How Trauma Gets Trapped in the Body w/ Dr. Aimie Apigian Understanding Trauma in the Nervous System

Dr. Aimie Apigian is introduced as a leading medical expert specializing in the biological impact of life experiences and trauma on the body. She is a double board-certified physician in preventative and addiction medicine, with a Master's in Biochemistry and Public Health. Her certifications span functional medicine, neuroautoimmunity, nutrition, genetics, and various trauma-based therapies. The host expresses excitement about discussing science-based solutions for rewiring the nervous system and restoring a sense of safety with Dr. Aimie.

The conversation shifts to the storage of trauma in the body, not just the brain. Dr. Aimie explains her journey of realizing that trauma affects a person's biology, leading to health conditions and diagnoses. She shares her personal experience with being bedridden due to ignoring her body's signals. The focus is on the body's trauma response and how it can manifest in daily life as a cycle of trauma storage and response.

Dr. Aimie delves into the autonomic nervous system, highlighting its role in trauma. She discusses the central nervous system's focus on the brain and cognitive therapies, contrasting it with the need to address the body's biology in trauma. The vagus nerve's function in controlling vital organs and its impact on the trauma response is explained. The sequential process of trauma response, starting with a startle response and leading to stress or trauma response, is outlined.

The physical manifestations of the stress response are explored, emphasizing the role of adrenaline in providing strength and the necessity for action. The concept of thwarted movement and its transition into a trauma response is introduced. Dr. Aimie illustrates how the body shifts from sympathetic to dorsal vagal control during trauma, leading to a shutdown of various bodily functions and contributing to chronic health issues.

The discussion continues on the importance of movement and action in processing emotions like anger and grief. Repressing these emotions can lead to physical health issues, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and even certain cancers. The connection between grief and gut health is highlighted, with the resolution of digestive issues often leading to the surfacing of grief.

Dr. Aimie explains how the accumulation of deficiencies in nutrients like magnesium and zinc, along with increased oxidative stress, can lead to chronic health issues. The interplay between the biology of trauma, autoimmunity, and the development of chronic diseases is discussed. The importance of early intervention in the healing process is emphasized to prevent the solidification of biological trauma responses.

The three essential elements for trauma healing are introduced: somatic work, parts work, and addressing biochemical imbalances. Somatic work involves connecting with the body's sensations, while parts work deals with different aspects of self that hold various narratives. Biochemical imbalances are addressed to support the body's transition from a trauma response. The integration of these elements is crucial for an effective healing journey.

Dr. Aimie guides the audience through an exercise called 'Creating Space,' which involves physically pushing away an imagined boulder to symbolize releasing tension and creating space for emotions. The exercise is meant to help complete stress responses and promote a sense of safety and support within the body, contributing to rewiring the nervous system and fostering a sense of completion.

The conversation concludes with the importance of taking action and moving to complete stress responses. The lack of modeling for completion in younger generations is highlighted as a concern. The impact of passive consumption of media and the resulting immobilization is discussed, with suggestions for mindful engagement with the world to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Dr. Aimie shares the results of her 21-Day Journey program, which incorporates somatic work to reduce physical pain, GI symptoms, sleep issues, anxiety, and depression.