The interaction between serotonin and mood is proposed to be bi-directional. If you can self-induce change in your mood, you can influence serotonin synthesis and vice versa. Higher overall levels of serotonin have been measured in long term meditators (Newberg, A., Iverson, J., 2003; Bujatti, 1976), with increased serotonin levels found during after meditation practice as well (Walton, et al, 1995; Newberg, A., Iverson, J., 2003; Solberg et al., 2000a, 2004b).
The most exciting fact about serotonin is that it influences the flow of visual associations and internally generated imagery during meditation, acting as a neuromodulator in the temporal lobes. This may give rise to the most extraordinary visual experiences in meditation. Buddhist literature abounds with detailed references to experiences of luminosity and ‘seeing the light’, with anecdotal reports of meditation-induced light phenomena discovered across Buddhist traditions, in historical and textual accounts and also among accounts from contemporary practitioners (Lindahl, Jared R et al.2014).
Rising serotonin levels through meditation can also influence the dopaminergic system, and the link between both the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems may increase the euphoria often experienced during meditation states. The lateral hypothalamus is also stimulated by the activation of the autonomic nervous system in meditation, a part of the brain known to give rise to ecstatic states whilst boosting serotonin.
Read further on ways to naturally boost serotonin on the Biyome blog, noting that 90 per cent of our serotonin is produced in the gut and is out gut microbes that are responsible for modulating serotonin levels.
Sun dancing,
Celia Roberts
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