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What are asmr tingles


What is ASMR Tingling? | BetterSleep

Ever get a sudden, inexplicable feeling of happiness or calm when someone brushes your hair, whispers, or crinkles paper? If so, you may have experienced Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response or ASMR.

ASMR is characterized by a pleasurable tingling sensation that begins in the head and scalp and often moves down the spine. Many people report feeling more relaxed and even sleep-inducing effects from ASMR sounds and videos.

To date, there is no scientific consensus on what causes ASMR. However, some researchers believe that it may be related to the release of dopamine and other “happy” chemicals in the brain.

In this article, we’ll explore the phenomenon of ASMR, common ASMR triggers, potential benefits, and how you can experience it yourself. a

Autonomous sensory meridian response - what is it?

As mentioned, ASMR stands for an autonomous sensory meridian response. It is a science term that means a pleasurable tingling or calming sensation that begins in the head and scalp, often triggered by specific, gentle stimuli, such as:

  • Whispering
  • Soft speaking
  • Brushing/crinkling hair or fabric
  • Slow, methodical actions

ASMR has been described as a “brain massage” because it can affect the brainwaves and makes those who experience it feel “brain tingles. ” It is thought to produce a calming, relaxing effect similar to meditation. Many YouTube videos have amassed millions of views from people hoping to relax or fall asleep through ASMR. There’s even a website called ASMR University that offers online courses on how to experience ASMR!

What’s the difference between ASMR and sound therapy?

ASMR should not be confused with sound therapy, a treatment for conditions like tinnitus. Sound therapy uses specifically designed sounds or music to help retrain the brain to respond differently to auditory stimuli.

ASMR, on the other hand, is a natural phenomenon that can be triggered by certain sounds, visuals, or movements. It is not a treatment for any condition, but some people find it helpful in managing stress or anxiety.

Some people have reported feeling less anxious after watching ASMR videos, while others say it helps them sleep better. There is currently no scientific evidence to support these claims, but we’ll discuss more of the science behind ASMR tingles and their potential benefits.

ASMR: The science behind

The exact mechanisms behind ASMR are not well understood. However, it is thought to be related to the release of serotonin, a brain chemical associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

A person’s brain chemistry may induce ASMR differently. Some people are more sensitive to certain stimuli than others. This may explain why some people can experience ASMR from visual stimuli while others cannot.

There is still much research to be done on ASMR, but there are some theories about how and why it produces those pleasurable sensations:

Synesthesia and ASMR

One theory suggests that ASMR is a form of synesthesia, a condition where one sense (in this case, hearing) is experienced as if it were another sense (touch). For example, someone with synesthesia might taste words or see colors when they hear music. However, many disagree with this theory, as synesthesia is typically involuntary, and ASMR appears to be triggered by specific stimuli.

Fight-or-flight

Another theory suggests that ASMR is related to the “fight-or-flight” response. In other words, the tingling sensation may be a way for the body to release tension and relax. When we experience danger, our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol, which prepares us to either fight or flee. ASMR may be a way to trigger the relaxation response, counteracting the effects of stress.

Pleasurable sensations

Finally, it’s also possible that ASMR is simply a result of the pleasurable sensations transmitted from the auditory cortex to other brain areas. This is similar to how music or other sounds can trigger pleasurable sensations in the brain.

The benefits of ASMR

With the proliferation of ASMR content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, more and more people are being exposed to this phenomenon. And many people are finding that ASMR can have several benefits.

Some of the reported benefits of ASMR include:

Relaxation

Want a brain massage? ASMR can provide a deep sense of relaxation, similar to that achieved through meditation. One study found that ASMR significantly reduced heart rate and increased feelings of positive emotions.

Stress relief

ASMR has also been shown to be an effective way to relieve stress. In one study, participants who watched ASMR videos reported reduced stress and anxiety levels. This effect was especially pronounced in those with high levels of stress. For centuries, sounds have been used as a form of relaxation, and ASMR may be a modern version of this ancient practice.

Pain relief

Did you know that visual and auditory stimuli have a history of being used for pain relief? ASMR may work similarly by reducing pain perception and promoting relaxation. According to a study, watching ASMR videos reduced pain intensity and discomfort in those with chronic pain. In this 2015 study, as much as 42% of participants reported pain relief after watching the videos. However, 44% of participants reported no change in pain levels.

