Hemal H. Patel, PhD
Professor & Vice-Chair for Development and Advancement
Director, UCSD Cardiac/Neuro Protection Laboratories
VA Research Career Scientist, VA San Diego Healthcare System
Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego
Biomedical Sciences Building, Mail Code 0629, 9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0629 e-mail: hepatel@ucsd.edu
“Neural and molecular changes during a mind-body reconceptualization, meditation, and open label placebo healing intervention.” Commun Biol 8, 1525 (2025).
(Interview transcript summary generated by Otter.AI edited my Kirk Hamilton PA)
Study Overview…
Dr. Hemal Patel discussed a study on the effects of a week-long meditation program, involving 20 participants who underwent fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), EEGs, brain wave and blood tests. The program included 30 hours of meditation, 20 hours of lectures, and 5 hours of “coherence healings.” Results showed increased glucose metabolism, neurite growth, and inflammation regulation. Blood tests revealed elevated BDNF and opioids, suggesting neuron growth and pain relief respectively. The study also noted changes in tryptophan metabolism, indicating potential effects on serotonin, melatonin and their metabolite levels which can have drug-like effects. Future studies will explore these findings in larger, more diverse populations, including those with chronic diseases and aging populations (70+).
Post-Study Possible Action Items…
Explore the impact of meditation on tryptophan metabolism by imaging tryptophan levels in the brain during fMRI.
Conduct a second fMRI study on a larger group of older adults (70+) and include location-specific controls.
Design experiments using model systems like plants, C. elegans, and Drosophila (two invertebrate model organisms widely used in biological research, especially in developmental genetics and neuroscience) to test the impact of “frequency and energy” on living systems without human intention.
Key Points
Study Overview and Methodology…
Data was taken from a population of 20 subjects from the larger “Imagine” study conducted during a week-long event in San Diego in 2022. The study involved fMRI on 20 participants to measure neural and molecular changes during the lecture and meditation program. Dr. Patel describes the study’s design, including the control for variables and the limitations of not having vacationing controls.
Study Design and Participant Selection…
The study was conducted as an observational pilot study with 20 participants, selected from a pool of 561 who provided biological samples. The study aimed to control for variables by collecting baseline samples before the event and measuring changes at the end of the week.
Functional MRI and EEG…
Dr. Patel discusses the novelty of using functional MRI (fMRI) in meditation studies, which provides deeper insights into brain functionality and structure. The fMRI allows for the imaging of brain networks and connections, unlike EEG, which only provides surface-level electrical activity. The study’s location in San Diego, California enabled the use of the UCSD campus facilities for fMRI, which was a significant advantage. Dr. Patel mentions plans for a second fMRI study, focusing on the aging brain and recruiting location-specific controls.
Reconceptualization and Coherence Healing…
Dr. Patel explains that reconceptualization involves lectures that challenge participants’ thinking and prior assumptions and beliefs. Coherence healing is a form of non-touch healing from a group (usually 6-8 individuals - “healers” sitting around an individual “healee” laying on the floor) during a meditation the occurs each of the last three days of the week-long intensive.
Blood Work and Brainwave Testing…
The study included extensive blood work and brainwave testing. Patel highlights the importance of fMRI and blood data in understanding the brain and the body’s responses to meditation. The study found beneficial effects on blood sugar metabolism, with participants shifting from mitochondrial to enhanced glycolytic energy utilization. Dr. Patel discusses the increase in glucose metabolism and its implications for high-level mental processing during meditation.
Neurite Growth and BDNF…
The study observed neurite growth in experienced meditators, with specific brain regions showing increased volume. Dr. Patel explains the use of PC 12 cells to test the growth-promoting factors in meditators’ plasma. The study found that post-event plasma accelerated neurite growth, suggesting pathways that support neuronal growth. Proteomic analysis confirmed the increase in pathway proteins linked to neuronal growth, supporting the biological findings.
Inflammation and Anti-Inflammation…
The study showed simultaneous activation of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways, indicating a complex form of inflammatory regulation. Dr. Patel explains the role of inflammation in tissue repair and the dynamic balance needed for healing.
