The Biology of Trauma by Aimie Apigian ,MD: Finding a path back to balance

Decades worth of research has culminated in the emergence of a new discipline. One that combines the treatment of mind and body which have long been handled separately by mainstream medical practices.

Chronic symptoms of stored overwhelm turned to trauma manifest in ways often dismissed with the throwaway explanation of stress or as a result of unsuitable lifestyle choices.

Many are completely unaware of the effects of previous trauma they still harbor within themselves, having forged on without completing the cycles necessary to truly rid their bodies, right down to the components of their very cells, of the residual responses to triggers—often compounding the damage caused the longer its presence is sustained for.

The Biology of Trauma acts as a practical guide, revealing the different ways trauma may manifest itself, both in physical and behavioral responses, while giving solutions as to how one could tackle the removal of these manifestations over a period of time.

Spoiler-Free Plot

A forewarning is given early on in this book; only those who are prepared to labour for an extended period of time, from weeks to months, and potentially even years, delving deep into the foundations of their emotions, should carry onwards into the first chapter. This book should not be regarded as a quick fix to problems accrued over years to decades of both subconscious and conspicuous crisis.

Maintaining an open mind is crucial to attaining the successful outcomes already achieved by patients who sought treatment using the methods contained within this book. Not all will agree with the suggestions and directions provided by Dr. Apigian; such is the case with any type of pioneering or nontraditional field of study. However, there is nothing to lose but all to gain by trialling an alternative approach—one created on the basis of preexisting knowledge of psychology and cellular biology—where standard treatment has not yielded the expected results.

Each section tackles a specific theme beginning with the human body’s expression of trauma, followed by how and why trauma is contained within the body, and finally, the healing processes to follow to resolve the dysfunction and dysregulation standing in the way of achieving good mental and physiological health.

My Take on The Biology of Trauma

I am certain I will not be on my own in feeling more inclined to look further into any kind of promoted material if the creator, facilitator or spokesperson is honest about what they offer to their potential clientele. I briefly touched upon the cautionary statement that also acts as a kind of prerequisite, detailing who would be best served by the treatment outlined within.

The process demands an initial investment of not only time, but honesty and accountability to work. When a provider is less interested in quantity, favoring the quality of the outcome they wish to see their work affect, it inspires confidence in what the provider—in this case, the author—is offering us, the readers.

You can sense Dr.Apigian’s care for the individual, despite the absence of one-on-one interaction; this book doesn’t feel at all gimmicky, it doesn’t pander to the masses for the purposes of enriching its author, or garnering any sort of fame. Instead, it reaches out to those who are willing to dedicate themselves to their own betterment, for however long it might take them to do so, receiving direction and guidance from a licensed doctor through their meticulous writing.

With each point made about the psychological effects an overwhelming event stirred up, an in depth physiological explanation accompanies it. Not only that, a translation into layman’s terms for those who are unfamiliar with all the associated terminology makes this book inclusive for all. Owning a copy of a book is also far more accessible when compared to hours and hours worth of therapy sessions; it is an excellent place to start on your mental health journey before committing financially, or if the cost associated is too great to afford.

The summaries at the end of every chapter add to the ease of navigation; if ever one feels the need to return to a specific section to reread it to refresh or increase their understanding of a topic having forgotten the vocabulary assigned to it, the summaries go a long way in helping decipher where to go to find what you seek when the Contents page creates confusion.

For readers who are certain they themselves haven’t faced or have overcome any trauma, or even its preliminary form—as overwhelm, I would implore them not to be dissuaded from picking up this book.

Nobody knows what the future may hold. Being armed with the knowledge given about the cycles that keep people’s systems trapped within trauma responses could be enough to prevent themselves from the same outcome. Supporting a loved one who is struggling becomes another possibility, in the same way Dr.Apigian’s anecdote of her persistent attempts at nurturing the bond between herself and her adopted son demonstrated, as it opens up a new avenue to tap into even deeper emotional connections between one another that are essential to all of our wellbeing, as human beings.

The Biology of Trauma is perfectly poised to assume the title of critical literature in a field that is finally receiving the recognition it so deserves.

Age Rating

16 years and above

Content Warnings

Chronic Illness, Traumatic Events.

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