---
title: "Meditation Retreats Linked to Psychedelic-Like Brain Activity in Study"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/meditation-retreat-psychedelic-brain-changes-study-d8tsm
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Science & Technology
published: 2026-08-13T04:45:19.667Z
modified: 2026-08-13T06:30:05.015Z
language: en-IN
---

# Meditation Retreats Linked to Psychedelic-Like Brain Activity in Study

A seven-day meditation retreat in San Diego was associated with significant changes in brain activity, resembling effects typically seen with psychedelic substances. Researchers observed a sharp decrease in the brain network responsible for self-referential thought.

## Key takeaways

- A week-long meditation retreat significantly reduced brain activity in the default mode network.
- Participants experienced brain states comparable to those induced by psilocybin, according to researchers.
- The study utilized fMRI scans to measure changes in brain connectivity after the retreat.
- No psychedelic substances were consumed by the study participants.

## What Happened

A seven-day residential program combining lectures, guided meditation, and group practices in San Diego led to noticeable changes in brain activity among participants. Researchers observed a significant reduction in the connectivity of the brain's default mode network, which is associated with internal self-commentary and rumination.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans taken before and after the retreat showed this sharp decrease in the default mode network's activity. The study, published in 2025 in Communications Biology, involved 20 adults who were selected from a larger group of retreat attendees.

## Why It Matters

The observed changes in brain activity were described by researchers as comparable to states typically induced by psilocybin, a psychedelic substance, but achieved without any drug consumption. This suggests that intensive meditation practices can profoundly alter brain function and potentially lead to profound psychological experiences, such as ego dissolution.

Biomedical researcher Hemal Patel from UC San Diego stated that the findings go beyond simple stress relief, indicating a fundamental change in how the brain engages with reality. However, the study's observational nature means it cannot definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

## Background

The retreat program included daily lectures on self-healing abilities, the mind's capacity to shape reality, and present-centeredness. Participants also engaged in guided meditation with conscious breathing techniques and group healing rituals. The study participants included both experienced meditators and novices.

The default mode network is known to be highly active during periods of rest or when individuals are not focused on external tasks, and it is often overactive in individuals who ruminate. Quieting this network has historically been difficult to achieve on demand.

## Key Facts

- A 2025 study in Communications Biology examined the effects of a seven-day meditation retreat.

- Twenty adults participated in the study, which took place in San Diego.

- Participants underwent fMRI scans before and after the retreat.

- The study observed a significant drop in the connectivity of the brain's default mode network.

- Post-retreat experiences were rated as comparable to states often achieved with psilocybin, without any drug use.

- The retreat involved lectures, guided meditation, and group healing rituals.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/meditation-retreat-psychedelic-brain-changes-study-d8tsm
Reported from: Multiple Sources