Improved sleep

While there is still more research to be done, ASMR may also be a helpful way to improve sleep. A study on ASMR as a sleep aid showed that participants who watched ASMR videos fell asleep more easily and reported higher-quality sleep. We will discuss this in more detail later on.

Improved mental health

If you feel good after watching ASMR videos, it makes sense that this would also lead to improved mental health. Some studies have found that ASMR can help reduce anxiety and depression. While it is not a cure-all, ASMR may be a helpful tool for managing mental health.

How to experience ASMR

If you’re interested in experiencing ASMR, you can do a few things.

First, it’s important to find the right triggers. Different people respond to stimuli, so it may take trial and error to find what works for you. The most common ASMR triggers include soft speaking, gentle sounds (like crinkling paper or rainfall), and personal attention (like hair brushing or massages). Others have found that watching someone complete a simple task (like cooking or doing laundry) can also trigger ASMR.

Once you’ve found your triggers, there are a few ways to experience ASMR. You can:

Listen to ASMR audio recordings

There are thousands of ASMR audio recordings available online. You can find recordings of people speaking softly, crinkling paper, and doing other things that trigger ASMR. Some unique triggers include eating microphones and cutting soap. Yes, really!

Watch ASMR videos

ASMR videos are also widely available online. These ASMR videos often feature ASMR enthusiasts doing things like soft speaking, hair brushing, and massaging. Famous ASMR video creators include Gentle Whispering, ASMRrequests, and Ephemeral Rift. You can explore these channels and find videos that feature your favorite triggers.

Get an ASMR massage

Yes, such a thing exists! If you’re looking for a more personal experience, you can get an ASMR massage from a professional. This type of massage focuses on triggers like soft speaking and personal attention.

Do it yourself

If you want to experience ASMR but don’t want to watch videos or get a massage, you can try triggers yourself. Everyone experiences ASMR differently, so what works for one person may not work for another. Below you will find a step-by-step guide to creating your ASMR content or doing ASMR yourself.

Creating ASMR content

You can always create your own if you can’t find any ASMR content that works for you. This can be a great way to relax and fall asleep. To create your ASMR content, you’ll need:

A video or audio recording device

This can be a simple recorder or your phone. Some ASMR artists use high-end microphones to capture the sounds more clearly. They work well, but they’re not necessary.

ASMR triggers

These can be anything that produces pleasurable sensations, such as soft speaking, crinkling paper, or personal attention. Some triggers you can try at home include:

Soft speaking: Try gentle whispers or speaking in a calming voice.

Gentle sounds: Try crinkling paper, rainsticks, or light tapping.

Personal attention: Try hair brushing, head massages, or gentle cleaning (like dusting).

You can also combine triggers to create your own ASMR experience. For example, you could try soft speaking while brushing your hair. Or you could try gentle tapping while soft speaking.

A quiet environment

ASMR content is best recorded in a quiet place so that the triggers are more pronounced. Once you have your equipment and triggers, follow these steps to create your own ASMR content:

  1. Plan what you’re going to say or do. This can be anything from recounting a memory to describing a scene from a book. You can also use ASMR scripts as a guide. For example, when you’re soft speaking, you might want to talk about your day or describe a peaceful place. Or, when you’re crinkling paper, you might want to describe what the paper feels like.
  2. Make sure you have enough time to record. ASMR content is best recorded in one continuous take, so ensure you won’t be interrupted. You can also record ASMR content in short sessions and edit the recordings together.
  3. Find a comfortable place to record. This can be anywhere that’s quiet and free from distractions. Frequently, bedrooms or closets work well. An empty room can also work, as long as there’s not too much echo.
  4. Start recording and focus on your triggers. Remember to breathe slowly and deeply as you speak or perform your actions. Do not worry if you make mistakes or stumble over your words. ASMR is all about relaxation, so just let it happen.
  5. Once you’re finished, listen back to the recording and see if it relaxes you. If not, try again with different triggers or a different script. Make sure to experiment until you find something that works for you. Patience is the key!

Meditation and ASMR

ASMR has been compared to meditation, as both can produce a deep sense of relaxation. If you’re interested in trying ASMR meditation, here’s a guide to get you started.

  • Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. This can be in a quiet room or outside in nature. It’s important that you feel relaxed and comfortable.
  • Once you’re comfortable, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Try to breathe slowly and deeply.
  • After a few minutes, pay attention to the sounds around you. Listen for any triggers that produce pleasurable sensations. You can also play ASMR audio recordings to help you relax. Whether it’s the sound of rain, soft speaking, or crinkling paper, focus on the sensations that ASMR produces.
  • If you find a trigger, focus on it and see if you can intensify the sensations . You can do this by paying closer attention to the trigger.
  • After a few minutes, you should start to feel more relaxed. Once you’re finished, take a few deep breaths and slowly open your eyes.

How to get better sleep with ASMR

If you’re having trouble sleeping, ASMR may be able to help. Sounds are a common trigger of ASMR, so listening to ASMR audio recordings or watching ASMR videos before bed can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.

BetterSleep features an expansive library of ASMR audio recordings designed to improve sleep and relaxation. You can choose from various ASMR sounds, including rain, soft speaking, and white noise.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using ASMR for sleep:

Try to find triggers that work for you.

Not all triggers will produce the same effect, so it may take trial and error to find what works best.

Focus on relaxing your whole body, not just your mind.

ASMR can help you relax both mentally and physically. Try to focus on the sensations in your whole body, not just your mind.

Don’t get too excited about ASMR.

The point of ASMR is to relax, so try not to get too worked up about the triggers or the sensations.

Be patient.

ASMR can take some time to get used to. If you don’t feel the effects right away, don’t worry. Keep listening to ASMR audio recordings or watching ASMR videos, and the sensations should eventually come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ASMR?

ASMR is a feeling of relaxation or tingling triggered by certain sounds or visual stimuli. It is often described as a “brain massage” and can be used to improve sleep or relaxation.

What are some common ASMR triggers?

Some common ASMR triggers include soft speaking, crinkling paper, and sounds of nature.

What are some tips for creating ASMR content?

Some tips for creating ASMR content include finding triggers that work for you, focusing on relaxing your whole body and being patient. You’ll also need a video or audio recording device, ASMR triggers, and a quiet environment.

How can I use ASMR for sleep?

ASMR can be used to improve sleep by helping you relax and fall asleep more easily. Try listening to ASMR audio recordings or watching ASMR videos before bed. You can also create your ASMR content for sleep aid.

What are some other benefits of ASMR?

In addition to improving sleep, ASMR can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, stimulate sexual arousal, and increase focus.

Where did ASMR come from?

The autonomous sensory meridian response is a relatively new phenomenon, with the first online reference appearing in 2010. However, people have likely been experiencing ASMR-like sensations for centuries. Hypnosis, for example, can produce similar feelings of relaxation and calm.

ASMR has exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks partly to the rise of social media and online video platforms. YouTube is now home to thousands of ASMR videos, and celebrities like Cardi B and Kylie Jenner have even experimented with ASMR content.

Is ASMR real?

This question often pops up in discussions about ASMR. It is because many people who experience ASMR also experience frisson, a similar but distinct phenomenon.

Frisson is characterized by a sudden, intense feeling of pleasure or excitement. It is often triggered by music and other things, such as art, laughter, or even certain foods.

Frisson is a physical response, whereas ASMR is more of an emotional response. Frisson is also less specific and can be triggered by a wider range of stimuli.

So, to answer the question, yes, ASMR is real. It is a unique and specific experience that certain stimuli can trigger. While more research is needed to determine how and why ASMR works, there is evidence that it is a real phenomenon. In this article, The Scientific American mentions ASMR research that provides examples of how ASMR affects the brain.

How do I get started with ASMR?

If you’re new to ASMR, the best way to get started is to find some triggers that work for you. You can watch ASMR videos or listen to ASMR audio recordings. Once you find some triggers that work, try incorporating them into your daily life. For example, if listening to soft speaking helps you relax, you could try listening to ASMR audio recordings while you work or study.

How ‘Brain Tingles’ Can Bring Calm

ASMR is a wildly popular media trend that uses various stimuli to produce a tingling sensation in the brain and promote relaxation.

If you’ve ever had “the tingles” and felt mildly euphoric as a result you may have experienced ASMR.

