Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response

Description

ASMR: The Science and Feeling Behind the Tingly Thing

You’ve experienced the subtle, relaxing tingling that starts after your head/neck and runs down to your spine at times? It comes when somebody talks really softly, or you listen to fingertips drumming on a table, or even when you see somebody neatly folding paper. If your answer is “Yes,” then you probably have what’s referred to as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or ASMR.

ASMR has spread all over the world in the past decade. Nowadays, millions of viewers watch as well as listeners to stuff that induces these relaxation feelings. How does that work, exactly? How come some people get it and others don’t? More important, how can it help you calm down, sleep better, and generally feel better? We investigate this interesting phenomenon.

What is ASMR?

Jennifer Allen coined the term “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response” in 2010. She and some others initiated an online forum for individuals experiencing this peculiar sensory phenomenon. The “autonomous” part means beyond the control of the individual, “sensory” relates to sensation, “meridian” is the highest point or a climax, and “response” is how the body reacts.

ASMR is an enjoyable tingle that starts mostly at your scalp and works its way down to your spine. These are triggered by certain sounds or even visuals. Usually, these are soft, continuous sounds, or gentle repetitive visuals, and help you to relax and put your mind in a positive state.

Common ASMR Triggers

While there are myriad different ASMR triggers, some of the most common include:

• Whispering: Soft-spoken or whispered voices make you feel close to someone and calm.
• Percussion Patter: On such materials as wood, plastic, or glass, tapping your fingers.
• Crackling: Crumpling paper or wrappers made of plastic.
• Direct Focus: ASMR videos having the creator actually perform actions as cutting hair, examining eyes, or merely brushing the camera.
• Cinematography Hands: Putting your hands in motion slowly and making movements methodical on camera.

Nature sounds, like gentle rain, leaves rustling, or water gently flowing, are part of the experience as well.

These make use of our senses to pacify our nervous systems in a way that lowering stress.

The Science of ASMR

It is an emerging scientific field of study into which ASMR has not been fully incorporated, and its causative factors are yet to be known accurately. Neuroimaging studies showed that some parts of the brain related to reward and emotional arousal were activated by ASMR triggers, including the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens.

Think of it more as a slight “happy” reaction that reduces the heart rate and calms you down. Some researchers believe that it may be related to the activation of endorphins, oxytocin, or dopamine, known molecules that improve mood and promote social bonding.

Not everyone, however, feels ASMR. Experts have estimated that around 20–25% of the population is sensitive to these triggers, while others may not feel anything or even be bothered by it.

ASMR and Your Psyche

People claim that ASMR helps reduce stress, anxiety, and even insomnia; this is one of the major benefits attributed to the phenomenon. Many people watch ASMR videos in order to calm down after a hectic day or to get themselves to sleep.

Many report that ASMR has a calming and focusing effect, and can sometimes even be euphoric. While still in preliminary stages, studies so far suggest that ASMR might reduce heart rate and induce a relaxed state as during meditation.

Others apply ASMR to cope with long-term issues such as depression, PTSD, or chronic pain because it gives them interludes of comfort and distraction.

ASMR in the Age of Technology

ASMR crossed into the mainstream because of YouTube and Twitch. Practitioners are known as ASMRtists. They make millions of trigger-rich videos — everything from softly spoken stories to elaborate soundscapes that garner millions of views a day.

The ASMR community is so diverse and helpful, with fans sharing their favourite triggers and tips. There’s more talking to each other in real time with ASMR live streams, and somehow, people feel more connected to each other because of it.

ASMR is already being used in commercials by brands and advertisers because they understand how soothing and attention-holding sensory experiences can be.

Even though ASMR has become quite popular, there are still those who feel rather skeptical about it. Some critique that it is simply a passing trend or a psychological placebo for which there is little scientific backing. Some do not like the creepiness of closeness it invokes or vulnerability, especially when whispers or personal attention triggers have been used.

Identify that not everything with ASMR has to be sexual even though some might get ‘turned on’ by the videos. Most people will receive a piece of ASMR only to relax and enjoy the sensitivity.

How to Feel ASMR for Yourself

How to experience ASMR yourself:

• Find a quiet space where you can sit or lie down without distractions. Listen to sounds using headphones.
• Don’t make it happen. You might still like the calming effect even if you don’t feel the tingling.
• Beautify: Well, experiment with videos of varying lengths and types. Some people are into short clips and some into a long immersive sit.

ASMR is one strange enticing cocktail of neurology, psychology, and sensory experience. What’s now a little-known online trend had become a movement across the globe benefiting peace, comfort, and a sense of connection to millions of people.

ASMR is just allowing oneself to slow down and listen, be attentive, and find peace in mind in this always-busy world. It may or may not help you relax - you might simply enjoy it.