263: Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill: The Biology of Trauma: Why The Body Shuts Down

In this insightful episode, Dr. Amy joins host Jill to delve into the intricate relationship between trauma, the body, and healing. They explore the concept of creating a safe environment for healing, the importance of understanding trauma at a biological level, and practical approaches to managing trauma.

Key Discussions
① Introduction to Trauma and Healing:
👉 Dr. Amy discusses her journey from conventional medicine to focusing on trauma. She highlights the importance of addressing trauma as a root cause in functional medicine.

② Creating a Safe Environment:
👉 The conversation emphasizes the necessity of creating a safe space for patients to heal. Dr. Amy compares the body to a turtle retreating into its shell when overwhelmed and stresses the importance of safety for healing.

③ The Role of Empathy in Medicine:
👉 Both Jill and Dr. Amy reflect on their experiences in medical training, discussing how empathy plays a crucial role in patient care despite the traditional emphasis on objectivity.

④ Understanding Trauma at a Biological Level:
👉 Dr. Amy explains how trauma impacts the body at a cellular level and the need for therapies that address these biological changes. She introduces her book, "The Biology of Trauma," which explores these concepts in depth.

⑤ Practical Tools for Trauma Management:
👉 The episode provides listeners with practical tools for managing trauma, such as using weighted blankets and creating a sense of safety through simple physical actions..

⑥ Addiction and Trauma:
👉 Dr. Amy discusses her work in addiction medicine, highlighting the connection between trauma and the need to escape through addiction. She shares insights from her mentor, Gabor Mate, on addressing the underlying pain rather than the addiction itself.

⑦ Co-regulation in Relationships:
👉 The episode touches on the importance of co-regulation in relationships, especially for those dealing with trauma. Practical advice is given on how partners can support each other in creating a safe and healing environment.

Takeaways
📌 Safety is paramount for healing from trauma.
📌 Trauma impacts the body at a deep biological level, requiring comprehensive therapeutic approaches.
📌 Empathy and understanding are crucial in medical practice and patient care.
📌 Practical tools and strategies can empower individuals to manage their trauma effectively.
📌 Addressing the root cause of pain is essential in overcoming addiction.

Websites
21 Day Journey Training: https://traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/foundational-journey
Free guide to identify and heal trauma: https://traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/Steps-to-Identify-and-Heal-Trauma

​👩🏻‍⚕️ Dr. Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH  
Dr. Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH is a double board-certified physician in Preventive and Addiction Medicine with dual Master’s degrees in Biochemistry and Public Health. She is recognized as a leading medical expert on how trauma becomes stored in the body and how it can lead to chronic health issues.

Combining her medical background with personal experience and cutting-edge research, Dr. Aimie developed The Biology of Trauma®—a unique approach that helps people understand and heal the nervous system to address the root causes of fatigue, anxiety, and chronic illness. Through her programs at Trauma Healing Accelerated, she supports individuals and health professionals in learning the science of trauma and how to effectively reverse its effects.

Dr. Apigian’s new book Biology of Trauma: https://www.amazon.com/Biology-Trauma-Body-Holds-Overwhelm/dp/1637746237