Beat Autoimmune & Thrive! with Palmer Kippola

Dr. Aimie Apigian returns to the show for a deeper exploration of how trauma gets stored in the body, and how that unresolved trauma can drive chronic symptoms and autoimmune conditions. A double board-certified physician with master’s degrees in biochemistry and public health, Dr. Aimie blends cutting-edge medical science with somatic trauma therapies to help people recover and thrive. In this conversation, we: * Unpack the biology of trauma * Explore how to tell the difference between chronic stress and stored trauma and  * What it looks like to repair well Dr. Aimie also shares a deeply personal story that led her to this work and offers a sneak peek into her groundbreaking new book, The Biology of Trauma, out this September with a foreword by Dr. Gâbor Maté. If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to Episode 28 for more on the powerful connection between trauma and autoimmunity, and then come back here to go even deeper into the healing process. Quote: “The goal in life is not to avoid trauma at all. The goal is to complete the [trauma] responses so it doesn’t stay in our body and make us sick.” What's Inside: 04:50: What exactly is trauma and how to know if you’re unknowingly dealing with trauma in the body. 10:57: The manifestation of symptoms is an invitation to heal.   15:15: The “hope” in repairing trauma and what it means or looks like to do so. 20:37: What actually happens in the body when it endures a trauma and what does it need to “complete the trauma response.” 40:30: Resources from Dr. Aimie to help you complete the trauma response Resources mentioned: Pre-order Dr. Aimie’s forthcoming book: The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It [https://amzn.to/44dghsI] - https://amzn.to/44dghsI [https://amzn.to/44dghsI] Dr. Aimie’s website: biologyoftrauma.com [http://biologyoftrauma.com] The 21‑Day Journey to Calm Aliveness: traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/21-day-journey [http://traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/21-day-journey] - http://traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/21-day-journey The Biology of Trauma® Podcast: https://biologyoftrauma.com/biology-of-trauma-podcast/ [https://biologyoftrauma.com/biology-of-trauma-podcast/] Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition? If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/ [https://palmerkippola.com/apply/] #beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

I’m doing something a little different today—and I think you’re really going to enjoy it. I recently had the privilege of being interviewed on the Better Health Bookshelf podcast, hosted by the insightful and generous Mike Capuzzi. Mike Capuzzi is a seasoned marketing strategist, Amazon #1 best-selling author, and host of the Better Health Bookshelf podcast, where he features standout health and wellness books and the authors behind them. With over 30 years of experience, Mike is passionate about spotlighting powerful, practical books that help people live healthier lives. Mike invited me to share my personal healing journey from multiple sclerosis, what inspired me to write Beat Autoimmune, and some of the key strategies from my F.I.G.H.T.S.™ framework that have helped so many others on their healing path. In this conversation, we dive into root causes like stress, food, and toxins—and I share practical tips you can start using right away to support your immune system and take back your health. Whether you're just starting to explore functional medicine or you're deep into your healing journey, there’s something in here for you. I’m so grateful to Mike for the opportunity—and for his permission to share this episode with you here. I hope this inspires you, and I encourage you to check out Mike’s Better Health Bookshelf podcast for more great conversations about health-transforming books. Quote: “Hope is real. Healing is possible.” 00:00 – Introduction by Mike Capuzzi Mike introduces Palmer Kippola and her book, Beat Autoimmune, setting the stage for a discussion on reversing autoimmune diseases naturally. 01:30 – Palmer's Personal Healing Journey Palmer shares her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at age 19 and her 26-year journey to recovery, emphasizing the power of addressing root causes. 07:45 – The F.I.G.H.T.S.™ Framework Explained An overview of Palmer's F.I.G.H.T.S.™ framework: Food, Infections, Gut health, Hormone balance, Toxins, and Stress, as key areas to address in healing. 12:20 – The Impact of Diet on Autoimmune Conditions Discussion on how certain foods can trigger or alleviate autoimmune symptoms, and the importance of the elimination diet to determine your optimal foods. 18:00 – Environmental Toxins and Their Role Exploring how everyday toxins contribute to autoimmune issues and strategies to reduce exposure. 23:15 – Stress Management Techniques Palmer discusses the profound effect of stress on the immune system and shares practical methods to reduce it. 28:40 – Encouragement and Resources for Listeners Palmer offers hope and actionable steps for those dealing with autoimmune conditions, including resources for further support. Resources mentioned: Book: Beat Autoimmune - https://a.co/d/99MHeVw [https://a.co/d/99MHeVw] Website: https://palmerkippola.com [https://palmerkippola.com] Better Health Bookshelf podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-health-bookshelf-discover-new-health-and/id1487836914 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-health-bookshelf-discover-new-health-and/id1487836914] Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition? If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/ [https://palmerkippola.com/apply/] #beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

