On this episode of "Flourish or Fold" I'm thrilled to share with you a conversation that could very well change the way we perceive and treat trauma. I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Eugene Lipov, a beacon of hope for those affected by trauma and a mastermind in innovative treatment methods. As the Chief Medical Officer at Stella and an international expert on trauma treatment, he has devoted his life and work to unraveling the complexities of trauma and exploring groundbreaking treatment options.

The Impact of Trauma and the Path to Recovery: Trauma is an insidious beast that can leave deep scars on both the mind and body. Dr. Lipov, with his extensive experience in trauma treatment, shared invaluable insights into how trauma affects individuals and the potential for reversing PTSD symptoms. One of the most enlightening aspects of our discussion was the stellate ganglion block procedure, a treatment that offers a beacon of hope for those suffering from PTSD.

Understanding Trauma: Genetics and Environment: Dr. Lipov emphasized the importance of recognizing the genetic and environmental factors contributing to trauma. As we delved into this topic, it became clear that to develop more effective therapeutic options, we must first understand these underlying causes. His role at Stella is pivotal in advancing research efforts focused on trauma treatment, and his dedication to this cause is nothing short of inspiring.

Stellate Ganglion Block: A Ray of Hope: The stellate ganglion block procedure is a game-changer in rapidly treating PTSD symptoms. Dr. Lipov walked us through the assessment process, the procedure itself, and the critical aftercare recommendations, which include psychotherapy, yoga, meditation, and dietary considerations. The duration of the procedure and the potential long-term effects vary based on individual factors, but the promise it holds for improving overall health and longevity is remarkable.

Addressing the Root Causes for Long-Term Healing: Our conversation also highlighted the pervasive impact of trauma on individuals and the collective human community. Dr. Lipov stressed the challenges individuals face in seeking relief from their suffering and the necessity of addressing the root causes of trauma-related illnesses for long-term healing and recovery.

A Mission to Change Perceptions: From PTSD to PTSI: One of the most profound moments in our discussion was Dr. Lipov's mission to change the name of PTSD to post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). This change aims to reduce stigma and improve acceptance of the condition. He shared the process of submitting a request to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the importance of recognizing the biological changes in the brain associated with trauma.

The Mind-Body Connection and Advocacy: Dr. Lipov's insights into the mind-body connection, including the psychological effects of an adrenal tumor, underscored the importance of this relationship in trauma treatment. He encouraged listeners to participate in a letter-writing campaign to support the name change initiative, highlighting the significance of letters and social awareness in advocating for this cause.

Personal Experiences and the Inheritance of Trauma: Dr. Lipov opened up about his personal experiences with trauma, including a near-fatal snorkeling accident and the loss of his mother to suicide. These experiences have fueled his resilience and determination to assist others on their healing journey. He also touched on epigenetics and the inheritance of trauma, shedding light on the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

Connecting with Dr. Lipov and Supporting PTSD Awareness: For those looking to connect with Dr. Lipov and access trauma treatment at Stella, he provided information on how to engage with his work, including his book "The Invisible Machine" and an upcoming fundraiser for PTSD awareness. He also mentioned a song release related to PTSD, inviting listeners to explore various channels to learn more and support the campaign to eliminate stigma associated with trauma.

My Personal Reflections on Trauma and Advocacy: As a survivor of PTSD myself, I understand the importance of reducing the stigma associated with trauma. It's crucial to recognize the physiological response to trauma as an injury rather than a disorder. I encourage everyone to support themselves and others in seeking treatment and to advocate for the name change to post-traumatic stress injury.

In closing, this episode was more than just a conversation; it was a journey through the heart of trauma and the innovative approaches to healing. I hope you find it as enlightening as I did, and I invite you to join us in this ongoing dialogue to foster resilience and recovery.

Connect with Dr. Lipov: Dr. Lipov invites you to connect with him through his website and on social media. To learn more about Dr. Lipov’s work and to sign his petition to change the name of post-traumatic stress disorder visit: 

https://dreugenelipov.com/

https://stellacenter.com/eugene-lipov-md

https://www.instagram.com/dreugenelipov/

 

Here are some highlights of the episode to look forward to:

Genetic and Environmental Impact (00:00:00): Discussion on the impact of genetic and environmental factors in passing down trauma.

Introduction to Trauma Treatment (00:01:41): Introduction of Dr. Eugene Lipov, Chief Medical Officer at Stella, and discussion on trauma treatment.

Current Therapeutics for Trauma (00:02:53): Challenges with current therapeutic options for trauma and the need for more effective treatments.

Discovery of Stellate Ganglion Block Procedure (00:03:57): Dr. Lipov's discovery and research on the stellate ganglion block procedure for treating PTSD.

Potential Impact on Aging (00:06:04): Exploration of potential reversal of PTSD symptoms and its impact on aging and overall health.

Recognizing PTSD Symptoms (00:07:24): Discussion on recognizing and understanding the symptoms of PTSD in individuals.

Trauma Experience and Treatment (00:09:54): Personal trauma experience and the potential for treatment through the stellate ganglion block procedure.

Understanding Normality and Resilience (00:11:02): Discussion on the perception of normality and resilience in individuals affected by trauma.

Threshold for Trauma Categorization (00:13:30): Exploration of the threshold for categorizing experiences as traumatic and the impact of genetics and experiences on trauma.

Stellate Ganglion Block Procedure (00:19:32): Explanation of the stellate ganglion block procedure and the assessment process for treatment.

Aftercare and Longevity of Treatment (00:21:54): Importance of aftercare and the potential longevity of the stellate ganglion block treatment.

Changing the Name of PTSD (00:25:32): Dr. Lipov's mission to change the name of PTSD to post-traumatic stress injury, focusing on reducing stigma.

The Mind-Body Connection (00:31:53): Discussion on the mind-body connection, the impact of trauma on the body, and the significance of treating PTSD.

Experiences Shaping Trauma Treatment (00:34:35): Dr. Lipov's personal experiences, including a traumatic snorkeling incident and his mother's suicide, shaping his interest in trauma treatment.

Epigenetics and Trauma Inheritance (00:43:52): Exploration of epigenetics, genetic inheritance of trauma, and multigenerational transmission of trauma.

Connecting with Dr. Lipov (00:47:51): Information on how to connect with Dr. Lipov, access treatment at Stella Center, and support the campaign to eliminate trauma stigma.

The stigma of trauma (00:51:51): Addressing the stigma of trauma, changing the name of PTSD to PTS injury, and normalizing physiological responses to trauma.

Closing remarks and gratitude (00:53:17): Expressing gratitude to the audience, encouraging sharing of the episode, and signing off as the host.