Autonomous sensory meridional response (ASMR) is a concept that was unknown to the general public until recently. I had to look through the information on the Internet for a very long time and carefully, since it was almost impossible to understand in another way what this direction was. However, at the present stage, it has become much easier to find out what ASMR is. And it is this direction that will be discussed in the review.
What is it about?
Absolutely every person shows his own reaction to the world around him. Some people are highly sensitive to smells, while others are irritated by loud noises or bright lights. Some are able to faint at the sight of a drop of blood, while others will lose their temper at the sound of grinding. This is how external stimuli affect the human psyche.
Many people at least once in their lives, but had to experience the pleasure of sound or touch. Such feelings cannot be controlled, they are very much like the sensations experienced during the sound of a beloveda musical composition or watching a good movie.
There is an expression among the people “goosebumps”. It should be understood as a slight tingling, as if hundreds of insects quickly begin to crawl over the skin. But do not confuse such goosebumps with those that occur when entering cold water, when the body cools sharply. The first case, unlike the second, is closely related to getting pleasure.
The occurrence of a phenomenon
Psychiatrists have not studied this phenomenon enough. And many of the scientists generally doubt that it exists. However, Internet users became interested in it.
In 2010, Jennifer Allen created a group on the social network, which she devoted to studying this effect. As a result of this, the abbreviation ASMR appeared. What is it and what to do with it? The abbreviation should be understood as those pleasant sensations that the body begins to experience under the influence of external stimuli.
The condition can arise at the most unexpected moment. And it can be caused by whispering, rustling papers, a pen, tapping on some material, stroking, etc. Some people can react to the timbre of a voice or the sound of a musical instrument.
Women tend to experience ASMR during strokes. However, this reaction should not be confused with sexual arousal. These concepts have nothing in common. By its nature, the meridional reaction is more like meditation.
Varieties of meridional reaction
What isASMR? These are sensations in which pleasant goosebumps begin to appear in the occipital region. Subsequently, they spread in waves throughout the body. At the same time, the mood will noticeably improve, the manifestation of stress will decrease, and someone will even be able to fall asleep.
Some of these sensations bring only sound stimuli. There are also people who are able to independently cause “goosebumps”, remembering pleasant moments. Although the meridian response has nothing to do with sexual arousal, some people under its influence begin to experience far from platonic sensations.
It is worth highlighting one interesting fact. Not everyone is equally affected by ASMR. There are users who are indifferent to the phenomenon, while others are only annoyed by such manipulations. How many such people, it is impossible to say. Only scientists can report this when they finally find time to study such an interesting phenomenon.
Short Dictionary
- Goosebumps - a sensation of tingling, gentle tickling, which is formed in the head area, gradually dispersing through the body.
- Trigger - a stimulus, an irritant that can cause goosebumps. Sounds or clips are recorded using professional equipment, which will add volume to the sound, which only enhances the effect.
- ASMR artist - a person who publishes videos. There are people who just make sounds. However, bloggers are especially popularputting on a whole performance.
- ASMR role-playing game is a kind of show that an artist can put on. The most popular are the images of doctors, masseurs, hairdressers, talking in an affectionate whisper.
Trigger groups
Irritants (triggers) can be divided into several fairly large groups.
- Sounds. We are talking about whispering, soft speech, tapping, rustling of paper or plastic, etc. Sounds can be very different, including champing.
- Visual manipulation. “Goosebumps” can be caused by shadow play, repetitive movements, any video recordings, professional acting, etc.
- Complex impressions. This group implies that a person is in the center of special attention, increased care. He is under the influence of both sound and visual manipulations. That is why videos with elements of role-playing games, where actors play the role of doctors, masseurs, stylists, etc., have become very popular. The necessary sensations also arise due to a kind of ritual when the viewer watches a logical, measured and slightly mysterious action.
It should be noted that not all stimuli affect people equally. Someone is able to “hook” a quiet voice, someone likes tapping more, and someone would prefer to watch some games. But this is understandable, because we are all different.
Artists
Speaking of what ASMR is, it is impossible not to mention the artists. Over the past few yearsthere are many video bloggers who specialize in this effect. An interesting fact is that these are predominantly girls, regardless of the fact that the audience consists equally of both men and women.
The reason for this, most likely, should be sought in the culture. It is generally accepted that comfort and a pleasant atmosphere should be monitored mainly by the fair sex. But, perhaps, over time, the number of men who specialize in the meridional reaction will increase.
Why is this necessary?
People who constantly watch videos say that with their help they manage to escape from problems, calm the nervous system, and relax. In addition, the ASMR effect helps to cope with insomnia. For some, the actions of triggers resemble a feeling of euphoria, while others compare the effect with a brain orgasm (braygasm). And no one will argue that it is very nice.
What is ASMR and how does it help relieve anxiety? The first part has already been answered. We should talk about how to get rid of anxiety and other negative moments with the help of this phenomenon.
The effect has its own “indications for use”. It is not recommended to watch videos in a hectic environment. For example, if children and relatives constantly scream, then it is better to abandon ASMR. A “brain orgasm” can only be achieved if there is no one in the room except the listener.
What to choose - speakers or headphones? Best for watching ASMR videosheadphones. They will help you fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere that the video blogger is trying to create. In addition, it is the headphones that will create the effect in which you can feel that someone is whispering nice words in your ear. You can't do this with speakers.
Negative points
What else can be said about the ASMR phenomenon? This hobby to some extent may resemble fetishism. However, there are other nuances that you need to be aware of if you plan to watch videos.
Firstly, not all actors and actresses are professionals. Some may look stupid, which spoils the attitude towards the meridional reaction in general.
Secondly, not all bloggers are equally honest. Someone can promote NLP instead of ASMR, trying to hypnotize the viewer, drive him into a state of trance to achieve some selfish goals.
Thirdly, this kind of art can cause far from the most pleasant sensations. After all, as mentioned above, not all people are able to feel the effect of ASMR videos. In a situation like this, just turn off the video and try to find another way to relax.
Conclusion
Thanks to professional ASMR artists, this direction can be considered a new art form that has emerged at the intersection of the technical environment and practically unexplored areas of neuroscience.
Braingasm can bring both a sense of satisfaction and a feeling of sincere happiness. Maybe soonIn the future, absolutely everyone will be able to experience it, but at the present stage this phenomenon has been studied only to a small extent. We hope this review helped you understand what ASMR is.
