Dr. Aimie Apigian
Dr. Aimie
Neuroception Explained: How Your Nervous System Decides What's Safe and Why It Matters for Healing
Neuroception Explained: How Your Nervous System Decides What's Safe and Why It Matters for Healing
Neuroception Explained: How Your Nervous System Decides What's Safe and Why It Matters for Healing
Tuesday 17th June 2025
Explore neuroception's role in healing, treatment resistance, and how somatic exercises can aid recovery. Dr. Aimie uncovers nervous system insights.
41 minutes
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About this podcast
Author:
Dr. Aimie Apigian
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Mindful Recovery
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
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Episodes:
180 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Understanding Neuroception: Safety & Healing
Episode Overview
- Neuroception influences perception of safety and danger.
- Understanding treatment resistance through neuroception.
- Polyvagal Theory informs nervous system states.
- Somatic exercises help regulate nervous system responses.
- Antioxidants are crucial for trauma recovery.
"Neuroception is what determines our response to everything in any moment of our life. It is not based on reality. It is based on one's perception." – Dr. Aimie
In this episode of the Biology of Trauma podcast, Dr. Aimie delves into the fascinating concept of neuroception, a term coined from Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Steve Porges. Neuroception refers to the nervous system's subconscious assessment of safety and danger, which can significantly impact one's healing journey. This background process determines whether individuals feel safe or threatened, and it often explains why some patients resist treatment plans, as noted by a practitioner named John. Dr.
Aimie addresses common challenges faced by both practitioners and patients in adhering to treatment plans. The episode reveals that treatment resistance and self-sabotage are not merely issues of willpower but are deeply rooted in neuroception. The nervous system's perception is influenced by pre-existing filters, which can lead to varying stress responses. For practitioners like John, recognizing the three operating states of neuroception—sympathetic activation, freeze, and shutdown—is crucial for understanding patient behavior. Dr.
Aimie emphasizes the importance of addressing the mind, body, and biology collectively to facilitate healing. She highlights the role of oxidative stress and the benefits of incorporating antioxidants, such as alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, and vitamin C, to support nervous system regulation. Moreover, the episode introduces somatic exercises as powerful tools for helping patients achieve a physiological reset to safety. Dr.
Aimie's 21-Day Journey offers simple somatic practices that can be performed in the moment, providing instant results that shift the nervous system towards a state of safety. This approach not only benefits physical health but also aids in reducing the need for mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Dr. Aimie encourages listeners to explore related podcast episodes, such as Episode 35 with Dr. Steve Porges, and Episode 73 on early attachment shocks, to deepen their understanding.
The episode concludes with a call to action, inviting listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and explore additional resources that can accelerate their healing journey.