauma responses [00:09:00] How stored trauma creates dysregulation that amplifies all symptoms [00:14:00] Why so many people with chronic conditions live disconnected from their bodies [00:22:00] How paradox and vulnerability are essential parts of healing [00:23:40] Why generational trauma gets passed down through mitochondrial DNA [00:30:00] How healing requires working on mind, body, and biology levels simultaneously [00:36:00] Why small interventions across three areas create bigger shifts than years of single-approach work Main Takeaways: Nervous System as Master Conductor: Even with genetic conditions, the nervous system determines symptom severity by directing all physiological responses and biological adaptations Genetic Vulnerabilities Trigger Faster Trauma Responses: The nervous system sees genetic mutations as vulnerabilities, causing it to move into overwhelm and trauma biology more quickly than if no vulnerabilities existed Body Disconnection is Survival: Living in your head and disconnecting from your body is a protective mechanism to avoid overwhelming sensations of powerlessness, shame, and pain Generational Trauma Through DNA: Trauma passes down through mitochondrial DNA on the mother's side via epigenetic changes from oxidative stress, affecting gene expression in future generations Integration Creates Lasting Change: Single-approach healing (therapy alone, supplements alone, or diet alone) creates temporary shifts; addressing mind, body, and biology simultaneously creates sustainable transformation Small Hinges Move Big Doors: You don't need decades of intensive work; small interventions across three levels create remarkable shifts when done together Body Has Innate Healing Capacity: Like skin healing over surgical incisions, the body can reorganize and reset when blocks at mind, body, and biology levels are removed Notable Quotes: "Even if we have a truly genetic disease, the nervous system is still going to be influencing the degree of symptoms that we have from that." "The nervous system is what drives all the other systems, because it's what changes them, allows them to adapt to our environment. And so the nervous system, when it becomes dysregulated in its responses, it's going to cause dysregulation of all the other symptoms and systems." "Why would I want to be in my body? My body is in pain, emotional pain, physical pain. I don't like my body. My body is working against me. At least that's the thought that I have. Why would I want to be in my body?" "That's not resilience. That's pushing through, that's surviving. So let's call it that. Let's call it, Hey, you're surviving, you're pushing through. But that kind of resilience is going to come at a cost." "Epigenetics do get passed down to us, and it gets passed down, especially through the mother because of the mitochondrial DNA that gets passed on to the children." "You actually don't have to do that much of each to start seeing shifts. But we do need to bring in all three because when you have all three, they're like small hinges. And when you've got small hinges and you've got three of these small, you just did baby steps, small hinges move big doors in our life." Episode Takeaway: Living with a genetic condition doesn't mean you're powerless over your symptoms. Your nervous system acts as the master conductor of your biology, determining how severely you experience your hereditary condition. When you have genetic vulnerabilities, your nervous system perceives them as threats and moves into trauma biology faster, creating dysregulation across all systems. The exhaustion many people feel isn't just from their disease—it's amplified by stored trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and the survival mechanism of disconnecting from their body. True healing requires removing blocks at three levels simultaneously: addressing self-limiting beliefs through parts work, completing interrupted protective responses through somatic work, and supporting cellular function through biology interventions. When you provide support across all three levels, small interventions create remarkable shifts. Your body has innate healing capacity—when blocks are removed, it can reorganize, reset, and return to its best possible state, regardless of genetic vulnerabilities. Resources/Guides: The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma professional.. Related Episodes: Episode 118: How Practitioners Can Navigate Their Own Chronic Illness and Healing Journey Episode 128: How Attachment Trauma Drives Anxiety, Autoimmunity & Chronic Illness Related YouTube videos: Trauma: Genetic vs. Epigenetic Insights with Dr. Bruce Lipton | Dr. Aimie Apigian   Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, revolutionizes trauma healing by revealing how our cells—not just our minds—store trauma. Her book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she developed an integrative science-based sequence for the healing journey. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, proving that repairing trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology is possible. 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. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Please share your constructive feedback by using personal name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free, and let's keep the discussion positive!

You push through exhaustion, telling yourself it's just stress. Your body sends signals you can't ignore: chronic fatigue, unexplained pain, digestive issues, mood swings. What if these are messages about the emotional wounds that remain unresolved from your past? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Partha Nandi for a conversation on chronic health issues, share five key insights that transform how we understand trauma's biological impact. This episode gives you the core concepts from the new book, The Biology of Trauma, about how trauma impacts your body, your own biology maintains the survival state and the repair tools needed for healing.   Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:50] Why I Wrote This Book: For the high-performing person who doesn't realize their body is accumulating trauma until a health crisis forces recognition [01:18] The 2014 Wake-Up Call: From marathon runner to unable to get out of bed during surgery residency - the moment everything changed [03:01] Trauma as Biology, Not Psychology: How adverse childhood experiences become measurable disease patterns decades later [04:29] The Biology of Being Stuck: Understanding functional freeze and why growth becomes impossible in trauma states [06:14] Science-Based Healing Pathways: Creating biology of safety through mitochondrial support, antioxidants, and repair tools [08:26] What Makes This Book Different: Bridging Western medicine with trauma healing using specific biomarkers and measurable changes [10:30] Beyond Trauma-Informed Awareness: Why awareness without actionable tools still fails patients and what to do instead [17:00] Insight #1 - Internal Response Matters: Trauma isn't the event - it's your body's five-step sequence during overwhelm [19:01] Insight #2 - The Critical Line: Your invisible boundary between experiences that grow you versus break you [21:23] Insight #3 - Cellular Trauma Reality: How mitochondria literally change shape and function during overwhelm [23:51] Insight #4 - Essential Sequence: Safety, support, then expansion - why most people skip the crucial first step [26:54] Insight #5 - Biology as Healing Ally: How the same systems holding trauma become your greatest recovery resource   Main Takeaways: Trauma Becomes Biology: Adverse experiences create measurable changes in cellular function, mitochondrial energy production, and nervous system regulation that can manifest decades later Cell Danger Response: When overwhelm crosses a critical threshold, mitochondria physically change shape and switch to survival energy systems, creating chronic symptoms Universal Trauma Response Pattern: All overwhelming experiences follow the same five-step sequence - startle, stress, powerlessness, freeze, shutdown - regardless of the trigger Biological Markers Matter: Heart rate variability, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory markers provide objective evidence of trauma's cellular impact Critical Line of Overwhelm: Everyone has an invisible threshold between experiences that grow us versus break us, which shifts daily based on current capacity Essential Sequence for Healing: Recovery requires three phases - safety, support, then expansion - with most approaches failing by skipping biological safety first Integration is Required: Trauma affects mind, body, and biology simultaneously, requiring coordinated intervention across all levels for lasting change Personalized Repair Approach: Effective healing identifies individual biological blocks rather than applying generic protocols to complex trauma presentations Cellular Recovery is Possible: The same mitochondria that hold trauma patterns can restore optimal function when given proper conditions and support   Notable Quotes "I wrote it really for the person who I used to be. I used to be the person who, despite all of my education, despite even being a very, I would say, high performing person, I didn't realize how much trauma my body was holding and I didn't realize it until I got very sick." "Your cells experience trauma too. You can't therapy or supplement your way out when your cells and body systems are stuck in survival mode." "Your mitochondria literally change shape, becoming round and rigid instead of long and flexible, and they switch to a backup energy system that produces less energy but can function under threat." "When you cross that critical line of overwhelm, your cells engage their own emergency break called the cell danger response. Just like your nervous system shuts down for protection, your cellular powerhouses, your mitochondria shift from efficient energy production to barely surviving." "Most people skip the safety phase though and jump straight into deep processing, and this often retraumatizes them." "Your symptoms are messengers, your reactions are information, and your healing journey becomes a collaboration with the incredible wisdom your body has been holding all along." "It gives me a language to explain myself, my trauma, and my experience to others." - Early Reader   Episode Takeaway The Biology of Trauma book reveals how adverse experiences rewire cellular function through the cell danger response, causing mitochondria to shift into survival mode and creating chronic health problems years later. Understanding trauma's biological reality at the cellular level provides both validation for mysterious symptoms and specific repair tools. When mitochondria are stuck in survival mode, psychological interventions alone cannot restore optimal cellular function - healing requires addressing biological dysfunction through targeted mitochondrial support, reducing cellular inflammation, and following the essential sequence of safety, support, and expansion at the cellular level. This integrated approach bridges the gap between understanding trauma's impact and having actionable tools to address it, offering hope for those whose symptoms have resisted conventional treatment by targeting the root biological mechanisms where trauma actually lives.   Resources Related To This Episode Resources/Guides: The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Related Episodes: Episode 122: Shutdown Before Stress: The Misstep in Trauma Healing That Often Gets Missed Episode 129: Why You're Still in Survival Mode (Even After Years of Therapy and Healing Work) Related YouTube videos: Why Your Body Is Wired for Danger: Understanding Trauma's Impact on Your Nervous System Mitochondria's Role in Trauma Work with Gabor Maté  Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, revolutionizes trauma healing by revealing how our cells—not just our minds—store trauma. Her book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she developed an integrative science-based sequence for the healing journey. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, proving that repairing trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology is possible.   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. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Please share your constructive feedback by using personal name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free, and let's keep the discussion positive!  

