What the hell is ASMR?!

ASMR stands for Autonomous sensory meridian response. It is a state in which you experience profound relaxation (some people have brain tingles).

ASMR

Do you want to experience these brain orgasms first hand?

Check out the featured artists on the ASMR University’s website.

Yes, you read that right. There is an online University to educate people about the topic.

Frankly speaking, I could stare at the university’s logo and experience ASMR right this moment, which I will do after writing this blog.

But wait, what do you mean – ASMR artists?

Well, people believe ASMR is an amalgamation of art and science, hence, the artists.

My encounter with ASMR

I was scrolling through the explore section on my instagram like usual; and then it hit. A lady was whispering and commanding me through a phone screen!

She used different sounds to create an enticing video that one can’t peel their eyes off. I just kept following her instructions word for word; I won't lie, it was quite relaxing.

The first time I was introduced to ASMR was while watching some YouTube shorts. I used to think it had something to do with sound because they all used such catchy and captivating song strips. Later on, when I stumbled upon this lady’s videos, I realised that ASMR is not just about the sound. She used lights and stuff, targeting two senses – my vision and hearing – at the same time.

Side note: I coined the term: song strip. It is a small piece of the total song, used in short videos to hook the viewer and/or give a certain impression.

I was scared to be honest. What if she hypnotised me? In my defense I recently watched ‘Get out.’

Side note: Review of the movie – it was disturbing sci-fi that made me sad initially, but had a happy ending! Surprising for a psychotic hollywood horror, i know…. I grew up watching ‘When a stranger calls,’ ‘A nightmare on Elm street,’ and ‘I know what you did last summer.’ with my mom.

So yes, I was worried about being hypnotised, to my great relief, she did not hypnotise me. But she totally hypnotised my attention in those 15 seconds (on a loop, i watched the same video 3 times before peeling away from it). She was that good.

Practical uses of ASMR

I think this could be a great way of dealing with anxiety, stress, or maybe even depression. People report feeling calm after watching ASMR videos or listening to triggering sounds.

Is ASMR addictive?

Not enough research to give you a clear answer. Although, if you do consume ASMR content regularly, you may crave it more; for example, just like you crave dessert after a meal (if you’ve been doing that for a long time). So I guess it’s addictive powers are similar to habits, it becomes a default in your brain.

My father and I are obsessed with massages. Anywhere, anytime, for all of eternity I guess we won't stop the massage unless you do.

I recall an incident where my scalp was inflamed and burning because my aunty scratched my head so badly while giving me a head massage. Now don’t define me as an addict, yet. I complained slightly only once during the whole procedure but she was engrossed in the task. She used her nails and went to town on my head, and I remained there enjoying the torture. In hindsight, I think it was ASMR.

Can I be hypnotised using ASMR?

Again, not enough research is available. But I do recommend being cautious of the environment you put yourself in. It’s better to try something new in a safe space, (as I watched that video, fearing hypnosis, in my home) with trusted people.

Remove yourself from any situation where you don’t feel safe.

P.S. I’d like a scientist to tell me if it can hypnotise me or not, after doing thorough research of course!

Now I did some research and guess what, this term has been around since 2010!

First of all, Why am I hearing about this just now, after like 12 years?

Anyhow, it figures that ASMR simulation can be of two types – audio & visual. There’s not much hofficial research into the subject but many report to experience similar benefits as meditation. Some even recommended usage during extremely stressful periods.

What are the common symptoms/signs?

People say you experience a tingly sensation, I, for one, don’t

But others reported a feeling of relaxation or calm

One more thing

I think I first experienced ASMR while scratching my head with this manual head massager:

Manual head massager

In my opinion, this was totally ASMR. My brain could’ve popped out from my ear if I didn’t stop in the first 5 seconds. I could be wrong, let me know what you think in the comment section.

Plus here are some more reading materials to deep dive into this topic:

ASMR university’s website – a gold mine of information on ASMR

What ASMR means: How it works and why it's popular

ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response)

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): a flow-like mental state