ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.
It is characterised by a euphoric sensation that starts in the head and moves down the body and through the limbs. This is often referred to as ‘brain tingles’ and is generally brought on by specific sounds, or less often, visual triggers.
Common triggers include whispering, soft speaking, crinkling, paper sounds such as folding or rustling, tapping, drawing, unboxing and personal attention (eg. having an eye test or a massage etc).
Not everyone can experience ASMR. There is no known fact about what percentage of the population experience ASMR but my experience tells me that fewer people experience ASMR than those that don’t.
ASMR has been shown to alleviate symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. I like to call it my ‘sound drug’.
People who do not experience ASMR tend to have a difficult time understanding what the sensation is like when it is explained to them. I often tell people to try one of those ‘Orgasmatron‘ head massagers as I think the pleasurable tingles that that gives is quite similar to ASMR.
Many may think that ASMR is a sexual fetish or something creepy, but it is nothing like that at all.
It’s simply a method of meditation and relaxation and those that experience ASMR are very lucky people indeed.
For more information about ASMR please visit the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response Wikipedia page