The SAM audio support technology is distinct from other audio-guidance technologies in that it is designed to support experiences in altered states of consciousness specifically using new, leading-edge understandings in neuroscience to optimize its effectiveness. There is no supposition by The Monroe Institute that SAM entrains or drives brainwave arousal as in the binaural-beat model. We do, however, think that some objective evidence for SAM’s effectiveness in facilitating enhanced states of awareness will be shown in ongoing studies of gamma synchrony as an electrophysiological correlate of conscious awareness. SAM induces altered states of consciousness that most likely would be evidenced through both alterations in one’s Next Page 3 TMI JOURNAL 2012 qualitative experience of reality (already noted in hundreds of experiences) and the objective measurement of changes in brainwave arousal due to the ERTAS mechanism’s regulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which appears to be influential in the quantum coherence of parallel arrayed neuronal microtubules (Woolf & Hameroff, 2001). One aspect of brain functioning somewhat beyond arousal states, attentional focus, and levels of awareness
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involves the cross-callosal connectivity of the hemispheric structure of the brain and the effect that interaction has on consciousness. SAM can actually enhance the effectiveness of the brain by enabling the user to either synchronize the arousal level of both hemispheres or calm down an overactive left or right hemisphere. The two cerebral hemispheres are like two separate information-processing modules. Both are complex cognitive systems; both process information independently and in parallel, and their interaction is neither arbitrary nor continuous (Zaidel, 1985). Because of this, states of consciousness can be defined not only in terms of brainwave arousal states, attentional focus, and levels of awareness, but also in terms of hemispheric specialization and/or interaction. Some desired states of consciousness may require facile inter-hemispheric integration, while others may call for a unique hemispheric processing style (Zaidel, 1986). An individual’s cognitive repertoire, and therefore his/her ability to perceive reality and deal with the everyday world, is subject to his/her ability to control these states of consciousness, including the mediation of inter-hemispheric processing. Hemispheric dominance in particular has an ultradian periodicity (Rossi, 1986). Individuals can, however, learn to control hemispheric dominance through the disciplines of biofeedback, yogic breathing, and others (Budzynski, 1986).
But SAM is the only method of precise control of hemispheric specialization and/or interaction and the associated brainwave arousal states, attentional focus, and levels of awareness. The result of such control is the maximizing of experiences in altered states of consciousness, or, put another way, the effective employment of appropriate states of consciousness to state-specific environments or situations. SAM arcs can be generated to facilitate inter-hemispheric integration (synchrony) or to specifically suppress left/ right hemispheric dominance. If a state of consciousness is desired that requires inter-hemispheric processing, then conventional symmetrical SAM arcs are used. A conventional SAM signal generates identical movement-arc stimuli in each hemisphere and will encourage the same arousal level in both hemispheres, establishing equivalent environments and maximizing inter-hemispheric neural communication. If a state of consciousness is desired that requires quieting a dominant hemisphere, then unconventional, special SAM arcs are used. An unconventional SAM signal is one in which the SAM movement-arc in one hemisphere is out of phase and/or frequency with the SAM arc presented to the other hemisphere. This calming down of a dominant hemisphere is possible, fortunately, by virtue of the physiology of the brain. The acoustic nerve fibers of each ear are