Tobias Moeller-Bertram
This study will be focused on assessing the molecular, physiological, and emotional correlates of an intensive meditation experience in the context of a retreat setting in a large 2000 plus-person cohort comprised of healthy and clinical populations.
Meditation and other mind-body interventions (MBIs) have been shown to have a range of health benefits, including an improved stress response, a reduction in inflammatory processes, and an enhanced innate immune response. While several studies on MBIs have been carried out to assess metabolomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, or physiological outcomes, comprehensive studies including all of these components have not been reported. In addition, most studies have been small, comprised of less than 100 research subjects. One particular area of meditation research that remains largely unexplored is…
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Must be at 21 years of age or older 2. Must speak English 3. Must be a registered attendee of the advanced 7-Day meditation retreat 4. Must be willing to wear a Garmin device for the entire retreat 5. Must complete the research consent to participate in the study 6. Must be willing to complete self-report surveys for physical and emotional well-being Exclusion Criteria: 1. Younger than 21 years of age 2. Non-English speaking 3. Not a registered attendee of the advanced 7-Day meditation retreat 4. Not willing to wear a Garmin device for the entire meditation retreat 5.…
The study intervention is a multi-component advanced guided meditation practice that incorporates elements of focused attention, non-dual, and loving kindness and compassion meditation techniques as well as breathwork components. The practice includes sitting, lying down, standing, and walking components and is carried out at 7-day advanced meditation retreats lead by Joe Dispenza, D.C. These retreats include lecture-based instruction and up to 35 hours of meditation practice.