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), known as “brain tingles, ”sometimes “brain orgasm,” or “braingasm,” is a term used to describe a tingling, calming sensation that some people experience in response to certain audio, visual, or tactile stimuli.

ASMR can be “triggered” by stimuli like faint whispering or gentle repetitive movements to promote a state of relaxation. Common ASMR triggers may include:

  • sound
  • visual stimulus
  • physical touch
  • situations

Not everyone experiences ASMR. Research from 2022 shows that individuals with anxiety and other neuroses may be more likely to experience ASMR than those without.

The ASMR experience is often described as a blissful tingling sensation that begins at the crown of the head and travels down the spine and limbs. It can be accompanied by deep relaxation and drowsiness.

When a noise has an unpleasant effect

Some noises (breathing, chewing, tapping) can trigger an unpleasant emotional response in some individuals. This is a condition known as misophonia. If you think you may be sensitive to sound, you may want to approach ASMR with caution.

Audio ASMR is often distinguished by very faint whispering in high-powered binaural microphones that can transmit isolated sound to the listener’s left and right ears separately.

There are countless ASMR YouTubers.

Proponents of ASMR claim that ASMR triggers produce a number of benefits, including:

  • relaxation
  • reduced anxiety
  • lowered heart rate
  • improved sleep
  • improved attention

What the research shows

Despite its popularity and fan base, research on ASMR is somewhat sparse, and at times, contradictory.

For instance, a 2018 study looked at the underlying mechanisms of ASMR and was unable to conclude why some people experience “the tingles.”

Other research has shown that ASMR may produce a blissful, flow-like state in “susceptible individuals” through repeated exposure.

“When this happens, a series of neurochemicals are released, such as anandamide — which is sometimes called the ‘bliss’ chemical — in addition to more familiar neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine,” explains Dr. Caroline Leaf, a communication pathologist, author, and podcast host.

“[This] may possibly help us feel more calm, relaxed, and less anxious.”

According to Leaf, the release of these blissful chemicals is linked to an increase in theta wave activity in the brain. She explains the resulting euphoric state is similar to a flow state or “being in the zone.”

“Theta activity is often referred to as a ‘healing wave,’ and appears to activate the mind and body’s natural resilience and optimize self-healing, helping that person manage their anxiety in the moment,” Leaf says.

A simple internet search will show there are seemingly infinite types of ASMR. Some of the most common ASMR triggers include:

  • whispering
  • blowing
  • crinkling
  • chewing
  • humming
  • scratching
  • tapping
  • page-turning
  • writing
  • typing
  • drinking

Audio ASMR

Audio ASMR is perhaps the most popular and beloved way to trigger the tingles, especially on YouTube.

Tingting ASMR, a well-known ASMR YouTuber based in Seoul, South Korea, has been making ASMR videos since 2017. Currently, she has over 2 million subscribers.

She says that watching ASMR videos helped her relax, so she began creating her own videos to give back to the ASMR “whisper community.”

Tingting uses props ranging from makeup brushes to scalp-check tools to shampoo to create gentle audio ASMR experiences for her followers.

Though Tingting’s videos are visually engaging, audio ASMR is triggered by the different sounds created by her props and optimized with high quality microphones. Many of her videos feature hair or wigs in some capacity.

“I think my viewers really enjoy my accent and some of my added cultural knowledge in my videos,” Tingting says. “I get requests for more hair-related and cultural videos a lot.”

Tingting adds that she thinks ASMR can be beneficial for mental health.

“It’s a great way to relax and release your stress from the day,” she says. “To me, it’s kind of like meditation where you can let your mind wander, which is very hard to do with so much technology and notifications constantly interrupting your peace.”

Visual ASMR

If certain sounds don’t soothe your mind, you could try ASMR exercises that focus on visual triggers.

Tokyo-based ONESAL offers visual ASMR in the format of nature-inspired sculptural formations. The award-winning company triggers ASMR with various textural and tactile elements that morph and interact with each other in a surrealist fashion.

According to its website, ONESAL’s short ASMR films “blur the boundaries between nature and design, simplicity and complexity, in an abstract uncompromised way.”

Tactile ASMR

Tactile ASMR occurs between two people.

You can experience tactile ASMR in person through anything from physical touch to tickling with feathers or lightly drawing your fingernails across someone’s back.

