Our research partners at UC San Diego have just announced revolutionary findings that challenge conventional understanding of human biology with the publication of their paper titled “Neural and Molecular Changes During a Mind-Body Reconceptualization, Meditation, and Open Label Placebo Healing Intervention” in the scientific journal Communications Biology.

Neural and Molecular Changes During a Mind-Body Reconceptualization, Meditation, and Open Label Placebo Healing Intervention

The landmark study demonstrates how intensive meditation can trigger the same profound brain activity previously documented only with psychedelic substances – while simultaneously activating measurable biological transformations throughout the entire body.

The published findings suggest that in just seven days, without any pharmaceutical intervention, Dr Joe’s Week Long Retreat participants achieved what researchers are calling a “biological reset.” Findings include:

• Heightened brain activity: Meditation produced neural patterns similar to those seen with psychedelics; dramatically quieting the brain’s “default mode network” (responsible for self-focused thinking) and inducing states associated with mystical experiences.
• Neuroplasticity activation: Blood plasma collected at the end of the seven-day retreat boosted neuronal growth in lab settings, showing massive increases in neuroplasticity factors such as BDNF – a protein that supports brain rewiring and personal transformation.
• Natural pain relief: Meditation elevated levels of endogenous opioids (the body’s natural painkillers), indicating activation of internal pain-management systems and overall physiological harmony.
• Molecular and epigenetic programming: Molecular analyses revealed changes in gene expression and epigenetic markers that may enhance stress resilience and long-term biological adaptation.
• Boosted immunity: Meditation increased both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune signals, suggesting a sophisticated healing effect that supports cellular balance and repair.