What if healing from trauma wasn't just about your nervous system, but also your immune system? What if science could show us that your body is capable of renewal—faster than you think? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Bland, founder of the Institute for Functional Medicine and one of the leading voices in integrative health. Together, they discuss why trauma isn't just psychological—it's biological, affecting the nervous, immune, and metabolic systems in ways that can keep people stuck in cycles of fatigue, pain, and emotional struggle. Dr. Bland shares groundbreaking research on immune rejuvenation, including how certain ancient foods like tart buckwheat can reverse signs of immune aging in as little as 90 days. Paired with Dr. Aimie's insights on trauma biology, this conversation offers hope that no matter your past, your biology is not a life sentence. In this episode you'll hear more about: Why trauma acts like a “dimmer switch” on joy and vitality The powerful crosstalk between the immune and nervous systems How trauma biology accelerates immune system aging—and how to reverse it Clinical trial results showing a 47% reduction in immune age in 90 days Why the immune system renews every 90–120 days and what that means for healing The three pillars of immune rejuvenation: polyphenols, microbiome integrity, and Omega-3s Why trauma healing is about applying the right tools at the right leverage points Trauma doesn't just live in your past—it can live in your cells. But the science shows us that your immune system and nervous system can both be renewed. This episode is a reminder that healing is possible, and your body knows the way forward.

Traditional healing approaches often focus on managing symptoms or returning to who you were before. But what if healing could take you beyond recovery to discovering capacities you never knew you had? What if your patterns of responding to stress  getting stronger over time isn't a sign of failure, but your nervous system following predictable patterns that can be redirected? In this episode, I share excerpts from my book, The Biology of Trauma. I share a section from Chapter 8 on the "Body trauma loop" - explaining how the body holds on to trauma from our past.  More importantly, we discover how the same neuroplasticity that automated these survival patterns can create new ones - through specific neuroscience principles.    Key Topics & Timestamps: [04:31] The Body Trauma Loop: Understanding why incomplete trauma responses compound over time like collecting rocks while hiking [06:56] Danger-Colored Glasses: How neuroception gets programmed to see threats everywhere, even in safety [09:03] Neuroplasticity and Trauma: Why "neurons that fire together, wire together" applies to both harmful and healing patterns [10:56] Book Community Insights: Early readers share experiences with the first three chapters - difficulty putting it down, compelling writing style, and wishing they had this resource decades ago [14:21] Consistency Over Intensity: The key principle for rewiring neural pathways and creating lasting change [19:02] The Seabiscuit Story: Finding hope in the journey from broken to magnificent [21:27] True Expansion: Moving beyond healing symptoms to discovering who you can become [25:41] From Healing to Living: The shift from "what needs fixing" to "how can I be more alive" [29:35] Community Transformations: Real stories of cellular-level changes and newfound aliveness [34:32] Four-Year Journey Wisdom: Taking healing one step at a time and trusting the process [36:47] Reader Feedback: Deeper understanding even after taking multiple courses   Main Takeaways: The Body Trauma Loop: Incomplete trauma responses compound over time, making reactions stronger through accumulated cellular danger and nervous system dysregulation Neuroplasticity Works Both Ways: The same mechanism that automates trauma patterns can create healing patterns through consistent daily practices Consistency Changes Everything: Small daily actions rewire neural pathways more effectively than big one-time efforts - it's about what you can do today that you can also do tomorrow Danger-Colored Glasses: Neuroception can get stuck viewing everything as a threat, even normal cues of safety, keeping you trapped in activation or overwhelm True Expansion Has No End: Healing is like a spiral staircase where each step takes you higher and deeper, with no limit to how far you can go Safety Must Come First: Your nervous system needs felt safety before it can release stored trauma - forcing expansion crushes growth From Fixing to Living: The ultimate shift is from asking "what's wrong with me?" to "how can I be more alive?"   Notable Quotes "Whatever is repeated will be habituated to save us energy from having to think about how to do the same process in the future." "Small hinges move big doors. The small choices made consistently change the big doors in our life." "How can I be more alive? How can I be more present? As we identify what is holding us back from being more alive in the ways we want, we discover the next layer of the spiral staircase." "I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening, a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation." - Peter Levine   Episode Takeaway The healing journey doesn't have to be a lifelong struggle. When you understand that trauma responses are automated through neuroplasticity - the same process that helps you learn to drive or brush your teeth - you can harness this same mechanism for healing.  The key is consistency over intensity, following the right sequence of safety-support-expansion, and recognizing that your body has an innate capacity to heal when given the proper conditions and understanding.  True expansion moves beyond just pushing through or managing symptoms to discovering who you can become when no longer held back by the past.   Resources Related To This Episode Resources/Guides: Biology of Trauma book - Bonuses are available with Pre-order only. Go Deeper With Dr. Aimie with The Biology of Trauma Book (available only until September 22nd): Guided Seeker: Get the Workbook + Mastercourse to go with the book - walking you through each chapter's key concepts Accelerated Implementer: Everything above + live half-day online group intensive with Dr. Aimie for implementation support Fast Track Professional: Everything above + one full day in-person with Dr. Aimie at her home to identify your biggest personal block to your next level of healing and regulation as a professional and guide for others  Foundational Journey - If you want to be guided through The Essential Sequence laid out in the Roadmap and the book, join me and my team for this 6 week journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices to lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely. These are the daily practices I have found that change one's biology and health symptoms the fastest. Related Episodes: Episode 135: The Hidden Difference Between Stress and Trauma In How The Body Keeps Score  Episode 134: The Biology of Overwhelm: Why Small Demands Feel Impossible  Related YouTube Episode: Why You're Still in Survival Mode (Even After Years of Therapy and Healing Work) | Dr. Aimie Apigian   About Dr. Aimie Apigian Dr. Aimie Apigian is a double board-certified physician in preventive and addiction medicine who bridges the gap between Western medicine and somatic healing practices. After her own health crisis in 2014 while in medical residency, she discovered how stored trauma was affecting her biology. She has since dedicated her career to helping others understand and heal the biological impacts of trauma through her courses, clinical practice, and her new book "The Biology of Trauma."   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. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Please share your constructive feedback by using personal name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free, and let's keep the discussion positive!

Why does trauma therapy sometimes make you feel worse physically? What if the key to healing isn't just changing your mindset, but understanding your cellular capacity for stress? When you dive into trauma work without addressing your biology first, you might be opening Pandora's box in ways that overwhelm your body's ability to cope. Dr. Aimie Apigian discovered this the hard way - developing multiple health conditions including autoimmunity and chronic fatigue while doing "cutting-edge" trauma therapy. Her physical reactions to emotional healing led to a groundbreaking understanding: trauma isn't just stored in your mind, it's living in your cells, and your body has a limited capacity for processing stress. In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Tom O'Bryan, Dr. Aimie reveals why the popular focus on mindset and "being stronger" actually sabotages healing. She breaks down the three biological survival mechanisms that keep trauma locked in your body and explains why addressing toxic burden is essential for emotional recovery. You'll hear more on: Why trauma therapy can trigger physical flare-ups including gut issues, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune symptoms The critical difference between emotional capacity and physical homeostatic capacity for healing How cellular capacity - not mindset - determines how much stress you can handle without breaking The three survival mechanisms your body uses during trauma: dissociation, immobilization, and energy conservation Why you crave specific foods like bread and sweets after emotional breakthroughs (and the biology behind it) How gluten affects your brain through opiate receptors and hypoperfusion, creating a "dumbed down" state The connection between trauma burden and toxic burden - why they're the same at the cellular level Dr. Tom's four-quadrant approach to chronic conditions: structure, biochemistry, emotional/spiritual, and electromagnetic Why all chronic health conditions are related to trauma biology, according to adverse childhood experiences research How to recognize if your body is holding trauma through specific biological patterns The "emergency brake" effect: why comprehensive medical care fails when trauma biology isn't addressed How to approach trauma healing while staying within your capacity and building resilience safely Whether you've experienced physical reactions during emotional healing work, struggle with chronic health conditions that don't respond to treatment, or are supporting someone through trauma recovery, this episode reveals why befriending your body and honoring your biological limits is essential for lasting transformation. Dr. Aimie's groundbreaking approach, validated by Dr. Tom's decades of clinical experience shows us that healing trauma isn't about pushing through or being stronger - it's about creating safety at the cellular level so your body can finally let go of what it's been holding to protect you.

