Raul Valverde

Gamma states in the brain have been found to be linked to altered states of consciousness. These results are highly consistent with the EEG studies for Near Death Experiences (NDEs) that document 30- to 90-second bursts of gamma synchrony after cardiac arrest. Previous studies conducted in NDEs with the use of Gas Discharge Visualization technology (GDV), presented sudden increases of bioenergy at the time of death. This shows evidence of a link between Gamma states and the increase of bioenergy in NDEs. In this study, we propose the use of the Dual Function Theory of Neural Computation and Consciousness and the Conscious Electromagnetic Information Field Theory to explain the link between the biofield and electromagnetic field produced by the brain. According to the Dual Function Theory of Neural Computation and Consciousness, the brain doesn’t just compute with electrochemical signals but it also couples to broader field effects, creating a two-layered model of consciousness. The first layer is a standard neuron–synapse network and a slow layer that is field-sensitive system involving neuronal membranes, cytoskeletal elements, structured water, cerebrospinal fluid, and glial networks. This layer is proposed to resonate with electromagnetic fields generated by the brain itself. The brain’s own electromagnetic field acts like a biofield mediator, integrating and amplifying neural processes into conscious awareness. The conscious electromagnetic information (cemi) field theory explains that neuronal activity generates endogenous electromagnetic fields and these neurons produce currents and EM fields. These EM fields are not epiphenomenal but are causally efficacious and they can influence neural firing and serve as a medium for information integration. The brain thus can be seen both as a generator of EM fields and as a resonator / integrator of those fields including the biofield according to the cemi theory. The main objective of the proposed model is to explain how increases of bioenergy measured by GDV technology and increases in frequency in the brain can be used to support biofield theories.

Raul Valverde is a professor at Concordia University and the director of research at the Consciousness Research Foundation. He holds a Doctorate in Information Systems from the University of Southern Queensland, a Post MBA from McGill University, a MSc from the University of the West of England and a MEng in Electrical Engineering from Concordia University.

He also completed a PhD in Psychology (SEP Mexico; evaluated by CES, University of Toronto as equivalent to a Canadian doctorate) and postdoctoral studies in Psychology at Universidad de Flores (Argentina).

His current research explores how biophotonic signals correlate with cognitive states, integrating information systems methodologies, quantitative modelling and psychological theory with applications to organizational psychology and information security. He is a professional engineer with the Professional Engineers of Ontario, a Professional Counsellor with PACCP Canada, licensed Psychologist by DGP-SEP Mexico, and a registered Naturopath in Neurofeedback and Biofeedback technology with the Association of Professional Naturopaths of Quebec and a member of the Québec work & organizational psychology society.

He has presented this work at the Science of Consciousness conference and at IEEE Systems, Man & Cybernetics, International Conference on Quantum Information & Consciousness, AMCIS (Americas Conference on Information Systems) and International Conference on Neuroscience and Mental Health.