Researchers at The Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have shown there are changes in the dopamine and serotonin systems in the brains of people who take part in spiritual, meditative and religious retreats.

The researchers conducted a study that included 14 Christian participants, age 24 to 76, who attended a seven-day Ignatian retreat, spending much of their day in silent contemplation, prayer and reflection.

Post-retreat scans revealed decreases of between 5 and 8 per cent in dopamine transporter, and 6.5 per cent in serotonin transporter binding, which could make more of the neurotransmitters – which are associated with positive emotions – available to the brain.

Dopamine is responsible for mediating cognition, emotion and movement, while serotonin is involved in emotional regulation and mood. Study subjects also completed a number of post-retreat surveys, which showed marked improvements in their perceived physical health, tension and fatigue.

“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, MD and director of research in 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.”

The results from the study were published in the journal Religion, Brain & Behavior.

The study has interesting implications for the spa industry, where many destination locations offer regular seven-day retreats that can include things like silent meditation and other spiritual elements. While this study focused specifically on a Christian religious retreat, there may be similar changes that occur at spa retreats – though more studies are needed.

“In some ways, our study raises more questions than it answers,” said Dr Newberg. “Our team is curious about which aspects of the retreat caused the changes in the neurotransmitter systems, and if different retreats would produce different results. Hopefully, future studies can answer these questions."