In this special reverse interview episode, my friend and colleague Steven Wright from Healthy Gut interviews me about the core concepts from my upcoming book, The Biology of Trauma. Steven understands the somatic work, the parts work, the biology, the capacity, and the overwhelm from his own healing journey, making this conversation uniquely insightful. I share stories I haven't told anywhere else - including my keto diet disaster during surgery residency that became my first clue about the biology of trauma. We explore why I rewrote this book seven times, how I discovered I had all three major biochemical imbalances, and the painful decision to place my adopted son Miguel in a different home - the grief that ultimately led to my autoimmune diagnosis and this entire body of work. Key Topics & Timestamps [00:00] The Eight Drafts of the book: Dr. Aimie's journey as an author [04:12] Beyond ACEs Scores: Why we can become obsessed with our score  [08:36] Capacity is Everything: Understanding your nervous system's dynamic capacity  [13:47] The Biology Block: How Dr. Aimie discovered her own biology was sabotaging her trauma healing [21:55] The Pain Equation: When humans decide to change  [25:44] Perception vs. Reality: How we create mountains from molehills  [28:19] The Healing Timeline: Why trauma work doesn't have to be a lifelong journey [34:04] Safety First: The critical sequence for healing trauma without retraumatization [37:18] Stress vs. Trauma: The crucial distinction that changes everything [38:18] Miguel's Story: The heartbreaking adoption journey that changed Dr. Aimie Main Takeaways The Three-Legged Stool: True trauma healing requires addressing psychological, emotional, AND biological aspects simultaneously Biology Keeps You Stuck: Inflammation, oxidative stress, and biochemical imbalances create internal danger signals that perpetuate trauma responses Capacity Changes Moment to Moment: Your nervous system's capacity is dynamic and requires constant awareness, not just daily check-ins Perception Creates Your Reality: Your body responds to your perception of danger, not actual danger - making that molehill into a mountain The Right Sequence Matters: Creating safety must come before attempting to process trauma, or symptoms worsen Fast Healing is Possible: When addressing all three domains properly, healing happens faster than medication with only positive "side effects" Notable Quotes "If something makes you sick, that is not stress. Let's call it for what it is. That is your body having gone into a trauma response." "Our capacity is not being measured up against our reality, it's being measured up against our perceptions." "The pain of staying the same has to become so bad that we're willing to undergo the pain of change." "If their body had already felt safe, it would have already opened up all of this stuff and let all of these emotions and trauma go. It hasn't felt safe." Episode Takeaway Trauma healing doesn't have to be a lifelong journey. By understanding that trauma lives in your biology - not just your mind - and following the proper sequence of safety, support, then expansion, you can heal faster than traditional approaches suggest. The key is addressing all three aspects: psychological, emotional, and biological, rather than focusing on just one. Resources Related To This Episode Resources/Guides: Biology of Trauma book - Bonuses are available when you Pre-order now. Go Deeper With Dr. Aimie with The Biology of Trauma Book (available only until September 22nd): Guided Seeker: Get the Workbook + Mastercourse to go with the book - walking you through each chapter's key concepts Accelerated Implementer: Everything above + live half-day online group intensive with Dr. Aimie for implementation support Fast Track Professional: Everything above + one full day in-person with Dr. Aimie at her home to identify your biggest personal block to your next level of healing and regulation as a professional and guide for others  Foundational Journey - If you want to be guided through The Essential Sequence laid out in the Roadmap and the book, join me and my team for this 6 week journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices to lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely. These are the daily practices I have found that change one's biology and health symptoms the fastest. Steven Wright - Healthy Gut - Learn more about Steven's gut-brain support products: HoloZyme™ digestive enzymes with dual-strain activation technology, Tributyrin-X™ for microbiome diversity and gut lining health, and HCL Guard™ for protein digestion support Related Episode: Episode 122: Shutdown Before Stress: The Misstep in Trauma Healing That Often Gets Missed Related YouTube Video: Shutdown Before Stress: The Misstep in Trauma Healing That Often Gets Missed | Dr. Aimie Apigian About Dr. Aimie Apigian Dr. Aimie Apigian is a double board-certified physician in preventive and addiction medicine who bridges the gap between Western medicine and somatic healing practices. After her own health crisis in 2014 while in medical residency, she discovered how stored trauma was affecting her biology. She has since dedicated her career to helping others understand and heal the biological impacts of trauma through her courses, clinical practice, and her new book "The Biology of Trauma."   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. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Please share your constructive feedback by using personal name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free, and let's keep the discussion positive!

Why do so many people suddenly start losing weight when they finally escape a toxic relationship or environment? What if your body's stubborn weight isn't about willpower, metabolism, or even food - but about stored trauma keeping you in survival mode? When you're trapped in toxic relationships or environments, your body operates from what I call chronic functional freeze. This isn't just emotional - it's a complete biological shutdown that affects everything from your thyroid function to your detoxification pathways. Your metabolism hibernates, toxins accumulate, and your body holds onto weight as a survival strategy. In this Biology Behind It mini episode, I answer practitioner Zay's excellent question about why clients lose weight effortlessly after leaving toxic situations, even without doing deep healing work yet. I break down the hidden biology keeping you stuck and why your nervous system won't let go of excess weight until it feels truly safe. You'll hear more on: Why avoiding feelings creates a biology of energy conservation and metabolic shutdown How chronic functional freeze affects your thyroid hormones - including reverse T3 that doctors rarely test The connection between stored trauma and toxin accumulation that makes weight loss impossible Why detoxification pathways shut down when your nervous system is in survival mode How toxic relationships create the same biological effects as physical toxins Why your inner operating state drives all your body systems - not individual organ problems How creating inner safety naturally eliminates coping mechanisms like emotional eating The integrated approach to clearing both emotional and physical toxins safely Whether you've struggled with stubborn weight that won't budge despite your efforts, or you're supporting someone who's finally ready to leave a toxic situation, this episode reveals why your body refuses to let go until your nervous system feels safe. I give you hope that when you address the real root - stored trauma - your body naturally returns to health.

Many people struggle with chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, and exhaustion that no amount of sleep seems to cure. They've tried medications, supplements, therapy, and self-care practices, yet still find themselves needing daily naps just to function. They can't understand why their body seems to be working against them instead of healing, or why they feel so disconnected from the energy they once had. In this episode, you'll meet Kecia, whose story reveals what's possible when we finally address trauma where it lives - in the nervous system. After 30 years on medical disability and needing daily three-hour naps just to survive, Kecia was sleeping 16-18 hours daily and housebound for years. By age 25, autoimmune illness had taken her career as a respiratory therapist, her ability to hike, even basic tasks. After completing the Foundational Journey, something happened that might sound impossible - she went seven weeks without needing a single nap for the first time in decades. Her husband said she became "like the person I knew 30 years ago." This isn't about willpower or positive thinking. It's about understanding how unresolved attachment wounds show up as physical symptoms decades later, and why trauma healing requires addressing the nervous system directly. You'll hear more on: [3:30] Why Kecia never expected to live past 18 and how autoimmune disease changed everything for her by age 25 [8:00] The struggle to get medical validation and how one doctor's compassion literally changed her physiology [14:00] The shift that seemed impossible - seven weeks without daily naps after 30 years of needing them [16:00] What's actually happening in your body during chronic freeze and why extreme sleep needs make biological sense [19:00] How coming out of freeze brought back joy, energy, and the ability to experience life fully again [25:00] Why being praised for "resilience" can actually create stored trauma patterns in your body [29:00] Dr. Aimie's guidance on capacity management and energy investment for sustainable healing Whether you're personally dealing with chronic fatigue and autoimmune conditions that doctors can't fully explain, or you're a practitioner supporting clients with unexplained physical symptoms, this episode shows how addressing trauma at the nervous system level can create changes that seem impossible when we've been stuck for so long. Helpful Links Related To This Episode Resources/Guides: 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. Book Bundles (available only until September 22nd) - Go deeper with exclusive bundles that include the book plus additional support: Guided Seeker Bundle: Book + workbook + master course walking you through each chapter's key concepts Accelerated Implementer Bundle: Everything above + live half-day online group intensive with Dr. Aimie for implementation support Fast Track Practitioner Bundle: Everything above + one full day in-person with Dr. Aimie at her home to identify your personal blocks and create your customized 30-day healing plan Foundational Journey - If you want to be guided through The Essential Sequence laid out in the Roadmap and the book, join me and my team for this 6 week journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices to lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely. These are the daily practices I have found that change one's biology and health symptoms the fastest. Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 71: Understanding the Trauma Connection Between Attachment, Autoimmunity, and Fatigue Episode 133: Autoimmunity and Childhood Trauma: How Your Immune System Reflects Your Past Related Youtube Videos: Childhood Freeze & Autoimmunity: Insights with Keesha Ewers | Dr. Aimie Apigian Prevent Autoimmunity: Trauma, Toxins & Diet Steps | 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. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Please share your constructive feedback by using personal name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free, and let's keep the discussion positive!

