The Biology of Trauma & Healing

In this transformative episode, Leigh Martinuzzi is joined by Dr. Aimie Apigian, a double-board-certified physician and leading expert in trauma recovery, to explore the Biology of Trauma. From her beginnings as a general surgery resident to becoming a foster/adoptive parent and later facing her own personal health challenges, Dr. Aimie shares her powerful journey, and how it led her to redefine the trauma-healing process through a biological lens.

Through this deep and practical conversation, you’ll discover how trauma lives not just in the mind, but in the body. Dr. Aimie offers powerful tools and perspectives that challenge the traditional psychology model, bringing listeners a new framework to support healing, recovery, and personal transformation.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Trauma is physiological, not just psychological understanding the body’s role is essential for healing.

• The stress response (fight/flight) differs from the trauma response (freeze/shutdown) driven by the vagus nerve.

• Biological safety must be established before cognitive work or trauma storytelling can be effective.

• Traditional talk therapy alone may be insufficient—somatic tools, like breathwork and vocal exercises, help rewire trauma.

• Try the “Vu” exercise: a gentle vocal vibration that can help regulate the nervous system.

About Dr. Aimie Apigian:

Dr. Aimie is a physician, speaker, and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated. With master’s degrees in Biochemistry and Public Health, and double board certifications in Preventive and Addiction Medicine, she’s developed a unique, practical approach to trauma healing that integrates neuroscience, somatics, and medical insight.

Resources & Links:

Get Dr. Amie Apigian’s Book on Amazon:

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

Connect to Dr. Aimie Apigian:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn