Spiritual retreats actually work, scientists say - you can measure the results in people’s brains

‘Spiritual retreats’ are becoming part of the fabric of everyday life – but more scientifically minded people might dismiss the idea as hippy hocus-pocus.

But a new study has found that ‘retreats’ cause measurable changes in the brains of repeat participants – particularly in the brain’s pleasure centres.

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found rises in serotonin and dopamine transporters in volunteers after a seven-day retreat.

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‘Since serotonin and dopamine are part of the reward and emotional systems of the brain, it helps us understand why these practices result in powerful, positive emotional experiences,’ said Andrew Newberg, of the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health.

‘Our study showed significant changes in dopamine and serotonin transporters after the seven-day retreat, which could help prime participants for the spiritual experiences that they reported.’

Researchers followed 14 Christian volunteers on a seven-day Ignatian retreat.

Following a morning mass, participants spent most of the day in silent contemplation, prayer and reflection.

After returning, study subjects also completed a number of surveys which showed marked improvements in their perceived physical.