Roberta Tachi is an Embodiment Coach, Spiritual Guide, and inspirational example of complete autoimmune recovery. After facing her own illness and profound healing journey—reversing the autoimmune disorder Myasthenia Gravis—Roberta has dedicated her life to helping others release trauma stored deep within the body. With more than two decades of experience in holistic healing and trauma release, Roberta has guided hundreds of individuals across more than 35 countries in discovering and resolving the emotional triggers behind chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and other health challenges. Roberta has a unique ability to intuitively identify the hidden blocks, constrictions, and fragmentation within the body—those unseen barriers preventing true healing. She specializes in gently guiding people back into connection with their authentic selves, teaching them how to be in their bodies and integrate their life experiences so they can finally experience physical and emotional wholeness. Today, Roberta invites us to understand the powerful link between our biography and our biology, offering a transformative pathway to healing autoimmune disorders and unlocking our body's boundless capacity to heal. I have personally benefited from working with Roberta, experiencing a deeper, more embodied connection with myself and a greater awareness – and I should say, felt sense – of the constrictions related to my own early childhood traumas; and so I’m excited to delve into the realm of embodiment and trauma healing with her today. Quote: “Your intention to heal, your intention to be well, has to be present.” What’s inside this episode? 03:12 Roberta Tachi’s autoimmune story and an important intention crucial to any healing journey 11:00 Learning to communicate with your cells and the power of creating purpose for your healing  16:30 How and why early childhood trauma gets stored in the body  31:30 Palmer opens up and shares about her recent experience with oral health challenges and how Roberta is helping her  48:00 Roberta guides us through a short inner connection meditation  57:35 Simple techniques and strategies to become more present in your body Resources mentioned: Website: https://robertatachi.com/ [https://robertatachi.com/] You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@robertatachi2023 [https://www.youtube.com/@robertatachi2023] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertatachi/ [https://www.instagram.com/robertatachi/] Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anewpathtohealing [https://www.facebook.com/groups/anewpathtohealing] Embody Wellness App: Available for free on Google Play or Apple Store  Books on healing trauma:  The Body Keeps the Score [https://amzn.to/4k3VL3s] by Bessel Van Der Kolk: https://amzn.to/4k3VL3s [https://amzn.to/4k3VL3s] The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture [https://amzn.to/42Yrahy] by Gabor Maté: https://amzn.to/42Yrahy [https://amzn.to/42Yrahy] Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition? If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/ [https://palmerkippola.com/apply/] #beatautoimmuneandthrive

Today I’m joined by Dr. Fred Luskin, one of the world’s leading researchers and teachers on forgiveness. He’s the founder of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects, a longtime lecturer at Stanford School of Medicine, and bestselling author of Forgive for Good, Forgive for Love, and the newly released Forgive for Good Recovery Workbook. Fred has spent decades studying the link between forgiveness and well-being. His research shows that forgiveness can reduce chronic stress, depression, and even physical pain — while boosting resilience, emotional balance, and inner peace. If you’re healing from an autoimmune disorder or any chronic condition, this conversation is especially for you. Emotional stress, resentment, and unresolved pain can keep the body stuck in survival mode, which fuels inflammation and autoimmunity. Forgiveness is a powerful balm and way of living that soothes the nervous system and supports deep healing. I had the privilege of taking Fred’s Forgive for Good workshop through Stanford Health Care, and I can say firsthand: his approach is both practical and profoundly transformative. Tune in as we explore why forgiveness isn’t just a virtue — it’s a vital practice for a healthy, thriving life. Quote: “Forgiveness is giving up all hope for a better past.” What’s inside this episode? 02:20 What it is that makes unforgiveness so diminishing  04:00 Fred’s personal story that led him down the path of understanding and researching “unforgiveness” as his work 07:25 What is forgiveness and what is it not? 10:20 What he found from his study of forgiveness in the most extremely traumatic life circumstances, and the most important aspects of forgiveness 17:25 Forgiveness strategies for someone who has experienced adverse childhood experience(s) (ACEs) and is facing an autoimmune response 25:55 Steps someone can take to forgive and look forward in their life 34:38 The integration of spirituality and history into Fred’s secular studies on forgiveness 38:00 Forgiveness is a choice and a learned skill Resources mentioned: Forgive For Good by Dr. Fred Luskin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/006251721X/?bestFormat=true&crid=2QJOS34G3K3KO&k=forgive+for+good+by+dr.+fred+luskin&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_9&sprefix=forgive+f]: https://a.co/d/7MzvjrE [https://a.co/d/7MzvjrE] The Forgive For Good Recovery Workbook [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1648483976/?bestFormat=true&crid=249QCB39I73IT&k=forgive+for+good+workbook&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_21&sprefix=forgive+for+good+work]: https://a.co/d/gSPBEXd [https://a.co/d/gSPBEXd] Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition? If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/ [https://palmerkippola.com/apply/] #beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