Do you carry everyone else's emotions like they're your personal responsibility? What if that crushing weight isn't your personality, but your nervous system still running on childhood survival biology? When you feel like everything depends on you - fixing problems, managing emotions, preventing disasters - your body is operating from what I call protection mode. This isn't about being caring or responsible. It's complex PTSD showing up as hyperresponsibility, and there's specific biology behind why your nervous system won't trust others to handle anything. Think of protection mode like living with an internal security system that never turns off. Your shoulders stay braced, your nervous system scans for problems to solve, and you exhaust yourself trying to control outcomes that aren't actually yours to manage. Meanwhile, everyone else seems to relax while you carry the mental load. In this Biology Behind It mini episode, I break down the highlights from Episode 136, explaining why adults who experienced childhood chaos still live with their hearts protected and an exhausting need to manage everyone else's stability. You'll hear more on: Why neuroception (your body's background safety calculator) still reads danger signals everywhere How protection mode creates the physiology of chronic responsibility and hypervigilance The hidden costs of living protected: sleep issues, chronic fatigue, muscle tension, and autoimmune problems Why you can't be in protection mode AND connection mode simultaneously - they're opposite physiological states How childhood experiences of "I never want to feel that way again" create lasting protection patterns The difference between telling yourself you're safe versus creating actual inner safety Why waiting for someone else to make you feel secure keeps you stuck in survival biology Practical somatic approaches to shift from protection mode to authentic safety Whether you're the person everyone calls when things fall apart or you're supporting someone whose strength might actually be stored trauma, this episode reveals why your nervous system refuses to let others take responsibility. I give you the roadmap back to trusting life enough to finally let your guard down.

Many adults struggle with patterns they can't explain: feeling responsible for everything, working harder than everyone else without realizing it, or getting triggered by chaos even when their current life is stable. They might find intimacy difficult, feel disconnected from their emotions, or notice their nervous system going into overdrive in situations that don't seem threatening. What they don't realize is that these patterns often trace back to growing up in chaotic environments where they had to become the adult in the room as a child. The truth is, when children are forced to take on adult responsibilities - managing emotions, solving problems, or keeping the family together - it rewires their nervous system in ways that show up decades later as chronic overwhelm, relationship difficulties, and an inability to recognize their own limits. In this episode, Dr. Tian Dayton joins Dr. Aimie to explore how early relational trauma and chaotic family dynamics create lasting patterns in our nervous system. You'll discover why traditional talk therapy often isn't enough for trauma resolution, how movement and body-based approaches can complete what words cannot, and why environments like 12-step programs can create the perfect container for nervous system healing. You'll hear about: [2:00] The hidden signs of early relational trauma and why chaos is so hard to identify [5:30] How children adapt to become "project managers" in dysfunctional families [8:00] Why some people feel like the "crazy one" while others become the "uptight one" [9:00] Understanding "thwarted intention" and how it creates emotional blocks in adulthood [12:00] How sense memory gets triggered in relationships and intimacy [14:00] The critical importance of early touch and bonding for nervous system development [18:00] When nervous systems "freeze" and brace for danger with intimate partners [21:00] Why 12-step programs create ideal conditions for trauma healing [27:30] The power of "limbic baths" and co-regulated nervous system states [32:00] How "act hunger" and movement help complete unresolved trauma responses [35:00] Why the body needs catharsis and energy release for true healing Whether you're recognizing your own patterns from a chaotic childhood, supporting someone who grew up in dysfunction, or you're a practitioner working with clients who have early relational trauma, this episode provides both the understanding and practical approaches needed to break generational cycles and create lasting healing. Dr. Tian Dayton is a leading expert in psychodrama therapy have developed her approach of Relational Trauma Repair and is the author of numerous books on trauma, addiction, and family dynamics.  Helpful Links Related To This Episode Resources/Guides: 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 $350 in bonuses included! Those bonuses are only for the pre-order window (before Sept 23).  Foundational Journey - If you want to be guided through The Essential Sequence laid out in my book, join me and my team for this 6 week journey into your inner world to create calm aliveness with somatic and parts healing practices. This lays the foundation to do the deeper work safely. These are a specific sequence of 42 different daily practices I have found that change one's biology and health symptoms the fastest. Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 45: Can Adoption or Childhood Trauma Cause Bipolar Disorder? with Dr. Christina Bjorndal Episode 48: How to Heal Bracing and Hypervigilance with Cat Dillon Episode 58: Parenting in a Traumatizing World: The answer Our Children Need with Dr. Gordon Neufeld Episode 73: Early Attachment Shocks: How Unexpected Stressors Can Cause Developmental Trauma & What To Do Related Youtube Videos:  What You Need First Before Processing Your Childhood Trauma | Dr. Aimie Apigian Early Relationships Shape Biology: Attachment Insights | 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.   Comment Etiquette:  I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Please share your constructive feedback by using personal name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free, and let's keep the discussion positive!  

Being praised for strength or handling everything so well might seem like a positive thing. But what if those compliments aren't celebrating resilience, but actually highlighting stored trauma masquerading as strength? Being called resilient might be one of the most dangerous compliments you've received. True resilience flows from safety and support, but trauma resilience is your nervous system running on emergency biology that will eventually make you sick. In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind the difference between healthy resilience and trauma resilience. She explains why the child who never complains and the adult who never misses work despite chaos are running on trauma biology that leads to chronic illness decades later. You'll hear more on: The two types of resilience and why only one is actually healthy How trauma biology creates leaky gut, inflammation, and autoimmune responses Why your nervous system is actually stuck in survival mode The connection between adverse childhood experiences and adult chronic illness How stored trauma shows up as digestive issues, fatigue, brain fog, and autoimmunity Why traditional stress management doesn't work for trauma biology What needs to be repaired in order to start building authentic resilience  Whether you're the person everyone calls mature for your age or supporting someone whose strength might be stored trauma, this episode gives you practical tools to move from functioning in survival mode to building authentic resilience from a place of safety and support. 

Most people think stress and trauma are just different points on the same scale. But what if that belief has kept people stuck in cycles of chronic illness, autoimmune flare-ups, and emotional overwhelm? Many people are doing everything "right." They're eating well, exercising, going to therapy, yet they still struggle with gut issues, brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue that won't go away. They can't understand why their body seems to be working against them instead of healing. In this episode, Dr. Aimie reveals the crucial difference between stress and trauma, and why understanding this distinction changes everything about how you heal. She explains how unresolved trauma gets stored in the body and creates a biology of trauma that keeps your nervous system stuck in survival mode. You'll discover why trauma doesn't have to be "big" to be significant, how it shows up as chronic health conditions decades later, and the repair tools that address trauma at the emotional, somatic, and cellular levels, creating accelerated healing that single approaches cannot. You'll hear more on: [2:30] The simple question that reveals childhood trauma you may have downplayed [6:45]  How chronic conditions like autoimmunity follow predictable trauma patterns [9:00]  What happens during nervous system shifts and why they affect your whole body [15:30]  How brain inflammation fuels “body trauma loops” that keep you stuck [19:44] Why brain inflammation is part of your trauma response (and how to recognize it!) [25:00] The three levels of repair needed for lasting trauma healing [27:30] How generational trauma passes through epigenetics (and how to break the cycle) [30:15]  The #1 thing to prioritize for nervous system regulation and recovery [32:45] Daily habits that increase resilience, healing capacity, and overall well-being Whether you're personally dealing with chronic health issues and unresolved trauma, or you're a practitioner helping clients understand the mind-body connection, this episode provides the scientific framework and practical tools you need to start addressing trauma at all levels and create lasting healing.     Resources/Guides: 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. Essential Sequence Guide - Discover why doing the right things in the right order is key to releasing trauma and achieving your full potential. Get the insights you need to make lasting change. Foundational Journey - If you want to be guided through The Essential Sequence laid out in the Roadmap and the book, join me and my team for this 6 week journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices to lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely. These are the daily practices I have found that change one's biology and health symptoms the fastest. Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 48:How To Heal Bracing And Hypervigilance with Cat Dillon Episode 122: Shutdown Before Stress: The Misstep in Trauma Healing That Often Gets Missed Related Youtube Videos: 

Have you ever been so mentally drained that even choosing breakfast cereal felt impossible? It's not just that you're being indecisive. It's decision fatigue, and it's your nervous system's way of saying your nervous system capacity is running low. Think of nervous system capacity like an internal energy bank account. Every decision, big or small, is a withdrawal. When that account is empty, even simple choices can feel like climbing a mountain. Your brain hits “insufficient funds,” and suddenly you're overwhelmed. In this Biology Behind It mini episode, Dr. Aimie responds to a listener  who shared his embarrassing moment of having to leave the grocery store because choosing cereal felt impossible! This question opens the door to understanding decision fatigue, neuroception, and why our survival system treats every choice as a potential threat. You'll hear more on: Why every decision is a withdrawal from your capacity account Why your nervous system doesn't distinguish between small and big decisions What happens when your energy reserves can't meet the demands you're facing How attachment filters from early life determine which decisions drain more energy than others Why low energy triggers trauma biology and chronic functional freeze Practical strategies to reduce decision fatigue Whether you're struggling with decision overwhelm or supporting someone experiencing these "adult meltdowns," this episode helps you understand why small decisions can feel impossible and gives you concrete tools to build your capacity back up.

