Scientists say 7 days of meditation can rewire your brain

Meditation and mind-body practices can rapidly produce brain and body changes that resemble psychedelic-linked states, according to UC San Diego researchers. In a 7-day residential program with 20 healthy adults, participants completed about 33 hours of guided meditation plus lectures and group healing activities. Using fMRI and blood tests before and after the retreat, researchers reported more efficient brain network activity, increased measures of neuroplasticity, shifts in metabolism, changes in immune signaling, and higher levels of endogenous pain-relief chemicals. Participants also completed the Mystical Experience Questionnaire, and stronger mystical-type experiences tracked with more pronounced connectivity changes. The brain activity patterns were reported as closely resembling those previously associated with psychedelic substances, suggesting non-drug practices may influence whole-body pathways relevant to stress resilience and chronic pain, though the findings need follow-up in clinical populations.