I learned about ASMR the good old-fashioned way (aka scrolling through Facebook). There was a video about a lady that made a YouTube career out of eating pickles into a microphone. And people find it relaxing?
I was intrigued enough to dig a little deeper. I learned about “triggers”, the acoustic or visual stimuli that elicit the tingling sensation, which can be very weird specific (see: eating pickles). Common triggers include whispers, slow or repetitive movements, crisp sounds, and personal attention (more on that later). And that’s only scratching the surface. A YouTube search comes back with over 13 million ASMR video results! Most of them made by attractive young women, but whatever. 95% of the ASMR community INSISTS that there’s nothing sexual or kinky about it (China disagrees). The other 5% are off making ASMRotica, which I was too cowardly to explore.
I learned that not everyone experiences the sensation; you either can, or you can’t (I can. BRING ON THE TINGLES). Anecdotally, I also learned that trying to describe it to your non-ASMR capable mom friends at the park will get you some weird looks and awkward chuckles. My husband doesn’t trust it, period.
However ASMR gets its power,I can testify that it freaking works. I’ve never thought I’d unwind from listening to a Chinese lady scratch a microphone and whisper about her fingernail polish, but the joke was clearly on me.
The Science Behind The Tingles
Yeah, there really isn’t any. Science can’t really explain why some people can experience the tingling and some can’t, or why certain sounds trigger the response. Granted, it’s barely been researched. Science didn’t even come up with a name for it; a lady on Facebook did. However, there has been a recently published study about the potential health benefits of ASMR by the University of Sheffield in England. Their findings, though preliminary, showed that the sensations aren’t just all in your head. The participants, a mix of those who experience the response and those that don’t, viewed ASMR videos and then rated their emotions. The participants with an ASMR response reported lower stress and sadness, and higher levels of calm than the poor bastards who experienced no response. They also had lower heart rates while viewing the videos than the other group. I’m pretty sure weed does the same thing, but this is free and legal in all 50 states.
Give It A Try
There’s truly something for everyone. Even if you don’t get the tingles, many of the videos are still incredibly relaxing. Here’s a bunch of celebrities trying their hand at ASMR sounds. If Selma Hayek eating a tostada doesn’t give you full body chills, than I feel sorry for you.
Need help calming your mind and falling asleep? This video is Ambien for your ears.
Relaxing Roleplay
A good chunk of ASMR videos use “personal attention” as a trigger through mostly non-kinky roleplay. If you find a doctor’s exam, haircut, ear cleanings, or visiting a Chinese herbal shop relaxing, you’re in luck! There’s a great chance an attractive lady will dress up and pretend to do all those things for you. I’m not kidding.
It has 4.7 million views. And where are my Potterheads? Because you can lower your heart rate AND get matched with a wand at Ollivander’s in this one:
There are literally millions of other scenarios. I’d give more examples but I’m so chill-axed from previewing the above videos that that I’m about to fall asleep.
ASMR just not your thing? Do you, too, believe that it’s probably witchcraft? That’s cool. Maybe try Julie’s post on Finding Your Chill instead, or Bekah’s ideas on balancing the heavy with the light. Whatever works for you, find it and DO IT. You’re looking a little tense. Let yourself have time to recharge, and then get out there and fight the good fight.
Have You Tried ASMR?
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