A single week of intensive meditation and mind-body practices led to measurable changes across the brain and body. Researchers observed improved brain efficiency, boosted immune signaling, and increased natural pain relief chemicals in participants’ blood. The effects even promoted neuron growth and stronger brain connectivity. Surprisingly, the experience mirrored psychedelic-like brain states—without any drugs involved.
Funny. The very paper itself is proposing that belief isn’t needed, because we have measurables. Or you can look at the real-world, impressive work of Mark Epstein, who does a great job coming at meditation (and Buddhism) from both an insider and an outsider’s perspective. (he’s a trained and licensed psychiatrist)
So maybe it’s really more of an anti-belief thing here?