Alteration of consciousness via diverse photo-acoustic stimulatory patterns. Phenomenology and effect on salivary flow rate, alpha-amylase and total protein levels

•Photo-acoustic stimulation is used to induce altered states of consciousness.•Photo-acoustic stimulation also leads to changes in the composition of saliva.•There are cumulative and pattern specific effects of photo-acoustic stimulation.•Values of cumulative or pattern specific effects are relatively small in this study.•The use of other stimulatory parameters may lead to more pronounced effects.