While tactile ASMR is typically experienced in person, in some cases, watching a video of two people engaging in tactile ASMR activities could potentially trigger the tingles.

For example, watching a video of someone receiving a massage could be tactile ASMR.

Is ASMR good for anxiety?

Preliminary research has shown that ASMR can lower heart rate, which may offer relief from anxiety.

“Elevated heart rate is one way our body (physiologically) manifests our (psychological) experience of anxiety or panic,” explains Dr. Paul Poulakos, a board certified psychiatrist in New York City.

“By lowering heart rate, it’s possible that ASMR sends a reverse feedback loop to the brain, resulting in the overall experience of less anxiety.”

Is ASMR a form of mindfulness?

Research from 2018 supports the theory that ASMR is related to mindfulness.

Subjects who watched or listened to ASMR generated higher scores on the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS), a questionnaire that measures the attentional component of mindfulness.

Not everyone experiences ASMR — and those who experience this benefit may be more likely to have anxiety. For those individuals, ASMR may offer some relief from their symptoms.

Whether you live with anxiety or not, you may find that you enjoy ASMR in some form or another.

If certain ASMR sounds turn you off, you might try visual or tactile ASMR as an alternative. However, ASMR may not be right for everyone.

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious and seeking ways to cope, you might consider listening to calming music or practicing meditation. You may also wish to connect with a mental health professional for more support.

ASMR: what it is and how it affects our brain

In recent years, videos and audios that can cause ASMR have gained popularity. We understand what it is and why people are so attracted to videos where people champ, speak in a whisper, flip through books and tap

  • What is ASMR
  • Types of triggers
  • Is ASMR harmful
  • How it affects the brain
  • How to listen to ASMR
  • Where to find videos and apps

What is ASMR?

? . d.). This feeling can also be accompanied by a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. In recent years, there are more and more fans of this trend on the Internet.

The term ASMR itself appeared in 2010 thanks to Jennifer Allen, a resident of the USA. According to the girl, once she watched a video about space and experienced unusual feelings in her body. She tried to understand what could cause a slight tickling in her head, which appeared as a result of the video sequence she saw. Some time later, in one of the blogs I found a post called "Strange, but pleasant sensations." After reading user comments, she realized that other people had similar feelings. Later, Jennifer decided to register a group in one of the social networks and gave her the name ASMR Group.

Over the past 12 years, interest in ASMR has grown so much that now there are at least 500 thousand channels on YouTube and the same number of bloggers who create ASMR content. During all this time, they shot about 25 million videos. And ASMR videos are no longer limited to social networks. Large industrial corporations make them part of their advertising campaigns, and some media release video interviews in the ASMR genre.

KFC launched a series of ASMR videos

Types of ASMR triggers

So what attracts people to such videos? The thing is that a person is exposed to certain triggers. They help activate not only the part of the prefrontal cortex that is responsible for social behavior, but also the areas of the brain that control the reward system. Those. such videos reproduce feelings of affection and satisfaction in a person.

A trigger is an external stimulus that triggers an action, reaction, or event. Now this concept is used in different areas. In psychology, these are stimuli that cause bright, often negative emotions and reactions. In marketing, techniques that force a purchase.

In ASMR video, several types of triggers are most often found, although their list is constantly updated:

  1. Sounds. This category includes whispering, fingernail tapping, paper crunching, typing on a keyboard, flipping the pages of a book, and even scratching.
  2. Visual effects. Some viewers experience a pleasant tingling (starts in the head and spreads to other parts of the body) when watching a video in which paint is mixed, soft objects are cut.
  3. Role play. In these types of ASMR artists put on a mini-performance and play several roles. At the same time, they try to establish long-term eye contact with the camera, they can also stroke the lens, creating the illusion of touching the viewer. Such special attention creates a sense of security and closeness in the beholder.
  4. Food. In such videos, the viewer is offered to watch rustling and chewing sounds. Such a trigger can have a calming effect.
  5. Crush (crushing). There are viewers who are pleased to watch how unusual objects are crushed and crushed (kinetic sand, sponges, soap and more).
    6. Is ASMR harmful? TMS is a technique that stimulates the cerebral cortex with short magnetic pulses. At the same time, the process itself is non-invasive, i.e. does not require surgical intervention.

