Synchronization and Coherence as an Organizing Principle in the Organism, Social Interaction, and Consciousness

The hypothesis that the synchronization and coherence of body systems and of the body’s electromagnetic fields may be an important organizing principle in the organism is presented. A summary of early insights on synchronization and coherence in the organism is followed by the presentation of recent findings in neurobiology and other disciplines on synchronization within and between physiological systems and on interpersonal synchronization and coherence in social psychology and social neurobiology. This leads to the consideration of the role of synchronization and coherence in the overall integration of physiological systems, in body-mind integration, and in a field model of consciousness. Finally, the possible importance of synchronization and coherence for the optimal functioning of the organism and for health is discussed, and the possible biophysical relevance of Antonovsky’s concept of a “sense of coherence” as a state of complete integration of all systems of body and mind, of holistic and optimal functioning, and optimal regulatory capability corresponding to a coherent integrated state of the physiological systems, the body’s electromagnetic fields, and consciousness, which is known in various cultural traditions of the world.