The Resilient Mind Trauma Can Change Your Genes — And It Can Be Reversed - Dr. Lipov
Mar 25, 2026
Dr. Eugene Lipov, a pain physician who pioneered the clinical use of the Stellate Ganglion Block and studies epigenetics. He shares the story behind the “God Shot,” explains how trauma can alter genes and be biologically treated, contrasts post-traumatic stress and growth, and outlines how SGB, lifestyle and therapy can reset the nervous system and support resilience.
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How Lipov Found The Godshot
- Eugene Lipov discovered stellate ganglion block (SGB) by treating a woman’s facial flushing and then applied it to a PTSD patient with dramatic immediate improvement.
- He traced SGB history to thoracic nerve clipping and a 1954 book, then published his findings in 2008 after early clinical successes.
Trauma Is Biological Not Just Psychological
- Lipov frames psychological trauma as a biological condition visible on functional scans and linked to amygdala overactivation and elevated norepinephrine.
- He argues renaming PTSD to PTSI would reduce stigma and emphasize treatability, citing a 3,000-person survey he ran.
Why The Same Trauma Produces Different Outcomes
- Post-traumatic growth (hermesis) versus PTSI outcome depends on genetics, sensitivity, and neurochemical traits like neuropeptide Y.
- Lipov notes identical traumas produce different results: some grow stronger, some develop chronic symptoms tied to genetic vulnerability.