    However, there are several conflicting opinions in some sources. Some researchers believe that ASMR has something in common with synesthesia. This is a phenomenon in which a person connects a signal from one sense organ with a signal from another, although there is no apparent reason for the connection between them. Others are sure that this ASMR is nothing more than a placebo effect.

    There is also a third opinion. According to some experts, ASMR should be considered not as an independent "trend", but as a modern interpretation of meditation. At the same time, there is a lot of research on the effect of prolonged meditation on various areas of the brain, which cause physical changes in them. Primarily in the thalamus and hypothalamus, as well as the prefrontal cortex, parietal lobe and middle prefrontal areas of the brain.

    Analytical psychologist Natalya Kaurova:

    “Thalamus is the center of afferent pathways, a kind of unique “relay station” that performs nervous and humoral regulation. The hypothalamus is the highest autonomic center, a paired organ that is associated with the structures of the central nervous system and endocrine functions; it not only conducts nerve impulses, but also secretes various physiological substances.

    But there are no reports and studies on the dangers of ASMR yet.

    How ASMR affects the brain

    There are not many studies on the effect of ASMR, however, some scientists still conducted experiments to study this issue. So, Julia Poerio, an employee of the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield (England), learned about ASMR in 2013. Then she herself felt a tingling sensation while watching the video. Poerio became interested in this phenomenon and began searching for a scientific explanation.

    There were few articles and publications on this topic. Then she decided to conduct her own analysis. To do this, in 2017, Poerio invited 112 people to participate in the study. She connected electrodes to each of the subjects and showed her favorite ASMR video clip. The observation revealed that while watching the video, the heart rate of the participants decreased. This is a sign of relaxation. But the subjects also noted that they felt an increase in emotional arousal.

    The study also showed that ASMR has nothing to do with sexual arousal. Although in some cases, the creators of the videos themselves give this shade to their videos. “The authors of some channels frankly emphasize their sexuality and are gaining wild popularity. Someone comes to the brink of almost imitation of sexual contact, someone is limited to a close whisper and a romantic mood, someone frankly makes freak content. There are a lot of variations of ASMR and approaches to its promotion,” says Renat Mansurov, the author of the ASMR Club channel.

    The next scientist to do his own research was Craig Richard, Ph. D. He is also the creator of ASMR University, where he shares the latest news and tips, connects with famous ASMR artists and more. In 2018, the results of an experiment conducted by him were published in the scientific journal BioImpacts. As part of his research, Richard invited ten people to watch ASMR videos and choose the clips that evoke some kind of feeling. In this case, the viewing took place during an MRI of the brain. Participants in the group had to press a button inside the MRI scanner to signal to the researchers when they experienced relaxation or tingling.

    Dr. Craig Richard explains the curious phenomenon of ASMR

    After studying the results, the scientists concluded that the subjects who experienced ASMR showed significant activity in areas of the brain that are responsible not only for the reward system, but also for emotional arousal. For example, the main transmitter of signals in the reward system is dopamine. It is his release that causes a feeling of satisfaction in a person.

    The authors of the study noticed another similarity. The sensations from ASMR are similar to those that people experience during a musical frisson (when listening to their favorite song, some notice the appearance of a slight trembling throughout the body). There were also those who, on the contrary, begin to annoy such sounds. This form of intolerance is called misophonia.

    ASMR research is ongoing. While scientists are trying to understand more about the nature of this phenomenon, viewers and listeners are admitting that such videos help them relax, sleep, reduce stress, depression and anxiety. And some people even reported that ASMR helped them improve their chronic pain symptoms.

    Similar feelings are evoked during meditation, experts add.

    “Meditation has been empirically proven to be beneficial in regulating CNS excitation, concentration, increasing immunity, improving sleep, regulating brain biochemical processes - hormone production and maintaining youth. In my opinion, with a certain assumption, the data of these studies can be extrapolated to the ASMR phenomenon, ”concludes analytical psychologist and neuropsychologist Natalya Kaurova.

    How to listen to ASMR

    Not everyone experiences the effects of watching and listening to ASMR. It largely depends on two factors: on the sensitivity of the person himself and on the way of listening. If it is difficult to influence the emotional state, then the right technique will help to cope with the second point. So, the founder of the project ezasmr.com Stephen Smith gave some advice on choosing headphones.