Opioid Production and Pain Reduction…
The study found increased endorphin and dynorphin levels, suggesting a pain-relieving effect of meditation. Proteomic data supported the increase in pathways for endogenous opioid production, reinforcing the biological basis for pain mitigation.
Tryptophan Metabolism and Future Studies…
The study used metabolomics to examine tryptophan metabolism, a key pathway to serotonin, melatonin and DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. DMT’s effects on humans include vivid hallucinations and altered sensory perception). Dr. Patel discussed the potential for imaging tryptophan in the brain during future fMRI studies. Future studies will explore the consequences of different diets and metabolic states on meditation outcomes.
Clinical Relevance and Broader Implications…
Dr. Patel emphasizes the importance of studying larger populations to understand the impact of meditation on health and disease. This study’s findings suggest that meditation can create a unique endogenous pharmacology, with potential applications in healthcare. Dr. Patel discusses the potential for comparing different forms of meditation and their effects on the body.
Quantum Physics and Placebo Effect…
Kirk Hamilton asks about the relationship between the study’s findings and the concept of thoughts and emotions as energy and frequency. Dr. Patel acknowledges the complexity of this concept and mentions his thoughts on ongoing experiments to test it. Dr. Patel expresses cautious optimism about the potential for these experiments to provide new insights into the effects of meditation. Kirk Hamilton closes the interview by questioning if there really is a true placebo because thoughts and emotions are energy and frequency and they have the potential to create matter and “real life"experiences.
Highlights…
AUTISM - CDC Retracts 30-Year Falsehood “Vaccines Don’t Cause Autism” Weeks After the McCullough Foundation’s Landmark Autism Report. Dr. Peter McCullough, John Leake, and Nic Hulscher Hold Press Conference on the Historic Reversal. Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, Focal Points (Courageous Discourse) Nov 20, 2025.
1) Autism and Vaccines, CDC, Nov. 19, 2025.
2) McCullough Foundation Report: Determinants of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
COVID VACCINATION - CANCER - Study of 8 Million Confirms Deadly Cancers Surging Among Covid-Vaxxed, William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 26, 2025.
1) 1-year risks of cancers associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a large population-based cohort study in South Korea. “…Data from 8,407,849 individuals between 2021 and 2023 were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance database…The HRs of thyroid (HR, 1.351; 95% CI, 1.206–1.514), gastric (HR, 1.335; 95% CI, 1.130–1.576), colorectal (HR, 1.283; 95% CI, 1.122–1.468), lung (HR, 1.533; 95% CI, 1.254–1.874), breast (HR, 1.197; 95% CI, 1.069–1.340), and prostate (HR, 1.687; 95% CI, 1.348–2.111) cancers significantly increased at 1 year post-vaccination…cDNA vaccines were associated with the increased risks of thyroid, gastric, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers; mRNA vaccines were linked to the increased risks of thyroid, colorectal, lung, and breast cancers; and heterologous vaccination was related to the increased risks of thyroid and breast cancers…”
COVID VACCINATION - MICROCLOTS - NATTOKINASE - Nattokinase Experimentally Eliminates 84% of Amyloid Microclots — a Pathology Recently Found in 100% of COVID-19 Vaccinated Individuals Tested. Epidemiologist Nicolas Hulscher on The Daily Pulse with Maria Zeee. Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, Focal Points, Nov 25, 2025.
1) Circulating Microclots Are Structurally Associated With Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Their Amounts Are Elevated in Long COVID Patients.
2) Automated, Microscopic Measurement of Fibrinaloid Microclots and Their Degradation by Nattokinase, the Main Natto Protease.
3) Anomalous Amyloid Microclots Found in 100% of the COVID-19 Vaccinated. In a cohort that was 94% vaccinated, every participant had amyloid microclots —the same pathology behind the large white fibrous clots now being pulled from corpses worldwide. Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, Focal Points (Courageous Discourse), Nov 17, 2025.
Nutrition, Prevention and Integrative Medicine…
AUTISM - CDC Backed by McCullough Foundation Report: Determinants of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Opposition calling for justification pointed to comprehensive, conclusive manuscript. Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH, Focal Points (Courageous Discourse), Nov 26, 2025.