Many people feel constantly exhausted and easily overwhelmed, even when they're doing everything "right". They're eating well, exercising, and trying to manage stress. They can't understand why small things overwhelm them so much or why they always feel so tired and stressed.  One simple email or a broken appliance can completely derail their day, leaving them feeling like they're barely keeping it together. In this episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian explains how your body doesn't react to stress based on what's happening to you. It actually reacts based on whether you have enough energy left to handle it. Think of your nervous system like a bank account. Every challenge, decision, or demand, no matter how small, takes energy out of your account. When you're already running low from everyday stressors, even tiny problems can push you into overwhelm and emotional shutdown. This isn't about changing your mindset or trying harder. It's about understanding what's actually happening in your nervous system when you get overwhelmed by daily life, so you can start making small changes that add up to feeling stronger and more resilient. You'll hear more on: [3:52] The simple difference between life's demands and your energy to handle them [5:32] How small events can feel overwhelming [9:36] The daily energy "drains" that add up over time and quietly exhaust your system [11:51] What's actually happening in your body during shutdown and overwhelm [8:06] Why even good things (like travel or celebrations) can still drain your energy [17:11] How to build up your reserves so you're ready for unexpected challenges [19:33] Simple ways to reduce daily energy drains and add small "deposits" back to your system Whether you're personally dealing with chronic exhaustion and burnout, or you're a practitioner helping clients who want better stress management techniques that actually work, this episode gives you practical action steps to start feeling better right away.   Resources/Guides: 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. Foundational 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.  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 96: Pain as Protection: Why Your Body Creates Chronic Pain & The 3 Questions to Ask to Release It with Georgia Oldfield Episode129: Why You're Still in Survival Mode (Even After Years of Therapy and Healing Work) Related Youtube Videos:  The 2 Things Your Body Needs To Come Out Of The Freeze | 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.  

Why does autoimmunity often target high functioning women? Why do so many people with autoimmune diseases also feel stuck in emotional overwhelm, exhaustion, and self-doubt? In this Biology Behind It mini episode, Dr. Aimie answers a powerful question from Maya, a therapist working with clients who have autoimmune conditions, and dives deeper into how past trauma affects the body and can lead to immune problems. Dr. Aimie breaks down how hidden stress patterns, mitochondrial damage, and emotional self-beliefs can create the perfect storm for autoimmune diseases. She shares practical ways to support healing that go beyond mindset or medication. In this epsiode, you'll discover: Why autoimmune disease is a symptom of a deeper biology of trauma How nervous system dysregulation leads to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction Why common emotional patterns like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and feeling unsafe to be authentic are linked to autoimmunity Why fatigue is the most common early sign of autoimmunity (and what's happening in your cells) The role of microglia activation in brain fog, decision fatigue, and emotional shutdown Practical tools to support nervous system healing Whether you're living with an autoimmune diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you connect the dots between stored trauma and immune dysfunction. It gives you clear steps to start calming inflammation, restoring energy, and supporting your body's healing at the root level. 

Many people with autoimmune conditions like lupus, Hashimoto's, or rheumatoid arthritis feel discouraged, confused and frustrated. They've been told there's nothing they can do except manage symptoms for the rest of their life. But what if autoimmune disease is associated with childhood and a sign that the body has been living in survival mode for too long and that recovery is possible? In this episode, Dr. Aimie explains the real nervous system root causes of autoimmune diseases and why rewiring your nervous system, stored trauma, and emotional pain can help your body recover. She shares her own story of sitting in a rheumatologist's office, staring at high antibody numbers on her lab results, and deciding there had to be a better way forward. You'll hear why autoimmune conditions often affect high-functioning women and how toxic stress and trauma from years ago can get stuck in the body, leading to fatigue, chronic pain, brain fog, and autoimmune flare-ups decades later. Dr. Aimie breaks down how autoimmunity isn't just about the immune system. It's also about safety, authenticity, and how the body responds to stress. Healing requires more than food or supplements. It means creating safety in your mind, in your body, and in your biology. In this episode, you'll hear more about: [2:10] Why reversing autoimmune symptoms is about more than lab results or medication [5:00] The personality traits that often show up in people with autoimmune conditions [9:30] How childhood stress, emotional pain, and trauma get stored in the body [13:40] Why a stressed nervous system leads to fatigue, brain fog, and chronic inflammation [18:00] The surprising connection between being your true self and autoimmune flare-ups [22:45] Why positive thinking alone doesn't work and what your body actually needs to heal [27:00] The three key levels of healing [31:00] First steps you can take to start nervous system regulation and feeling safe again Whether you're personally living with an autoimmune condition or you're a practitioner supporting clients with these challenges, this episode will give you the tools to start addressing the emotional root causes of autoimmunity and creating a felt sense of safety to help the body recover naturally.   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 Foundational Journey - a 6 week program to change an inner Biology of Trauma. If you are looking for emotional regulation, nervous system healing and changes in your physical health without another pill, this is for you. If you are a practitioner - this is where to start with the certificate training to become a Biology of Trauma® professional.  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 55: Autoimmunity and Trauma in Chronic Conditions like Multiple Sclerosis Episode 71: Understanding the Trauma Connection Between Attachment, Autoimmunity, and Fatigue To Find Our Way Out   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.

Ever wondered why some adults struggle with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed even in safe situations? The answer might trace back to something as common as being left to cry it out as a baby. In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie dives deep into the biology behind how early childhood experiences, including seemingly normal parenting practices, can program our immune cells for danger and create lasting brain inflammation, explaining the long-term effects of crying it out on mental health. Responding to a listener's question about brain inflammation in babies, Dr. Aimie reveals what's actually happening inside tiny brains when they're left to cry it out, and how this creates the anxiety and depression we see later in life. You'll discover how your body's own biology might be perpetuating nervous system dysregulation from experiences you don't even remember. In this episode, you'll learn: How stress in early childhood creates “primed” microglia in the brain Why these primed immune cells can trigger brain inflammation, anxiety, and depression later in life The difference between stress and trauma (and why babies are especially vulnerable) Why common experiences like birth trauma, NICU stays, and “crying it out” can rewire your stress response for life The link between microglia activation, brain fog, decision fatigue, and emotional overwhelm Practical steps for healing brain inflammation from childhood trauma and calming your nervous system Whether you're working on your own healing or helping others who still feel stuck after therapy, this episode will help you understand why your body can still feel anxious and overwhelmed even when you know you're safe. Plus get simple tools to help your brain's immune system begin to heal!  

The truth is, early parenting choices, like sleep training and letting babies cry it out, can affect how their brain and body develop for years to come. Many well-meaning parents follow these popular methods, only to see their kids later struggle with anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues that seem to come out of nowhere. That's because early attachment and nervous system development shape a child's mental health in ways we don't always see. Everything that happens in the first years of life, from how you respond to your baby's cries to how connected they feel, helps build their brain, nervous system, and their ability to feel safe and calm. Even common parenting habits can create hidden stress, making it harder for children to grow into resilient, emotionally healthy adults. In this episode, Dr. Darcia Narvaez joins Dr. Aimie to talk about what babies really need for healthy brain development, emotional safety, and attachment. You'll also learn how parents and practitioners can begin to repair early childhood trauma and help heal the nervous system, no matter the age. You'll hear about: How sleep training and crying it out disrupt a baby's developing nervous system The link between early separations and anxiety, depression, and attachment issues later in life How your own childhood experiences influence your health, relationships, and parenting style Practical ways to rebuild connection and help your child's nervous system heal Why the vagus nerve is essential for emotional regulation in children How common newborn medical procedures can cause lasting trauma Why children need love and connection, not constant performance for approval Whether you're a practitioner wanting to understand how early attachment trauma affects adult clients, or a parent looking for nervous system regulation techniques and coregulation strategies to support your child, this episode offers science-backed insights and practical tools you can use right away.   Dr. Darcia Narvaez is a Professor of Psychology Emerita at the University of Notre Dame. She is the co-founder of the public and professional educational outreach project the Evolved Nest Initiative whose nonprofit mission is to share her science research into developing appropriate baselines for lifelong human wellness and providing guidelines for fostering full human potential.   Guides, Tools & Resources: Attachment Trauma Healing Roadmap - Learn how your nervous system affects your ability to form secure attachments. Discover simple steps to rewire your nervous system for better relationships and overall health 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 Foundational Journey - a 6 week program as the place to lay the foundation for all the phases of the healing journey explained in The Essential Sequence guide. If you are looking for emotional and nervous system regulation and changes in your physical health without a pill, this is for you. If you are a practitioner - this is where it all starts with the year certificate training program to become a Biology of Trauma professional.  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 14: How To Not Traumatize Your Infant With Common Parenting Practices With Bette Lamont, Part 2 Episode 92: How Chaos of Early Childhood Trauma Affects Our Adult Nervous System with Dr. Tian Dayton   Related Youtube Videos:  True Stories Of Parents Repairing The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences | 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.