    1. In-ear headphones suitable for listening to music or ASMR while walking. But more effect can be achieved with headphones with a headband.
    2. Be sure to focus on comfort. It is better to choose those models that can be adjusted to the shape of the head. Also pay attention to the type of material for headphones with a headband. It must be breathable.
    3. Choose noise canceling headphones. ASMR requires a calm environment.

    Such attention to technology is not accidental. Competition in this niche is growing rapidly, so ASMR artists record videos using high-quality microphones. Microphones are divided by direction. There are three types: unidirectional, bidirectional and omnidirectional.

    For example, performers on stage most often use one-way options. These types of microphones do not pick up extraneous sounds around, but only vocals. The interview is recorded using a bi-directional microphone. And with the recording of the noise of rain, the rustle of leaves or a whisper, the omnidirectional option will cope. The last two types of microphone are used for ASMR recording. High-quality headphones help to reveal the range of the recorded sound.

    Where to find videos and apps

    There are many resources available to listen to and watch ASMR videos. The first variant of is YouTube. However, it has one drawback - embedded advertising can interfere with the desired effect.

    Popular ASMR artists now are:

    • Gibi ASMR (4.18 million subscribers). The girl first started filming her videos in June 2016. She shoots videos using different triggers: from role-playing games to makeup.
    • ASMR PPOMO (2.58 million subscribers). The girl never shows her face. Only the lips are visible. Her videos are steadily gaining millions of views.
    • ASMR Darling (2.54M followers). Her main triggers are: ear-to-ear whispering, tapping, scratching, affirmations, compliments, role play, hair play, hair brushing, personal attention, close-ups, words, face touch, camera touch, microphone cleaning.

    Among the Russian ASMR artists, for example, KittyKlaw ( Angelina Lin ) can be distinguished. Now the channel has 2.06 million subscribers. KittyKlaw makes whisper videos, records fairy tales, roleplays and more.

    The second option is to download one of the apps for your phone or tablet. You can search in the App Store and Google Play app stores. When choosing, you should focus on reviews and ratings from users.

    • TeasEar . In one place, the developers have collected many triggers that relieve stress and calm the nervous system.
    • Sleep With Silk . This resource belongs to the creator of ASMR University Craig Richard. Visitors to the site are encouraged to fall asleep to the sounds of nature, background noise, and soothing voices.
    • ASMR - Brain Tingles . The main advantages are the absence of a subscription and the ability to listen in the background.

    What is ASMR and why is this trend breaking social media?

    Relaxing whispering, tapping, champing on camera or stirring soup with a spoon - such simple and uncomplicated, it would seem, videos today are gaining millions of views on social networks. This trend is called ASMR or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. This phenomenon describes a pleasant sensation of tingling in the back of the head, which spreads in the form of goosebumps on the skin of the neck, back and extremities. Users who watch ASMR videos describe their feelings of mild euphoria.

    However, if the popularity of the insinuating and relaxing voice has been understood since the discovery of hypnosis, then why does anyone feel euphoric from the sounds of chugging or grinding? It's all about triggers, the sector of which can be very different. Recall that initially triggers characterized events in psychology that cause a person with post-traumatic personality disorder to experience a sudden psychological trauma and severe negative emotions. However, in recent years, the term has begun to be used in psychology to refer to all signals that trigger the mechanisms of automatic psychological and behavioral reactions, both destructive and useful, accompanied by positive emotions. And if earlier triggers were used only in psychology, today they are used by marketers and politicians. And all in order to control the behavior and consciousness of people.

    Four categories of triggers are most commonly used in ASMR video. The most popular are sound: whispering, soft rustling, cutting soap, tapping nails, clicking tongue and, for example, the rustling of pages. The second category is visual stimuli. Among them are smooth hand movements, drawing, massage. The third group is situations depicting personal attention to a person. For example, a doctor's appointment, hair styling or makeup. The last category is tactile triggers - streams of warm water, soft touches, strokes.

    ASMR videos are popular on TikTok today, but a few years ago they were tearing Youtube apart. However, the term itself was formed in 2010. Jennifer Allen had strange feelings like her brain was tickled when she watched a video about space. For a long time, a woman tried to find an explanation for strange sensations, until one day she came across a post “Strange, but pleasant sensations” in one of the blogs.

    Learn more