1) McCullough Foundation Report: Determinants of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE - COVID VACCINES - COVID-19 “Vaccines” Linked to Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Graves’ Disease, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, A scoping review of 109 studies finds 56% of papers suggest a causal link between COVID-19 vaccination and six major autoimmune diseases. Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, Covid Intel, Nov 24, 2025.
1) COVID-19 vaccines and autoimmune disorders: A scoping review.
CLOTS - NATTOKINASE - Study Finds Nattokinase Dissolves 84% of Amyloid Microclots Within 2 Hours In Vitro. A natural enzyme potently degrades the same amyloid microclots recently found in 100% of COVID-19 vaccinated individuals tested. Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, Focal Points (Courageous Discourse) Nov 22, 2025.
1) Circulating Microclots Are Structurally Associated With Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Their Amounts Are Elevated in Long COVID Patients.
2) Automated, Microscopic Measurement of Fibrinaloid Microclots and Their Degradation by Nattokinase, the Main Natto Protease.”…We also here show that recombinant nattokinase is effective at degrading the fibrinaloid microclots in vitro…Overall, this work adds to the otherwise largely anecdotal evidence, that we review, that nattokinase might be anticipated to have value as part of therapeutic treatments for individuals with Long COVID and related disorders that involve fibrinaloid microclots…”
3) Clinical Approach to Post-acute Sequelae After COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination.
4) Low-intensity ultrasound lysis of amyloid microclots in a lab-on-chip model.”…Amyloid fibrin(ogen) microclots are misfolded protein aggregates with β-sheet structures that have been associated with Long COVID and numerous thrombo-inflammatory diseases…Low-frequency ultrasound at 150 kHz resulted in a significant clot lysis with up to three-fold reduction in both clot size and the number of large clots. The addition of microbubbles enhanced clot lysis at 150, 300, and 500 kHz... The combination of ultrasound with microbubbles and rtPA further improved clot fragmentation, rendering it a potential therapeutic tool for conditions like Long COVID…”
LONGEVITY - SPIKE PROTEIN - COVID VACCINE - Why the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein May Reduce Human Longevity. Vaccine enthusiasts may not live to be super-agers. Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH, Focal Points (Courageous Discourse), Nov 25, 2025.
1) A potential association between COVID-19 vaccination and development of Alzheimer’s disease.
2) Annual All-Cause Mortality Rate in Germany and Japan (2005 to 2022) With Focus on The Covid-19 Pandemic: Hypotheses And Trend Analyses.
3) Clinical Approach to Post-acute Sequelae After COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination.
MAGNESIUM - RESTLESS LEGS - SLEEP - These Are 5 Sleep Conditions That Magnesium Actually Improves. By Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN, MindBodyGreen, November 22, 2025.
1) The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. “…Supplementation of magnesium appears to improve subjective measures of insomnia such as ISI score, sleep efficiency, sleep time and sleep onset latency, early morning awakening…”
2) Effects of Dietary Supplementation in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 18;16(14):2315. “…Overall, this review suggests that dietary supplements may be a promising approach to managing RLS…”
MICROCLOTS - NATTOKINASE - AMYLOID - Nattokinase Experimentally Eliminates 84% of Amyloid Microclots — a Pathology Recently Found in 100% of COVID-19 Vaccinated Individuals Tested. Epidemiologist Nicolas Hulscher on The Daily Pulse with Maria Zeee Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, Nov 25, 2025.
TRANSGENDER SURGERY - CANADA - Alberta child mutilating doctors give middle finger to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith: “we continue to butcher kids with no age limit”. William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 25, 2025.
Cancer…
ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA (AML) - IVERMECTIN and MEBENDAZOLE - 81 year old Pennsylvania woman with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) achieves remission after 3 months! William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 20, 2025.
BREAST CANCER - IVERMECTIN and MEBENDAZOLE - 61 year old Ontario woman with Stage 4 Breast Cancer Triple Negative metastatic to Brain reports after 5 months - all tumors are shrinking! William Makis, MD, Nov 25, 2025.
CANCER - IVERMECTIN - FENBENDAZOLE - Ivermectin and Mebendazole Show Promise as Repurposed Drugs, The Wellness Company, November 24, 2025.
