ASMR - All You Needed to Know

ASMR refers to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which is a sensation of tingling that generally starts from one's head and slowly moves down towards the spine via the back of the neck. This tingling sensation is pleasant or soothing and not something that irritates. It gives you a feeling of wellbeing and happiness and is triggered via any sound or vision. The name "autonomous sensory meridian response" was suggested in 2010 by Jennifer Allen, who was part of an online platform for this occurrence. She specifically and consciously chose these words as she wanted the words associated with the name of this particular phenomenon to have specific meaning to it. • Due to its self-governing, spontaneous, with or without having any control nature, the word "Autonomous" was chosen. • Due to its association with the senses or sensation, the word "Sensory” was chosen. • As it felt like a point of highest development like a peak or a climax, the word “Meridian” was chosen. • The word “Response” was chosen due to the experience triggered by something internal or external. What are ASMR sounds or triggers? It's not rocket science, but simple sounds like the rustling of leaves or paper, sound of tapping, scratching, clinking or rubbing on different surfaces, sounds of water or even a particular vocal sound like talking or whispering can soothe you hence, is considered to be ASMR sounds as well as triggers. Including the above points, there are other triggers as well as role-play, eating, massaging, physical touch, hand movement, or watching a mundane task being performed, etc. What is the need for ASMR? ASMR is relatively new and is still undergoing a lot of research and study. However, according to surveys conducted on ASMR, it helps people relax and sleep peacefully. It also helps soothe people with anxiety, depression, and stress and has also helped reduce chronic pain symptoms in some. Thus, it shows to have a positive effect on improving people’s lives in a lot of ways. How are ASMR sound recorded? Some artists create these sounds through highly sensitive microphones (omnidirectional/ bidirectional) or make use of binaural recording type to record sounds specifically for the right and the left ear individually with their voice as well as with tools like paper, leaves, brushes, combs, etc. creating sounds of rustling, scratching, clinking or rubbing on different surfaces. There are videos as well that are recorded that show a mundane task being performed or eating with chewing sounds, drinking with slurping sounds, messaging, etc. Are there any side effects caused due to ASMR? Though it is still an ongoing process of understanding the magnitude of ASMR’s impact, there has been no detection of any negative side effects. In fact, with whatever little study and research conducted on ASMR, it’s shown only positive results in helping people with insomnia, depression, stress, anxiety. rnASMR has worked wonders for people as it helps them lead a better and improved life, making them happy, which alternatively helps them stay healthy.