ASMR videos you come across a lot on the Internet. Some people fall asleep calmer and faster while listening to a video of a ‘sleep whisperer.’ Others get goosebumps from it. But ASMR is not just limited to videos. Read here what it is all about and what it does to you.
What is ASMR?
ASMR is a term used to describe a tingling sensation that some people experience with certain sounds, such as whispering, tapping or rustling. This feeling is often described as starting in the scalp or neck, and then spreading further through the body. Some people find ASMR relaxing or calming, and it is sometimes used as self-care or to help with insomnia or anxiety.
What does ASMR stand for?
The letters A S M R stand for autonomous sensory meridian response. This is autonomous sensory meridian response. ASMR is a sensory experience and response resulting from visible, tactile and audible stimuli. So, for example, it can occur from your skin being touched very lightly or when you play with your hair. It can also happen from whispering or rustling in your ear. If you are sensitive to it then you get a pleasant and tingling sensation from on your scalp, neck and back: the meridian of your body (the imaginary center).
Soothing and relaxation
ASMR videos can make you feel calm and relaxed and counteract stress. By relaxing, you can put aside hectic and restlessness and fall asleep and become calm more easily. Anxious thoughts, for example, can be dispelled and it can give you a sense of calm and happiness. Some people with chronic pain even feel relief by watching ASMR videos.
AsMR videos and ASMRtists
Many ASMR videos can be found on the Internet. People whisper and make sounds with hairbrushes, creaking objects and the sound of certain actions such as cutting, peeling, running water and you name it. Individuals who make ASMR videos are called ASMRtists. This is a combination of the words ASMR and artist.
ASMR and sexuality
Why do people associate ASMR with sexuality? This is mainly because of the hormones released in your body during ASMR. Different substances are released as a result of the happy, relaxed, pleasant and sleepy feeling in your body. The substances released are endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. These are substances this also released during a sexual experience. So people can make the connection between ASMR and sexuality and there is talk of an orgasm of the brain. In practice, however, it is mainly a nice feeling and not something sexual.
ASMR and food
ASMR and eating are sounds and videos of someone eating different types of food, such as crunching, slurping or a nibbling sound. Some examples of ASMR eating are sounds of people eating potato chips, ice cream or even fried chicken. Many people find these sounds relaxing or calming, and they may use ASMR eating videos or recordings to help them sleep or reduce stress.
Are you sensitive to ASMR?
Not everyone is sensitive to forms of ASMR. Whether you are sensitive to ASMR videos or other ways can be found out by just trying it or listening to it. If you search for ‘ASMR’ on Youtube asmr you can immediately explore what it does to you.