Dr. Christine Schaffner, ND is a board-certified naturopathic physician who helps people recover from complex, chronic illness using a powerful blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge biological, natural, and energy medicine. She leads her own clinic, Immanence Health in Washington State, and works with clients virtually as well. Dr. Schaffner is also the host of The Spectrum of Health podcast, where she interviews top experts on a wide range of holistic health topics. I had the honor of being a guest on her show to share my journey of reversing autoimmune disease naturally. You may remember Dr. Schaffner from episode #5 of Beat Autoimmune & Thrive, where we explored How to Love Your Lymph. What I appreciate most about her is her compassion, curiosity, and deep commitment to educating both patients and practitioners about the often-overlooked root causes of chronic illness—and the many mind-body-spirit tools available for true healing. Full disclosure: Dr. Schaffner is my personal doctor and dear friend. I'm thrilled to welcome her back to the show. In this conversation, we explore her own profound healing journey, what she’s seeing in her practice today, and how she brings together a vast array of healing modalities to support those navigating complex health challenges like autoimmunity. Quote: “I believe anyone can overcome anything.”  What’s Inside:  02:25 Dr. Schaffner’s story and most recent life threatening health journey  20:50 What is Terrain Medicine and how can people access it? 33:15 The invitation to receive and be a collaborator with your body on the quest to healing and full health 36:09 The masculine and feminine components of healing and systems of regulation 40:30 Tools, modalities, and practices Dr. Schaffner has found to be transformational for herself and her patients 47:38 EMDR for healing from acute and chronic trauma Resources Mentioned: Dr. Christine Schaffner website: https://www.drchristineschaffner.com/ [https://www.drchristineschaffner.com/] Dr. Christine Schaffner Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drschaffner]: https://www.instagram.com/drschaffner [https://www.instagram.com/drschaffner] Dr. Joe Dispenza website: https://drjoedispenza.com/ [https://drjoedispenza.com/] Veda Austin, The Living Language of Water: https://www.vedaaustin.com/vedas-book [https://www.vedaaustin.com/vedas-book] Healing Modalities and Practices: EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/ [https://www.emdria.org/] Somatic Healing: https://traumahealing.org/ [https://traumahealing.org/] Mei-lan - Angelic Frequency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Pn5puYb0o [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Pn5puYb0o] Heartmath science, blog, and tools: https://www.heartmath.com/ [https://www.heartmath.com/] Resonance devices: AO Scan: https://aoscanglobal.com/ [https://aoscanglobal.com/] Energy for Life (formerly NES Health) https://www.e4l.com/ [https://www.e4l.com/] Neural therapy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_therapy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_therapy] Ozone therapy: A clinical review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3312702/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3312702/] Dr. Bradley Nelson’s books: Emotion Code and Body Code https://drbradleynelson.com/ [https://drbradleynelson.com/] Biofield Tuning: https://www.biofieldtuning.com/ [https://www.biofieldtuning.com/] Non-profit psychedelic science, research, education, and policy: Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): maps.org [http://maps.org]  Ancient Medicines: Kambô - traditional Amazonian frog medicine ritual; and Rapé - sacred snuff Limbic Retraining: The Gupta Program: https://guptaprogram.com/ [https://guptaprogram.com/] DNRS: https://retrainingthebrain.com/ [https://retrainingthebrain.com/] Primal Trust: https://www.primaltrust.org/ [https://www.primaltrust.org/] Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition? If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/ [https://palmerkippola.com/apply/] #beatautoimmuneandthrive