Do you ever get a tingling feeling down your spine when you hear certain sounds? If so, you’ve experienced ASMR – or autonomous sensory meridian response. This mysterious sensation has been gaining popularity in recent years, but what exactly?
In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and history of ASMR and discuss some potential benefits of this phenomenon.
What is ASMR?
The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a physical sensation characterized by a tingling feeling in the scalp, neck, and spine.
This sensation is often triggered by certain sounds or visual stimuli, such as someone whispering or crinkling paper. Some people also find that certain tasks like hair brushing or massages can trigger ASMR.
How does ASMR work?
ASMR videos often contain soft, gentle sounds that trigger a relaxing response. Some of the common ASMR triggers include:
- Whispering: This is one of the most common ASMR triggers. Soft, gentle whispering can be very calming and relaxing.
- Brushing: The sound of someone brushing their hair or lightly running their fingers through fabric can also be very calming.
- Crinkling: The sound of crinkling paper or plastic can also be soothing for some people.
- Tapping: The sound of light tapping can also be very relaxing.
- Blow or exhale: Some people find the sound of a soft blow or exhale calming.
- Mouth sounds: Some people find certain mouth sounds, such as lip smacking or tongue clicking, to be relaxing.
These triggers can deliver a tingling feeling that starts on the scalp and spreads down the back of the neck. This sensation is often described as “tingly” or “pleasurable.”
Brief History of ASMR
The history of ASMR can be traced back to the early 2010s when a small group of people began sharing videos of themselves making soft sounds or performing calming tasks like whispering, crinkling paper, or brushing hair.
These videos were meant to trigger ASMR in viewers and quickly gained popularity online. Today, thousands of ASMR videos are available on YouTube and other platforms, with new ones being created daily.
The Benefits of ASMR
There is still much we don’t know about ASMR, but some potential benefits are associated with this phenomenon. For example, many people report feeling more relaxed and less anxious after watching ASMR videos.
Some even say that ASMR has helped them cope with insomnia or other sleep disorders. There is also some evidence to suggest that ASMR can help reduce stress levels and promote positive emotions.
Conclusion
If you’re curious about ASMR, plenty of videos are available online to explore. Everyone experiences ASMR differently, so what works for one person may not work for another.
With a little trial and error, you’re sure to find an ASMR video that gives you the relaxing tingles you’re looking for.