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Field Model of Consciousness: Eeg Coherence Changes as Indicators of Field Effects

Abstract

Changes in EEG coherence patterns were used to test a field model that posits a common field of “pure consciousness” linking all individuals. In ten trials, EEG was concurrently measured from pairs of subjects, one practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) and the TM-Sidhi technique of “Yogic Flying” (YFg) — said to enliven the proposed field of consciousness — and the other performing a computer task. Box-Jenkins ARIMA transfer function analysis indicated that coherence changes in the YF's 5.7-8.5 Hz band, the band sensitive to TM and YFg, consistently led coherence changes in the other subject's 4.7-42.7 Hz band. A clear relationship was seen among subjective reports, coherence patterns, and strength of intervention effects. These data support a field model of consciousness. Alternate explanations are explored.

Synchronous Firing and Its Influence on the Brain's Electromagnetic Field

Abstract

The human brain consists of approximately 100 billion electrically active neurones that generate an endogenous electromagnetic (em) field, whose role in neuronal computing has not been fully examined. The source, magnitude and likely influence of the brain's endogenous em field are here considered. An estimate of the strength and magnitude of the brain's em field is gained from theoretical considerations, brain scanning and microelectrode data. An estimate of the likely influence of the brain's em field is gained from theoretical principles and considerations of the experimental effects of external em fields on neurone firing both in vitro and in vivo. Synchronous firing of distributed neurones phase-locks induced em field fluctuations to increase their magnitude and influence. Synchronous firing has previously been demonstrated to correlate with awareness and perception, indicating that perturbations to the brain's em field also correlate with awareness. The brain's em field represents an integrated electromagnetic field representation of distributed neuronal information and has dynamics that closely map to those expected for a correlate of consciousness. I propose that the brain's em information field is the physical substrate of conscious awareness - the cemi field - and make a number of predictions that follow from this proposal. Experimental evidence pertinent to these predictions is examined and shown to be entirely consistent with the cemi field theory. This theory provides solutions to many of the intractable problems of consciousness - such as the binding problem - and provides new insights into the role of consciousness, the meaning of free will and the nature of qualia. It thus places consciousness within a secure physical framework and provides a route towards constructing an artificial consciousness.

EEG Frequency Ranges and Descriptions

• Delta: has a frequency of 3 Hz or below. It tends to be the highest in amplitude and the slowest waves. It is normal as the dominant rhythm in infants up to one year and in stages 3 and 4 of sleep. It may occur focally with subcortical lesions and in general distribution with diffuse lesions, metabolic encephalopathy hydrocephalus or deep midline lesions. It is usually most prominent frontally in adults (e.g. FIRDA - Frontal Intermittent Rhythmic Delta) and posteriorly in children e.g. OIRDA - Occipital Intermittent Rhythmic Delta).
• Theta: has a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz and is classified as "slow" activity. It is perfectly normal in children up to 13 years and in sleep but abnormal in awake adults. It can be seen as a manifestation of focal subcortical lesions; it can also be seen in generalized distribution in diffuse disorders such as metabolic encephalopathy or some instances of hydrocephalus.
• Alpha: has a frequency between 7.5 and 13 Hz. Is usually best seen in the posterior regions of the head on each side, being higher in amplitude on the dominant side. It appears when closing the eyes and relaxing, and disappears when opening the eyes or alerting by any mechanism (thinking, calculating). It is the major rhythm seen in normal relaxed adults. It is present during most of life especially after the thirteenth year.
• Beta: beta activity is "fast" activity. It has a frequency of 14 and greater Hz. It is usually seen on both sides in symmetrical distribution and is most evident frontally. It is accentuated by sedative-hypnotic drugs especially the benzodiazepines and the barbiturates. It may be absent or reduced in areas of cortical damage. It is generally regarded as a normal rhythm. It is the dominant rhythm in patients who are alert or anxious or have their eyes open.

What is the Frequency Range of Transcendental Meditators and Yogic Flyers?

5.7-8.5 Hz band

Theta is 3.5 to 7.5 Hz, this can be achieved through daydreaming.

Alpha is 7.5 to 13 Hz, this can be achieved through closing your eyes and relaxing

How do you cause coherence changes?

"synchronous neuronal firing, which generates coherent EM fields, was a strong correlate of attention, awareness, and consciousness. "

"The level of spatial coherence of EEG patterns — which

is a reflection of the coherence of the underlying endoge- nous em fields"

"Synchronous firing of distributed neurones phase-locks induced em field fluctuations to increase their magnitude and influence. Synchronous firing has previously been demonstrated to correlate with awareness and perception, indicating that perturbations to the brain's em field also correlate with awareness. The brain's em field represents an integrated electromagnetic field representation of distributed neuronal information and has dynamics that closely map to those expected for a correlate of consciousness."

Awareness and perception are correlates of synchronous neuronal firing, which generates coherent EM fields, which is a reflection of spatial coherence of EEG patterns.