Scientific Research on Our Retreats
Join Our Research-Backed Psilocybin Retreat Studies
We contribute to scientific research at:
Bridging Science and Ceremony
Psychedelic science is evolving rapidly, but studying these experiences in a laboratory has limits. Ceremonial retreats offer researchers something distinct: the chance to study these experiences in the setting where they naturally occur, held in community, guided with care, and supported by preparation and integration.
That is why our retreats have served as a study site for university research. We have worked with university researchers for years; the three studies below are examples. Participants at Acsauhaya could voluntarily take part, contributing real- world data to the academic understanding of psychedelic experiences in legal retreat settings.
Three Studies Our Participants Contributed To
Data collection for these studies has been completed. We remain in close contact with the research teams, and our retreats are available for future study phases.
Live tracking of psychological changes
Live tracking of psychological changes
About This Study
* Data collection completed
This observational study explored how psilocybin truffles, experienced in a legal retreat setting, influence wellbeing, mindfulness, and meaning in life. Participants answered brief daily check-ins on their phone before, during, and after their retreat.
Contact Information
Lead researcher: Huseyin Beykoylu, PhD candidate, Leiden University.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Michiel van Elk.
Contact: retreatESM.study@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Brain Connectivity and Psychedelic Experience
Brain Connectivity and Psychedelic Experience
About This Study
* Data collection completed
This study examined how taking part in a legal psychedelic retreat may alter brain connectivity, and how those changes relate to shifts in personality, wellbeing, and emotional processing. Participants received fMRI brain scans at Leiden University before and after their retreat, followed by three online surveys.
Contact Information
Lead researcher: Xaver Funk, PhD candidate, Leiden University.
Contact: retreat.study@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
The Psychedelic Ceremony Survey
The Psychedelic Ceremony Survey
About This Study
* Data collection completed
This survey study explored how guided psychedelic experiences in retreat settings influence emotional wellbeing, mindset, and personal growth. Participants completed three online surveys: before their retreat, one day after, and four weeks after.
Contact Information
Lead researcher: Sian Lavis, PhD candidate, University of Exeter.
Senior researcher: Dr Leor Roseman, University of Exeter, within a research collaboration with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London.
Contact: integration.study@exeter.ac.uk
Three Studies Our Participants Contributed To
Data collection for these studies has been completed. We remain in close contact with the research teams, and our retreats are available for future study phases.
What Happens Next
Our retreats remain available as a study site for future research phases, and we welcome inquiries from academic researchers.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Whether you’re ready to apply or still exploring, we’re here to support your next step.