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

This groundbreaking book breaks down the latest research to reveal how trauma impacts our bodies on a cellular level and offers an empowering path to whole-body healing.

Today, we know more about mental health than ever before, but traditional medicine still mistakes subtle signs of trauma for stress, anxiety, or chronic disease--sometimes even retraumatizing patients with outdated and misguided methods. Treatment plans that focus on the mind are only addressing the downstream effects. Likewise, common medical approaches to manage symptoms fail to explore root causes and promote genuine recovery.

If we want to truly heal, we need to understand trauma as something happening inside of the body--not as a singular external event. Gaining clarity on how our bodies hold onto experiences, impacting both our physical health and our ability to maintain healthy behaviors and relationships, is crucial. That's where Dr. Aimie Apigian's integrative, revolutionary approach comes in.

With a decade of clinical research, approachable storytelling, and real-life examples, The Biology of Trauma will show you:

How the body absorbs scarring experiences and overwhelm Ways to identify commonly overlooked trauma symptoms like lethargy, fogginess, and unexplained worry Recognize how emotional pain stored in the body affects overall health on a cellular level, even for people with functionally successful lives Prevent trauma-induced changes in your biology that suppress the cycle of recovery Work with your nervous system to safely heal--without risk of retraumatization

Perfect for both individuals seeking personal growth and health professionals improving their practice, The Biology of Trauma will help you gain deep insights into your own mind, body, and healing journey.

Author: Aimie Apigian
Publisher: Benbella Books
Published: 09/23/2025
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781637746233

About the Author
Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH, is a double board-certified physician in preventive and addiction medicine with masters degrees in biochemistry and public health. Beyond her foundational medical training, Dr. Aimie is a functional medicine physician with specialized training in neuro-autoimmunity, nutrition, and genetics for addictions, mental health, mood, and behavioral disorders. Her extensive training in trauma therapies, including the Instinctual Trauma Response Model, Somatic Experiencing, NeuroAffective Touch, and Sociometric Relational Trauma Repair, have formed her knowledge and services in trauma, attachment, and addiction medicine, focusing on trauma at a cellular level. Her original inspiration came from Miguel, who she adopted from the foster care system during medical school.