Do you feel like your body is always on high alert? Does emotional stress lead to a racing heart, skin breakouts, or stomach problems? If you're an empath or highly sensitive person (HSP), you might be experiencing mast cell activation, and it's more common than you think. In this episode, Dr. Aimie explores the hidden biology behind why sensitive people get sick from stress. Here's what's happening: Your body has special immune cells called mast cells. They act like security guards. But after trauma or chronic stress, these cells can become overreactive. They can treat everyday experiences like threats, even normal conversations or emotional triggers. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your body treats emotional stress like a physical emergency How your immune system gets stuck in “danger mode” (and why it's not your fault) How to naturally calm an overactive nervous system Supplements for mast cell activation Dr. Aimie's favorite technique that resets your nervous system How blood sugar levels affect emotional reactivity Simple daily habits to support nervous system healing Whether you're someone who feels emotionally or physically drained after social interactions, a practitioner absorbing clients' trauma, or someone who seems to absorb energy from others, this episode will give you practical tools to feel safer in your body and break the cycle of overwhelm.

Highly sensitive people and empaths often feel like they're drowning in grief while others seem to handle loss with ease. They absorb emotions from everyone around them, feel overwhelmed by everyday environments, and find themselves reaching for things they know aren't good for them just to numb the pain. But what if that sensitivity is actually a person's greatest strength? In this episode, Dr. Aimie reveals why highly sensitive people experience grief so differently and how understanding your nervous system's unique needs can transform your relationship with both sensitivity and loss. She shares her own vulnerable story of self-sabotage after her best day ever, showing how even those who understand trauma can still get hijacked by grief. You'll find out about why being an empath isn't about becoming less sensitive, but learning to support your sensitive system so you can hold pain without being overwhelmed by it. Dr. Aimie explains how your sensitivities can either drain your energy or become your superpowers, and why energy management is actually the key to living your life's purpose. You'll hear more on:  How to tell if you're a highly sensitive person Why empaths feel grief more deeply and get overwhelmed faster than others Simple ways to support your nervous system How to tell which sensitivities drain your energy and which ones are your strengths Why highly sensitive people numb emotional pain in self-sabotaging ways What to do when grief takes over and you feel out of control emotionally The biggest challenge for highly sensitive people and how to handle it Easy ways to support your nervous system before you get overwhelmed Whether you're someone navigating grief yourself or a practitioner supporting sensitive clients, this episode offers practical insights to help you understand and support sensitive systems through the grieving process, transforming sensitivity into a strength.   Resources/Guides: 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 Essential Sequence - Grab my free guide that shows you the difference between the stress and trauma states of our nervous system. In just 3 steps, it walks you through what your body needs when it has stored trauma or is in a freeze response. The Foundational Journey - a 6 week program as the place to lay the foundation for all the phases of the healing journey explained in The Essential Sequence guide. If you are looking for emotional and nervous system regulation and changes in your physical health without a pill, this is for you. If you are a practitioner - this is where it all starts with the year certificate training program to become a Biology of Trauma professional.  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 22: The Role Trauma Plays In Highly Sensitive People with Dr. Natasha Fallahi Episode102: Strategies for Empaths: How to Navigate Sensory Overload, Shame & Trauma with Dr. Judith Orloff   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.  

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.

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.  

Have you or your clients ever felt exhausted, anxious, or even physically ill after a therapy session? Or wondered why emotional breakthroughs sometimes leave you feeling worse before you feel better? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie answers EDMR therapist Rebecca's question about why people sometimes get physical symptoms after making progress in therapy, and shares simple strategies to help prevent this from happening. She goes into the biology behind how your nervous system is constantly deciding whether you're safe or in danger, and why digging into painful memories or feelings can make your body think it's under attack, even when you're actually healing. You'll learn more about: Why your body thinks feeling emotions is dangerous How your "energy bank account" affects what you can handle in therapy Why you might feel sick AFTER therapy sessions How things like poor sleep and processed food make therapy harder on your body Why your nervous system is always checking if you're safe or in danger Two simple things you can do after therapy to feel better Want to learn more? Listen to Episode 129: to find out more!

Many people get stuck on their healing journey. They feel lost and confused. They've spent years in therapy, tried meditation, read all the books but still feel like they're just surviving instead of truly living. This is way more common than we would like to believe, and quite discouraging for those dealing with stress, burnout, or old emotional wounds. Even when you know you're safe, your body might still feel like it's in danger.  That's because healing isn't just about mindset, it's about your nervous system. And most healing methods skip the steps your body actually needs to feel safe at the nervous system level. In this episode, Dr. Aimie explains why one often gets stuck and what the nervous system really needs to move from overwhelm and a functional freeze into calm aliveness. You'll learn how the body experiences a trauma, why it holds on even for years after, and the step-by-step roadmap to give it what it needs to engage its own healing mechanisms. You'll learn more on: [1:46] Why many people avoid connecting with their body and stay “in their head” [4:05] How to tell if you're disconnected from your body [5:48] What happens in your body during a trauma response (and how it can get stuck) [8:48] Why just telling yourself “you're safe” doesn't make your body believe it [12:49] The hidden equation your nervous system uses to decide if you're still in danger [15:49] The surprising trait that can block healing   [18:16] Common signs you're in shutdown mode [21:51] The 3 major roadblocks that can slow down healing [22:52] Why you need cycles of stress and rest to heal [27:36] The 3-phase healing roadmap [29:32] How emotional healing works just like physical healing—and why skipping steps keeps you stuck Whether you're working on your own healing or helping others, this episode gives you the missing piece to understand what's really going on in the body and how to finally move forward.   Helpful Links Related To This Episode: Steps to Identify and Heal Trauma - A Roadmap for Healing - Find out what trauma is, how to recognize it, and get simple steps to help you heal in this 23-page guide. It's great for anyone who wants to understand trauma better or support others on their healing journey. 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 31: Am I Tired, Or Is This Trauma? With Dr. Evan Hirsch Episode 116: The Body Keeps Score: How Trauma Rewires Your Nervous System with Bessel van der Kolk Related Youtube Videos:  What is the first thing we need to address to release stored trauma? | 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.

What if the autoimmune condition you're dealing with today was actually programmed into your immune system decades ago during childhood? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie answers a listener's question about the biological mechanisms connecting early attachment trauma to autoimmunity, and most importantly, what to do about it. She goes into the biology behind how childhood fear literally programs your immune system at the cellular level, creating a biological foundation for autoimmune conditions that can emerge years or decades later, often triggered by additional stressors like accidents, infections, or major life events. You'll learn more about:  Why fear causes inflammation How early fear creates overactive brain immune cells (microglia) that cause symptoms like brain fog and decision fatigue  The three key immune system pathways that determine whether your body stays in "inflammation mode" or switches to "repair mode" Practical actions you can take to rebalance your immune system Whether you're a practitioner working with autoimmune clients or someone with your own autoimmune journey, this episode reveals the hidden biological connections between early life experiences and immune dysfunction and offers hope through practical interventions that work at the cellular level. Listen to Episode 128: How Attachment Drives Anxiety, Autoimmunity and Chronic Illness to explore the six core attachment pains and their biological impacts. Don't forget to pre-order my new book, Biology of Trauma! 

Many people push others away while desperately craving connection. Others battle chronic pain, digestive issues, or autoimmune conditions that seem to have no clear cause. But why is this? The answer often lies in unresolved childhood attachment trauma, specifically the experiences we had before we had words to make sense of them. This is why someone can have what looks like a good childhood but still struggle with anxiety, digestive problems, chronic pain, or autoimmune issues as an adult. The body remembers what the mind has forgotten. In this episode, Dr. Aimie breaks down the biology of early emotional pain and how it becomes stored in the body as chronic symptoms later in life. You'll discover the six core attachment wounds, why the body learns to stay in survival mode, how unresolved early trauma shapes your nervous system, immune system, and relationships in adulthood,  and most importantly, how to become your own safe person. You'll learn: [2:08] Why babies need to be held to survive and what happens when they're not [8:45] How to recognize if "it's not safe to relax" is your core attachment pattern [11:35] The health impacts of early attachment trauma [15:20]How fear becomes stored in the body as inflammation and chronic illness [20:49] The six core attachment wounds that shape our nervous system and relationships [25:30] How childhood wounds create the belief "I'm not capable" and lead to chronic overwhelm [30:08] The surprising link between people-pleasing and chronic pain [32:45] How brain fog, histamine intolerance, and depression can stem from attachment wounds [37:50] The three-phase roadmap to safely heal stored trauma in the body Whether you're someone living with unexplained chronic health issues or a practitioner supporting clients who seem stuck, this episode will help you understand the deep connection between childhood trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and adult symptoms and what it really takes to heal.   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 then 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.  Attachment Trauma Roadmap - Learn how your nervous system affects your ability to form secure attachments. Discover simple steps to rewire your nervous system for better relationships and overall health   Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 71: Understanding the Trauma Connection Between Attachment, Autoimmunity, and Fatigue To Find Our Way Out Episode 77: Attachment Styles: Impact on Relationships, Health & Healing with Dr. Diane Poole Heller Related Youtube Videos:  Why Attachment Is the Future Of Health | 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.  

