ASMR: A Unique Brain Phenomenon
Have you ever experienced a pleasing feeling that starts at the brain and spreads downwards? If yes, what does this sensation mean? ASMR! In this article, we will explain the ASMR meaning and why it is used for this sensation. So, let’s start.
What Does ASMR Mean?
ASMR, an acronym for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a slang term used for a pleasant feeling. The stimulus that triggers the tingling sensation includes brushing, whispers, scratching, tapping, and any other thing that acquires a person’s attention. In response to this stimulus, a calming feeling and tingling sensation arises in the scalp. And spreads downwards moving in the midline to the spine and sometimes towards the shoulders and the limbs. Moreover, as the sensations spread downwards they may vary in intensity.
What Is ASMR?
It is a blissful sensation that is not felt by everyone. The people who experience this relaxing sensation often link it to some stimulus that can be someone’s close attention, whispers or sounds, a particular taste, smell, and something else. You can also name it as “Brain tingles” or “brain massage”.
How Do You Know?
If you experience a pleasant, relaxing feeling or get chills, then the feeling is ASMR. Here, do bear in mind, everyone has different responses to different stimuli. So just focus on whether or not you feel a calming sensation when a certain stimulus occurs. If yes, then you can call this reaction ASMR.
Origin of the Term
Jennifer Allen was the first to coin this term in 2010. While she was experiencing the tingling sensation she came up with the idea to create a community called steadyhealth.com forum. Unfortunately, this forum did not catch on. She then created a Facebook page and named it Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response Group. Since this name was the perfect reflection of this term and defined it as objective, clinical, impersonal; this community got popularity. Till now, this sensation is known by the abbreviation ASMR.
Interesting Facts About ASMR
- If someone experiences ASMR, he has a better ability to cope with depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Many people misunderstand chills and ASMR. Physiological chills and ASMR are pretty different. In the former, the tingling sensation can arouse anywhere like the spine or limbs.
- Some people who experience ASMR feel guilty and link this sensation to sexual arousal. But, in reality, it has not any link with that.
- To stimulate ASMR, many video creators, ASMRtists, created ASMR videos for people who want to experience ASMR.
- In 2020, ASMR was known as the third most popular search term on YouTube.
- ASMR videos are considered as the approved new digital mental therapy for those suffering from stress and other mental illnesses.
Now whenever you have experienced this strange tingling sensation, you might be able to name this ASMR. Hopefully, after reading this article you will know ASMR meaning and everything related to this term.
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