ASMR, Anyone know what it is?

[TXDFW90]

Im just curious how many people on here know what ASMR is?

Because I do, but I feel like not many people do

The definition is:

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a neologism for a perceptual phenomenon characterized as a distinct, pleasurable tingling sensation in the head, scalp, back, or peripheral regions of the body in response to visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, or cognitive stimuli. The nature and classification of the ASMR phenomenon is controversial,[1] with strong anecdotal evidence to support the phenomenon but little or no scientific explanation or verified data

There is a HUGE community for it on Youtube, with the most popular "ASMRtist", as they're known, having 464,000 subscribers.

I personally experience it and it is a very real feeling for some, but I dont think everyone can experience it.

However, I also think some experience it occasionally and have no idea there is a term for it.

Typical triggers for the feeling are like when someone is going through papers, or doing some kind of art or craft, or menial task.

Other common triggers are just simple whispering or soft speaking.

The full trigger list for different people is pretty much unlimited and it can be anything from listening to rain- to quietly eating- to folding clothes.

The feeling it triggers ranges from anywhere from basic relaxation to an almost intense tingly feeling that chills throughout your body. I've tried focusing on where it originates exactly and it literally feels like your nervous system is sending out waves awesome relaxation- which is probably why most describe it as a feeling in their back, head, neck, scalp, or extremities. I also can verify that it can spread to multiple areas simultaneously.

Anyway, before I rant too much, let me know if any of you have any idea what Im talking about lol.

I really want to hear it!

 

[a7hgsir4h3jk]

I know what it is and I think I might have experienced it before; as a child, I'd often get a "tingle" whenever something was held very close to my forehead, but not touching it. I can't make that happen any more, though. I also experienced it once when a trainee hairdresser was washing my hair - this went down to my lower back. I haven't found a video that really works for me yet, although I think there was one "manly ASMR" video which may have been slightly effective.

 

[TXDFW90]

Hmm that sounds like it could definitely be ASMR. Lots of people like videos where the scalp and head are the main focus too, especially "cranial nerve exam" roleplays or hair brushing/washing, spa simulations, etc. Lots of females like makeup roleplays also.

Its kinda funny to me because head/scalp focuses ASMR vids do nearly nothing for me ha. I prefer tapping, page turning, going through boxes and junk.

I always feel like people who dont know what Im talking about must be thinking "WTF?"

Thanks for the reply though. Lots of people use these to help insomnia or reduce stress, I want more people to be aware of it.

 

[Vanillaphant]

Yeah. A few months back I even started a thread about the ASMR online community. It didn't go well lol. I suppose I just assumed that more people would know about/have an interest in it.

It's not something I experience all that much in everyday life, but I use the videos one finds on Youtube to help me relax. In fact, the last few weeks I've been using them to help me sleep. Which isn't ideal, but it's better than most alternatives, I reckon.

I think what makes ASMR a confusing topic to discuss is that while the term obviously describes a physical sensation, for the people who are into it (watching/making videos etc), it is usually more about what it does for them mentally. So it seems to me, anyway. 🙂

 

[Bohemianne]

I checked it out. It can actually TICKLE my back scalp when the sound pans from left to right. Very good actually!

 

[TXDFW90]

@Bohemianne - Ha, see? Thats funny that your triggered somewhat by the "left to right" stuff, which always gets referred to as binaural or ear-to-ear since people listen with headphones frequently. That is also a common form of trigger that has no added effect on me personally ha.

@Vanillaphant - I wish there were more studies and formal science behind it but theres very little. Physically or mentally, I feel like its hard to communicate whats going on when ASMR is triggered

 

[hellenberg]

Hey, the Wikipedia article on the topic doesn't get deleted anymore, which is a plus. Myself, I'm partial to the sections of YouTube with Indian barbershops, so relaxing.

 

[kopfhorer]

I've posted this link once before, but I think it bears re-posting:

http://www.ohjoysextoy.com/asmr/

My own ASMR triggers, as I found out late last night as I drove home from a concert, include rain on a car roof (or any nearby surface, like a window).

 

[kered]

More than once I've used ASMR to help me sleep or just relax. I like Heather Feather and Gentle Whisperings (Maria's accent is killer to me).

 

[Dussicar]

I've posted this link once before, but I think it bears re-posting:

http://www.ohjoysextoy.com/asmr/

My own ASMR triggers, as I found out late last night as I drove home from a concert, include rain on a car roof (or any nearby surface, like a window).

It's funny what we find "relaxing" what others find distracting.

Raindrops on a car is also relaxing to me. Peace and nature.

Of course, y'know that ASMR is way more intrinsic than what you described, right? It goes way deeper than somebody suddenly liking a sound that they just heard.