September 27, 2025

The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It

57 minutes

Dr. Amy Apigian on the fascinating and often overlooked—biology of trauma.

[00:00] Introduction and shared connection around trauma, resilience, and Armenian heritage.
[05:00] Story of becoming a foster parent during medical training and first encounter with childhood trauma.
[15:00] Struggles of supporting traumatized children without adequate tools or professional guidance.
[25:00] Personal health breakdown leading to chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and a deeper look into trauma biology.
[35:00] Discovery that therapy alone wasn’t enough — biology and physiology also play key roles in trauma.
[45:00] Explanation of stress at the cellular level, mitochondria changes, and the “cell danger response.”
[55:00] Distinction between stress, overwhelm, trauma, and how burnout develops.
[01:05:00] How trauma is stored in memory and physiology, with a personal story illustrating hidden trauma.
[01:20:00] Exploration of chronic pain, sleep issues, IBS, and how they relate to a dysregulated nervous system.
[01:35:00] Survival mode shuts down detoxification and accumulates toxins over years, leading to illness.
[01:45:00] Why nervous system regulation is the essential first step in healing — but not the full solution.
[01:55:00] Introduction of cellular repair to address oxidative stress, DNA damage, and generational trauma.
[02:10:00] A holistic framework for healing: mind, body, and biology working together (“small hinges move big doors”).
[02:25:00] Guidance on where to start: choosing manageable steps that build momentum and confidence.
[02:35:00] Closing reflections on living more fully alive, plus resources, book, and social links.

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By Anna Seewald

4.8

207207 ratings

September 27, 2025

The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It

57 minutes

Dr. Amy Apigian on the fascinating and often overlooked—biology of trauma.

[00:00] Introduction and shared connection around trauma, resilience, and Armenian heritage.
[05:00] Story of becoming a foster parent during medical training and first encounter with childhood trauma.
[15:00] Struggles of supporting traumatized children without adequate tools or professional guidance.
[25:00] Personal health breakdown leading to chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and a deeper look into trauma biology.
[35:00] Discovery that therapy alone wasn’t enough — biology and physiology also play key roles in trauma.
[45:00] Explanation of stress at the cellular level, mitochondria changes, and the “cell danger response.”
[55:00] Distinction between stress, overwhelm, trauma, and how burnout develops.
[01:05:00] How trauma is stored in memory and physiology, with a personal story illustrating hidden trauma.
[01:20:00] Exploration of chronic pain, sleep issues, IBS, and how they relate to a dysregulated nervous system.
[01:35:00] Survival mode shuts down detoxification and accumulates toxins over years, leading to illness.
[01:45:00] Why nervous system regulation is the essential first step in healing — but not the full solution.
[01:55:00] Introduction of cellular repair to address oxidative stress, DNA damage, and generational trauma.
[02:10:00] A holistic framework for healing: mind, body, and biology working together (“small hinges move big doors”).
[02:25:00] Guidance on where to start: choosing manageable steps that build momentum and confidence.
[02:35:00] Closing reflections on living more fully alive, plus resources, book, and social links.