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.

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.

"Neuroception is what determines our response to everything in any moment of our life. It is not based on reality. It is based on one's perception.” – Dr. Aimie Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to stick to healthy habits, even when you know they'll help you feel better? Or why those you help can't seem resistant to their treatment plan?   The truth is, it's not about willpower or motivation. Deep inside the body, there's an invisible security system constantly asking one question: "Am I safe right now, or am I in danger?" This system is called neuroception, and it's been quietly running your life without you knowing it. When this internal alarm system thinks you're in danger, even when you're perfectly safe, it can make your body reject the very things that would help you heal. Supplements feel overwhelming. Diet changes seem impossible. Exercise feels like too much. Your body isn't being difficult. In fact, it's actually trying to protect you! In this episode, Dr. Aimie breaks down neuroception and shows you exactly how to work with your nervous system instead of against it. You'll discover why some days you feel motivated and capable, while other days everything feels overwhelming, and most importantly, what you can do about it. You'll learn: The simple equation your body uses to decide if you're safe or in danger Why your body sometimes rejects healthy changes (Hint: it's not your fault!) The three different states your nervous system operates in How to tell which state you're in right now Simple body-based techniques to shift into a state of safety Why addressing oxidative stress is crucial for lasting change How to create an environment where healing actually feels possible And more! Whether you're someone struggling to maintain healthy habits or a practitioner working with people who seem "resistant" to treatment, this episode will completely change how you understand behavior, motivation, and the healing process.   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.  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode35: When trauma Has Made It Unsafe To Feel Safe, What Do We Do? with Dr. Stephen Porges Episode 73: The Impact of Early Attachment Shocks: How Unexpected Stressors Can Cause Developmental Trauma & What To Do   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.   Timestamps: [01:51] What is this invisible security system in your body? [06:09] The simple math your body does every second: Can I handle what's happening to me? [12:10] The three modes your nervous system switches between (and how to recognize them) [15:00] Why anxiety and depression might actually be your nervous system trying to protect you [20:00] How past experiences get "stuck" in your muscles and keep you feeling unsafe [25:00] Body language clues that reveal which mode someone is in [27:01] Why you need to heal your cells, not just your mind [29:51] The hidden cellular damage that keeps you stuck in "danger mode" [33:46] The three-level approach that actually works: Mind, body movement, and cellular health [36:42] Why "self-sabotage" is actually your body trying to keep you safe    

Why is it that sometimes the things that are supposed to help us feel calm actually make us feel more anxious instead? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie explores why this happens, expanding on her conversation with Dr. Sue Carter from Episode 125. She answers therapist Sarah's question about why some people struggle with relaxation techniques and reveals the surprising science behind it. You'll hear more on: Why oxytocin is called "nature's fire extinguisher" and how it helps you heal How oxytocin and vasopressin work together (not against each other!) Why past difficult experiences can make your body think "quiet time" is dangerous How your brain's control center decides if you're safe or not Simple ways to feel safer in your body before trying relaxation techniques If you're a practitioner working with clients who struggle with calming techniques or if you've ever wondered why meditation or mindfulness makes you feel worse instead of better, this episode explains what's happening in the body and gives practical ways to work with it instead of against it. To hear the full episode and learn more about how stress hormones affect healing, head over to Episode 125: Why the Mind & Body Can't Heal Without Oxytocin with Dr. Sue Carter.

Many people spend years in therapy and still struggle to feel truly safe in relationships. But why is this? The answer lies in the body. You can understand your trauma, but still feel unsafe. Oxytocin helps turn that understanding into actual feelings of safety in your body. Known as nature's most powerful anti-inflammatory, oxytocin plays a vital role in regulating the nervous system, forming secure connections, and shifting the body out of survival mode. In this episode, Dr. Aimie is joined by world-renowned oxytocin expert Dr. Sue Carter to discuss how this hormone holds the key to healing trauma, creating genuine safety, and forming secure connections. Dr. Carter has studied oxytocin for over four decades and reveals why this hormone is essential for moving from survival to thriving. In this conversation you hear why traditional talk therapy alone often falls short, how early life experiences program our capacity for connection, and practical tools for naturally increasing oxytocin to create a felt sense of safety in your body. You'll learn more about: How early attachment experiences shape your nervous system and relationships The difference between vasopressin and oxytocin in the stress response How trauma and chronic stress disrupt your ability to feel safe, even in loving relationships Why oxytocin is nature's “fire extinguisher” for inflammation and chronic illness Practical tools to support healing and regulate your nervous system And more! Whether you're a practitioner or someone navigating your own healing journey, this episode offers evidence-based insights into how your body creates its own pharmacy of healing hormones and why safety in relationships is the biological foundation for all healing   Helpful Links Related To This Episode: Want to know more about the Safe and Sound Protocol mentioned in the episode? Go here to find out more. 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 69: How Attachment Shapes Our Biology and Behavior Episode 77: Attachment Styles: Impact on Relationships, Health & Healing with Dr. Diane Poole Heller   Timestamps: [02:21] How Early Life Affects Oxytocin and Building Strong Bonds [06:07] How Oxytocin Helps People Feel Safe and Connected [07:51] What PTSD and Trauma Do to Oxytocin Levels [09:59] Why Vasopressin, Not Cortisol, Is the Main Stress Hormone in Trauma [12:29] How the Body Shuts Down During Trauma and Dissociation [14:05] Why Loving Early Relationships Are Important for Emotions [16:48] The Difference Between Fake Safety and Real Safety for Growth [20:02] Simple Ways to Increase Oxytocin [30:58] The Hypothalamus: How It Controls Oxytocin and Safety 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.  

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.  

Did you know that your body could literally be "rusting from the inside out" when stuck in trauma? This biological reality explains why so many develop chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and other mysterious health conditions. In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why trauma creates chronic illness, building on her discussion from Episode 122 about addressing trauma stored in the body. She answers a listener's question about why her clients seem to struggle with chronic health issues and what can actually be done about it. You'll learn more on: What oxidative stress is (and how being in survival state can cause it to accumulate) Why chronic illness can show up decades after traumatic experiences  Specific steps you can take to reduce oxidative stress A simple technique to shift out of shutdown throughout the day Why talk therapy alone isn't enough If you're struggling with chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, or other unexplained health issues, this episode offers practical insights for addressing these symptoms at the cellular level. Ready to address trauma at the cellular level? Head over to  Episode 122: Shutdown Before Stress for the complete trauma healing sequence, and grab Dr. Aimie's essential resources.

Healing begins when we stop pushing and start listening to what our body is trying to tell us. In this episode, Dr. Aimie walks through the science of how trauma is stored in the body and what that means for the sequence of healing, and what can go wrong when we don't follow the steps in the right order.. You'll learn the key differences between stress and trauma responses, why therapy can sometimes leave you feeling worse, and how to work with your body's natural healing process instead of against it.  Dr. Aimie breaks down why attempting to process trauma without following the correct steps can make you feel worse. She'll guide you through the steps for trauma healing, explaining why addressing shutdown responses in the body must happen before working with the stress response. Skipping this order often leads to frustration and can even retraumatize you. What You'll Learn: Why over 90% of people live “in their heads” (and what that means for healing) How to tell if the body is in trauma shutdown vs. stress What the Critical Line of Overwhelm is and its link to chronic illness How stored trauma may be behind chronic symptoms The essential healing sequence that works with the nervous system for lasting trauma recovery And more! Whether you're a practitioner or someone navigating your own healing journey, this episode provides insights and practical tools to help you reconnect with your body's wisdom and begin the path to healing.   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 book Insider's Circle 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 Essential Sequence - my free guide that maps out the 3 steps for safely opening up stored trauma in the body, whether that is presenting as health issues, patterns of a chronic functional freeze or frequent triggers. 21 Day Journey - Let me guide you through The Essential Sequence with 21 days of structured somatic self-practices that you can learn for yourself, or apply in your work in those you help. It allows you access to do the deeper work with me because you have these skills of immediately creating inner safety. Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 33: When Trauma Is Hijacking Your Body: The 3 Essential Pillars For The Healing Journey with Jude Weber Episode 108: How The Body Stores Emotional Trauma in the Fascia and Lymphatic System with Dr. Christine Schaffner   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.

