Spiritual retreats really do change brain chemistry, especially dopamine and serotonin production

( Natural News ) Social isolation, in the form of spiritual retreats, can boost mental health according to a study published in Religion, Brain & Behavior . Researchers determined that serotonin and dopamine production is greatly affected by religious and meditative retreats. Hailing from The Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University , the researchers assert that these practices evoke powerful, positive emotional feelings. These are caused by a surge of production in the feel-good hormones of dopamine and serotonin. Dr. Andrew Newberg, Director of Research at the Marcus Institute said, “Serotonin and dopamine are part of the reward and emotional systems of the brain. Our study showed significant changes in dopamine and serotonin transporters after the seven-day retreat, which could prime participants for the spiritual experiences that they reported. Hopefully, future studies can answer these questions.” A meditative approach to holistic wellbeing The study looked at 14 Christian participants aged 24 to 76. These participants attended a seven-day Ignatian retreat. This specific Jesuit practice focuses on exercises that promote reflection and spiritual growth . Post-retreat brain scans showed a dramatic decrease in dopamine (five to eight percent) and serotonin (six and a half percent) transporter bindings. A decrease in these bindings causes the brain to be flooded with these neurotransmitters. Think of the brain being soaked in feel-good hormones. Dopamine mediates cognition, movement, and emotion. Serotonin, on the other hand, regulates mood. Mother Nature’s micronutrient secret : Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg of high-density nutrition, including the extraordinary "sulforaphane" and "glucosinolate" nutrients found only in cruciferous healing foods. Every lot laboratory tested. See availability here. Participants reported feeling happier and healthier after morning mass and an afternoon of silent contemplation. Researchers saw a marked improvement in perceived physical health, fatigue, and tension. Feelings […]

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