A Distinguished Career in Integrative Medicine
It was a distinct honor to interview Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a physician, neuroscientist, and integrative medicine researcher with UCLA whose work has significantly impacted psychiatry and brain health. With decades of experience, Dr. Lavretsky has conducted groundbreaking studies on aging, cognition, mental health, and the therapeutic benefits of mind-body practices such as Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, and meditation.
“These practices have neuroplastic effects, literally changing the brain, growing gray matter, and enhancing connectivity between different regions of the brain.” – Dr. Helen Lavretsky
Mind-Body Practices and Neuroplasticity
Dr. Lavretsky’s research focuses on neuropsychiatric disorders of aging, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. She also studies stress in dementia caregivers, using mind-body interventions to reduce stress and improve brain health.
One of the most remarkable findings from her studies is how Tai Chi and similar practices can positively influence mental health. “In studies with older adults experiencing depression, Tai Chi has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms, improve cognitive function, increase resilience to stress, and enhance brain connectivity,” she explained.
Currently, she is involved in a collaborative Tai Chi study examining its effects on arthritis-related pain, function, and depression. This project includes institutions such as Tuffs University, Boston University, UCLA, and the Cleveland Clinic, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern mind-body research.
Rewiring the Brain Through Movement
When asked about “rewiring the brain,” Dr. Lavretsky elaborated: “Movement, breathing, focus, and energy awareness train multiple parts of the brain that regulate executive function, stress response, and cognition. This leads to growth in gray matter and better connectivity, which translates to improved mental performance, quicker responses, and greater resilience to stress.”
Interestingly, even simplified Tai Chi routines of 20 movements, i.e. Tai Chi Chih, can produce these benefits. Older adults, especially beginners, may struggle with traditional sequences of over 100 movements. Dr. Lavretsky emphasized that “effortful learning stimulates the brain. Even abbreviated routines can enhance neuroplasticity and mental resilience.”
Soul Listening Meditation: Connecting to the Inner Self
Beyond Tai Chi, Dr. Lavretsky developed a meditation practice called “soul listening,” detailed in her upcoming book, Living from the Soul: The Neuroscience of Spiritual Awakening. This 15-minute meditation involves centering oneself, focusing on breathing, and connecting with one’s soul to seek intuitive guidance.
“Participants ask their soul questions, such as why they are experiencing illness or suffering, and intuitively receive answers that frame their experiences as opportunities for growth.” – Dr. Helen Lavretsky
The meditation is particularly helpful for those with chronic illness, memory loss, or caregiving responsibilities. Participants gain perspective, reduce suffering, and experience profound emotional impact, often shedding tears during the session as they feel the presence of their soul. Here is one short video that Dr. Lavretsky on meditation and soul https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMMpoOPHG7k.
Neurobiological Insights
Dr. Lavretsky’s research also explores the neurobiological basis of soul listening. A study comparing this meditation with transcendent experiences through art or nature videos showed significant brain activation during soul listening. “The brain responds strongly to these transcendent experiences, showing that connecting with the soul has measurable neural effects,” she noted.
The benefits extend beyond emotional resilience, offering relief from stress, loneliness, and the challenges of caregiving. “This is about understanding that there is more than the body and immediate suffering. It expands your perspective and gives you tools to cope with life’s challenges,” Dr. Lavretsky said.
Bridging Eastern and Western Approaches
A hallmark of Dr. Lavretsky’s work is bridging Eastern and Western approaches to mind-body health. She highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and methodological rigor in researching practices like Tai Chi and yoga. Standardization, careful measurement of outcomes, and cultural fluency are key to translating traditional practices into evidence-based interventions.
She also serves on the planning committee for the second Science of Tai Chi and Qigong for Whole Person Health Conference, hosted by the OSHA Center for Integrative Medicine and Harvard Medical School. The upcoming Boston event, April 30 – May 1, will focus on aging, brain health, and the growing evidence linking Tai Chi to improved cognitive and physical function.
The Future of Mind-Body Science
Looking ahead, Dr. Lavretsky is optimistic about research exploring the neuroscience of consciousness and its connection to mind-body practices. “We’re beginning to capture how consciousness itself can be transformed through these practices. Quantum physics and neuroscience may eventually converge in ways that help us understand and quantify these changes,” she explained.
Dr. Lavretsky’s work exemplifies a compassionate, integrated approach to human health. By combining rigorous scientific methods with practical interventions, she empowers individuals to navigate physical, mental, and emotional challenges, demonstrating that mind-body and spiritual practices can profoundly impact brain function, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
“We’re living in an exciting time where science can demonstrate the value of Tai Chi practices for health and brain health. The next frontier is understanding consciousness itself,” remarked by Dr. Helen Lavretsky
Resources for Practitioners and Readers
Dr. Lavretsky’s upcoming book, Living from the Soul, will include accompanying audio resources for meditation. Her website, https://drhelenlavretsky.com/, will provide access to these materials, offering readers practical tools to integrate mind-body and spiritual practices into their daily lives.
Dr. Lavretsky also authored several other books and won industry’s recognition. You can find her books here.
Dr. Helen Lavretsky’s pioneering research illustrates the power of combining scientific rigor with spiritual insight, offering a transformative approach to mental and physical health. Through Tai Chi, meditation, and soul listening, her work continues to reshape our understanding of the mind-body connection and its profound potential to enhance human well-being.