“I was more afraid of regret than I was of failing.” — Dr. Eric Arzubi   Imagine having a corner office on Wall Street by age 30, but feeling like something important was missing. In this episode, Dr. Aimie sits down with Dr. Eric Arzubi, who had this exact experience. Despite his success, he felt a deep pull toward something more meaningful. That pull eventually led him to leave finance behind, become a psychiatrist, and take on the challenge of transforming mental health care in Montana through trauma-informed telehealth.  Dr. Arzubi shares his inspiring journey of walking away from financial security to follow a calling, revealing how the fear of lifelong regret ultimately outweighed the fear of change. Through his story, you'll discover why the search for meaningful work can be driven by different emotions and how creating "safe enough" spaces provides the foundation for career change.  In this episode, you'll learn: How to know if fear is trauma or just healthy caution when facing change Why nervous system safety is key for successful career changes Steps for transitioning into a meaningful career Solving mental health access gaps with innovative telehealth solutions How to navigate pushback when changing careers or implementing new ideas And more! Whether you or someone you know is contemplating a career change, this episode offers practical advice for recognizing whether your anxiety is a trauma response or a signal that it's time to move toward a more meaningful path.   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 Essential Sequence Guide - A guide that provides step-by-step instructions for creating safety in your nervous system while making significant life changes, like career transitions, without triggering trauma responses. It'll give you the insights you need to make lasting change. A Guide For The Chronic Freeze Response - A guide that helps you recognize when your nervous system is stuck in “safe" mode and provides specific ways on how to support your body and create the change you want to create.  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 20: The Connection Between Money, Loneliness, And Trauma Episode 116: The Body Keeps Score: How Trauma Rewires Your Nervous System with Bessel van der Kolk  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.  

Did you know that, according to research, only 50% of people experience relief from antidepressants? Why could this be? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie explores why antidepressants often fail to provide relief for many people, expanding on her discussion in Episode 120. She answers a listener's question about what may be causing her to continue to experience brain fog and feeling flat despite increased medication dosage. You'll hear more on: What is really driving the mental health epidemic The five steps of how the body experiences a trauma response The missing piece in depression treatment (it's NOT what you think!) How stored trauma and persistent depression symptoms are connected What can create brain inflammation How lifestyle factors like poor sleep can trigger the same response as emotional trauma If you're taking antidepressants but still struggling with symptoms, this episode offers a deeper understanding of the underlying biology and practical strategies to address brain inflammation for more effective healing. To hear the full episode and grab the links Dr. Aimie mentioned, head over to Episode 120: Why Antidepressants Don't Work for Everyone to find out more!  

Are you or those you work with struggling with chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or emotional numbness, even when lab tests come back “normal”? In this episode, Dr. Aimie looks at how unresolved trauma stored in the nervous system can drive physical and emotional symptoms which are often mistaken for depression, anxiety, or autoimmune issues. Through the real life story of Michelle, a teacher who no longer felt like herself, you'll learn about the five-step trauma response everyone follows, and why conventional approaches often miss the mark. Whether you're a practitioner seeking deeper insight into trauma-informed care, or someone navigating your own healing, this episode reveals why trauma is not just psychological, but biological. You'll gain a fresh perspective on your or your clients  symptoms and allow you to begin exploring more effective, long-term paths to healing. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How stored trauma leads to chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and gut issues Why emotional disconnection and brain fog are signs of a stuck trauma response What your body does in the first moments of threat The biological difference between stress and trauma Why antidepressants may not work for trauma-driven conditions And more! Guides, Tools & Resources: Steps to Identify and Heal Trauma: A Roadmap for Healing - Find out what trauma is, how to recognize it, and get simple steps to help you heal in this 23-page guide. It's great for anyone who wants to understand trauma better or support others on their healing journey The Essential Sequence - free guide that shows you the difference between stress and trauma states of our nervous system. In just 3 steps, it walks you through what your body needs when it has stored trauma or is in a freeze response. 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 are going live soon.    Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 29 : What Is The Physiology And Neurobiology Of The Trauma Response? Episode 32: What Are The Ways The Body Communicates Stored Trauma?   Related Youtube Videos:  Understanding Trauma Response in Your Body | 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.   Timestamps: [05:45] Why your labs might look "normal" even when you feel terrible [07:20] Three ways your body protects itself during trauma [09:40] The five-step trauma response everyone's body follows [11:55] What happens in the body in the first moments of danger [13:10] Why adrenaline, not cortisol, is the real stress hormone [15:25] The specific turning point where stress becomes trauma [17:00] What happens when your body hits the gas and brakes at the same time [19:40] How your body saves energy during trauma and why this causes chronic symptoms like fatigue  [23:35] How trauma becomes chronic and creates physical symptoms  [27:50] The science connecting brain inflammation, gut health and mental health [30:15] Why people with fibromyalgia and IBS often have anxiety and depression too [32:45] Why addressing the stored trauma is essential for healing long term  

How can a single moment impact your life? Can that moment still affect you not only emotionally but physically years later? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie dives into the biology behind how trauma gets physically stored in the body, expanding on her conversation with Gregg Ward from Episode 119. She unpacks Greg's story of accidentally causing a fatal car accident at age 18 and how this moment shaped his entire life path and physical health. You'll hear more on: How trauma physically show ups in the body during the freeze response The 3 defense strategies that are triggered by trauma  What moral injury is and how it affects the nervous system  Practical steps for moving through grief and regret And more! If you're carrying regret, grief, or trauma that is staying in your body, this episode offers hope and practical insights for moving through these experiences toward healing. To hear the full episode listen to Episode 119: Transforming Trauma into Joy & Purpose with Gregg Ward  

What happens when a single moment changes the direction of your entire life? Can regret become a force for good?  In this episode, we'll hear one man's journey through the aftermath of accidentally causing his high school sweetheart's death in a car accident at 18 years old and how that trauma has shaped his entire life. Dr. Aimie is joined by Gregg Ward who shares how this terrible accident caused his greatest pain while also pushing him to become a better person. He describes how the trauma showed up in his body, his methods for trying to cope, and the path that eventually led him toward healing and purpose. This conversation goes deeper into how trauma lives in the body, how moral injury can affect someone, and how finding purpose can eventually transform regret and grief into meaning, purpose and joy. We'll discuss: What happens to the body right after trauma occurs What moral injury is and its role in trauma    How trauma can disrupt your life but also give it new direction Finding purpose by honoring what was lost instead of just trying to feel better How trauma stays in your body for years Connecting with others who have experienced similar traumatic events Why physical movement helps heal trauma when talking about it isn't enough How finding happiness after trauma is possible – even when you think it's hopeless And more! Whether you're living with regret, supporting someone through their grief, or working professionally with those carrying hidden pain, this episode shows you how one can move through seemingly unbearable experiences and eventually find peace, joy and purpose on the other side.   Gregg Ward is the founder of the Center for Respectful Leadership, an award-winning best-selling author, TEDx Speaker, executive coach, and master facilitator & culture change consultant. Guides, Tools & Resources: Steps to Identify and Heal Trauma: A Roadmap for Healing Trauma - Find out what trauma is, how to recognize it, and get simple steps to help you heal in this 23-page guide. It's great for anyone who wants to understand trauma better or support others on their healing journey. Biology of Trauma book - How the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal. At the time of this recording, you can join us in The Insider's Circle Book Club and pre-orders are now available!   Foundational Journey - If you want to be safely guided through The Essential Sequence, and lay your foundation of regulation in this online 6 week course, join me and my team of mentors for this journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices.   Related Podcast Episode: Episode 117: Movement for Healing Stored Grief and Emotions with Paul Denniston Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. 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 of the podcast.  

Are you a practitioner struggling to balance patient care with your own health needs? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie looks at the biology behind the Spoon Theory and how practitioners can manage their own health while helping others heal. She answers a listener's question about why she feels drained after certain client sessions and the actionable steps she can take to keep her energy levels up.  Dr. Aimie's will build on her conversation with Helga Byrne from Episode 118, where they discussed navigating professional responsibilities while managing personal health challenges. You'll hear more on: What the Spoon Theory is  How trauma impacts the body's mitochondria What happens to the your cells when you go into overwhelm  Why practitioners experience brain fog and fatigue while helping others How your nervous system sends signals to either boost or reduce your energy levels throughout the day Practical ways to manage your “spoons” of every daily  If you're struggling to manage your energy while caring for others, this episode will provide insights on how to maintain energy levels while still being an effective practitioner. If you'd like to go deeper into this topic, listen to the full conversation with Helga Byrne on Episode 118: How Practitioners Can Navigate Their Own Chronic Illness & Healing Journey.