What Is ASMR—and How Does It Work?

Head tingling can happen from sights and sounds, but only some people seem to experience it.

Have you ever experienced a delightful tingling sensation in your scalp, triggered by specific sights and sounds? This phenomenon, known as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), might sound peculiar if you haven’t personally encountered it. For those who can evoke this sensation, it serves as a soothing and calming experience, typically originating in the scalp, the back of the neck, or the upper spine, with some individuals reporting that it cascades down to their limbs. However, not everyone finds ASMR pleasant; some may even perceive it as irritating.

The Mechanics of ASMR

ASMR can be elicited through various sensory stimuli, including auditory and visual cues. These stimuli often involve activities such as whispering, soft-speaking, tapping, scratching, slow and deliberate hand movements, and close personal attention. In a 2018 paper published in the journal PLoS One, these sensory triggers were examined in detail. Interestingly, real-life experiences like having one’s hair shampooed and styled can also induce ASMR.

The question that arises is, why do only certain individuals experience ASMR? Is it due to the release of mood-enhancing brain chemicals, or does it trace back to a more primitive, hardwired response to pleasurable sensations?

A 2018 study published in Bioimpacts delved into the brain activity of individuals experiencing ASMR. The research revealed significant activation in areas of the brain linked to reward and emotional arousal. Remarkably, this brain activity pattern mirrored that observed in the context of musical frisson, a psychophysiological response often characterized by goosebumps induced by emotionally moving music. This suggests that the sensation experienced during ASMR might be akin to the pleasure derived from a harmonious piece of music, with “frisson” being the French word for shiver.

Additionally, the brain regions activated during ASMR closely resembled those engaged when an individual is groomed, cared for, or engaged in affectionate interactions with their partner, as noted in the same study.

Is ASMR Real?

The prevalence of ASMR remains uncertain, as of May 2022, no nationally representative survey had been conducted to gauge its occurrence. Researchers have yet to define a distinct set of traits that characterize individuals prone to experiencing ASMR. However, a study published in PLoS One did yield intriguing findings. It discovered that ASMR videos could indeed evoke pleasant feelings but only in individuals who self-identified as having ASMR. Moreover, the ASMR group displayed a significant reduction in heart rate, more than three beats per minute, compared to a control group that did not experience this sensation.

If you have not encountered ASMR, this does not necessarily imply that you never will. The best way to find out is by exploring typical ASMR triggers through videos or audio and assessing your personal response.

The World of ASMR Videos

The proliferation of ASMR content on social media platforms has sparked increasing interest in this phenomenon. As of May 2022, Reddit boasted an ASMR community with over 252,000 members, actively sharing content and their ASMR experiences. ASMR videos are crafted to cater to a diverse range of audiovisual senses, recognizing that what lulls one person’s brain into a state of bliss may have little effect on someone else.

Key triggers in ASMR videos, as outlined in a March 2015 study published in PeerJ, include hushed whispers, crisp sounds, gentle movements, and personal attention offered through role-playing scenarios. These scenarios may involve video artists simulating actions like giving a head massage.

For instance, Craig Richard, PhD, a professor in the department of biopharmaceutical sciences at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, reminisced about experiencing ASMR as a child while watching Bob Ross on public television’s “The Joy of Painting.” Bob Ross’s soothing instructions and delicate brushstrokes have resonated with a broad audience within the ASMR community.

Intriguingly, Nitin Ahuja, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, explored a specific subgenre of ASMR videos in which video artists “play doctor.” Dr. Ahuja published his findings in the journal JAMA in April 2019. These clinical role-playing videos encompassed scenarios ranging from virtual vision testing to Reiki healing and even simulated gynecologic exams. Dr. Ahuja’s work raised a thought-provoking question: Can people derive therapeutic benefits from caregiving, even in a simulated context?

The Potential Benefits of ASMR

Researchers have embarked on a quest to unravel the origins and potential health benefits of ASMR. Evidence suggests that ASMR audio and videos may offer advantages even to those who do not experience the tingling effect.

In a May 2022 study published in the journal Experimental Brain Research, participants reported relaxation and lower heart rates while watching an ASMR video, regardless of whether they experienced tingling sensations. Those who did experience ASMR also noted decreased feelings of depression.

Another study, published in March 2022 in the Journal of Affective Disorders, affirmed that ASMR is linked to heightened relaxation and improved mood. This effect was particularly pronounced in participants who experienced the tingling sensation and those grappling with depression. Researchers also proposed that ASMR could potentially alleviate symptoms of insomnia and depression.

Moreover, a study published in November 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience highlighted that “ASMR stimulation can produce a pleasant state of relaxation,” even for individuals who do not experience tingling.

ASMR and its Relationship with Sensory Conditions

A February 2017 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology posited a connection between ASMR and synesthesia, a unique condition characterized by sensory crossover, such as experiencing colors or textures upon hearing sounds or tasting colors. Dr. Richard aptly described ASMR tingles as subtle, sparkly sensations, primarily felt in the head.

Conversely, for those who find themselves unreasonably irritated by videos featuring tapping, crinkling, or chewing, there might be a logical explanation. This reaction could be attributed to misophonia, a condition characterized by an intense aversion to specific sights and sounds—the polar opposite of the soothing effects of ASMR.

In conclusion, the realm of ASMR is a fascinating journey into the intricate interplay between sensory triggers, brain responses, and potential therapeutic benefits. While ASMR remains a subjective and diverse phenomenon, its exploration continues to captivate researchers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re an ASMR connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the world of tingling sensations and soothing whispers awaits your exploration.