CANCER - NATURAL COMPOUNDS - Over 1,100 Studies Reveal 12 Natural Compounds With Potent Anti-Cancer Effects Across All Major Tumor Pathways. Landmark analysis identifies 12 natural compounds with broad anti-cancer activity, consistently targeting core pathways such as cell death, immune evasion, metabolic dysfunction, and metastasis. Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, Focal Points (Courageous Discourse), Nov 25, 2025.
1) Natural anti-cancer products: insights from herbal medicine. Chin Med. 2025 Jun 9;20(1):82. “…Many natural products exhibit synergy with first-line chemotherapies or targeted therapies, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects… Compounds such as apigenin, artemisinin, berberine, and curcumin, among others, have demonstrated significant immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic effects, both in vitro and in vivo…”
COLORECTAL CANCER - IVERMECTIN and MEBENDAZOLE - 57 year old FLORIDA man with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer metastatic to the liver was told it was inoperable and incurable - 10 months later he is CANCER FREE! William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 27, 2025.
ENDOMEDTRIAL CANCER - IVERMECTIN and FENBENDAZOLE - 68 year old Ontario woman with Stage 3 Endometrial Cancer awaits surgery for 2 months...the surgeon was shocked. William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 26, 2025.
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER - IVERMECTIN and FENBENDAZOLE - 65 year old woman in WALES, UK with Stage 4 Endometrial CarcinoSarcoma reports after 3 months. William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 27, 2025.
GLIOBLASTOMA - IVERMECTIN and MEBENDAZOLE - 55 year old New Jersey woman who developed GLIOBLASTOMA after 2 Pfizer Vaccines reports after 3 months - 46% tumor shrinkage!! William Makis, Covid Intel, Nov 24, 2025.
MELANOMA - IVERMECTIN and FENBENDAZOLE - 81 year old woman living in Shanghai, CHINA with Stage 4 Melanoma, reports after 3 months! Most cancer is gone. William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 25, 2025.
MULTIPLE MYELOMA -VERMECTIN and MEBENDAZOLE - 60 year old Chicago, Illinois woman with Multiple Myeloma reports after 1 year! William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 20, 2025.
PROSTATE CANCER - VERMECTIN and FENBENDAZOLE - 69 year old man diagnosed with Inoperable Prostate Cancer reports after 1.5 years (18 months) - no conventional therapy and cancer is gone. William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 21, 2025.
PROSTATE CANCER - IVERMECTIN and FENBENDAZOLE - 68 year old Texas man with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer metastatic to lungs and bones reports after 12 months!! William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 27, 2025.
VITAMIN D - CANCER - Vitamin D’s Renewed Promise in the Fight Against Cancer. Adequate vitamin D is linked to reduced cancer incidence and more effective treatment. William F. Supple, Jr., Ph. D. StarPower: All Things Vitamin D, Nov 20, 2025.
Covid Syndrome…
COVID VACCINATION - POPULATION IMPLOSION - Germany Issues Red Alert: mRNA ‘Vaccines’ Triggered Global Population Implosion. William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 21, 2025.
Societal and World Health…
CANADA - BIRTH RATE - NEWS: Canada’s Birth Rate Plunges to Lowest Level in History. William Makis, MD, Covid Intel, Nov 22, 2025.
For the Complete Issue of this Substack Post Click Here
Practice, Persistence and Patience - My Favorite. The first story of transformation that “jumped out” at me before my cancer and then the first one “sent” to me after my cancer diagnosis. A physician cures herself of a rare, life threatening sarcoma after chemo, radiation and alternative therapies had been tried.
”Source” the Documentary - The Science behind the practice. Highly recommended.
Proof - Stories of Transformation (listen to a few stories of transformation from serious health problems)
Research: The Science Behind Mind/Body Healing and Meditation
Dr. Joe Dispenza’s Book: Becoming Supernatural
Falun Dafa – Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance
Brief Introduction to Falun Dafa
Books & Recent Writings of Mr. Li Hongzhi
Video & Audio Materials
Take an Online Class
Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Health Associates Medical Group
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