Dhru Purohit Show

What If Trauma Isn’t Just Mental—But Physical? Expert Presents A Controversial Treatment That Could Change The Way We Heal From PTSD, Severe Anxiety and Depression, Sexual Abuse, and More with Dr. Eugene Lipov

9 snips
Apr 22, 2026
Dr. Eugene Lipov, an anesthesiologist and pain physician who pioneered the stellate ganglion block, discusses viewing trauma as a physical injury to the nervous system. He explores how trauma rewires nerves, the surprising discovery behind the so-called God Shot, who might benefit, links to chronic illness and aging, and the debates and research shaping this controversial treatment.
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INSIGHT

Trauma As A Physical Nervous System Injury

  • Trauma can be a physical injury to the nervous system, not just a psychological disorder.
  • Dr. Eugene Lipov explains trauma causes NGF-driven sprouting in the stellate ganglion that raises norepinephrine and chronically activates the amygdala.
ANECDOTE

Hot Flash Case Sparked The PTSD Application

  • The discovery started with a menopausal woman treated for hot flashes who regained normal sleep after an SGB.
  • That single unexpected result led Lipov to explore stellate ganglion block for anxiety and PTSD patients.
INSIGHT

SGB Works By Rebooting Sympathetic Overdrive

  • SGB appears to rapidly drop brain norepinephrine and reduce NGF, allowing pruning of excess sympathetic sprouting.
  • Lipov describes the block as an eight-hour 'reset' that can trigger durable pruning and symptom relief.
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