ASMR – Does it work for you?

[Fuzzy_]

ASMR is a therapy used to attain relaxation, pleasure or simulated physiological sematosensory affects. Here's the description from Wikipedia:

The term "autonomous sensory meridian response" (ASMR) is a . . . biological phenomenon, characterized as a distinct, pleasurable tingling sensation often felt in the head, scalp or peripheral regions of the body in response to various visual, auditory, olfactory and cognitive stimuli. The phenomenon was first noted through Internet culture such as blogs and online videos. Tom Stafford, a professor at the University of Sheffield, says "It might well be a real thing, but it's inherently difficult to research."
​

Some 'triggers' such as hearing slow, quiet speech, viewing instructive videos from experts, experiencing empathy, close personal attention or haircuts are supposed to heighten the ASMR response. Whispering is very common in real or virtual ASMR. The videos are widely used to help with sleep.

This one is form a women using a 3-D mic and 'triggers': *_* Oh such a good 3D-sound ASMR video *_* - YouTube

This one is a male giving a haircut and a scalp massage: ASMR Relaxing Head Massage and Hair Cut - YouTube

What do you think? Is it sexual roleplay in disguise? Is it calming? Does it help you sleep? Is it creepy?

 

[LaFemme]

Well. Learn something new every day! I've experienced that sensation numerous times, but had no idea there was a name for it! I love that feeling and don't associate it with sexual feelings at all. It feels innocent and just......really nice. I've never fallen asleep, but I always feel relaxed, even if I'm covered in pleasurable goosebumps. Again, not sexual - just nice. It's funny, because I can feel like like watching cooking videos!

Thanks for teaching me something new about myself!

 

[Karnage]

Nope these videos help me sleep. : )

 

[SyddyKitty]

I watch videos like this to help me sleep sometimes - get that aforementioned tingling too, though. The Salad Fingers series usually hit this ASMR thing pretty hard for me. Interesting to know it has a name. Nothing sexual for me, though. Now, if we're talking q-tips gently rubbing in the ear... The same for feeling very constant bass in my ears from headphones.*cough* >_> I'm not weird! Sometimes it shoots down my spine. o3o

 

[798686]

Well. Learn something new every day! I've experienced that sensation numerous times, but had no idea there was a name for it! I love that feeling and don't associate it with sexual feelings at all. It feels innocent and just......really nice. I've never fallen asleep, but I always feel relaxed, even if I'm covered in pleasurable goosebumps. Again, not sexual - just nice. It's funny, because I can feel like like watching cooking videos!

Thanks for teaching me something new about myself!

Me too, haha. I just thought it was my body releasing a load of relaxant chemicals or something?

 

[nudeyorker]

I have experienced this listening to certain music and looking at certain pieces of art, watching a ballet and with certain smells.

 

[LaFemme]

Isn't it odd that we've all experienced this, but at least for myself, weren't aware that is was actually a phenomena? I always thought it was just something I just felt.

I just feel so close to y'all now! :laugh:

 

[DarkOverlord]

I get this when I watch people draw! Like you LaFemme it's nothing sexual and I never realised it was anything other than a normal part of the human condition. I always assumed it was part of feeling in awe of a level of skill I envy.

 

[nudeyorker]

Correct me if I'm wrong but is it sense memory? I posted this in another thread, In terms of scents this is what pushes my buttons...

Many scents bring many memories back very vividly...
The salt smell of an old fashioned ice cream churning machine.
Brylcreem
Vetiver
A chlorinated swimming pool early in the morning
Really old yellow paged books
Attics of old houses during the summer
The ozone smell from snow skiing
Suntan lotion from the 60's (Like Coppertone used to smell)
Night blooming jasmine
A zillion smells that used to come from our kitchen when I was growing up; (every time I recreate one it takes me back to another place and time in an instant)
Joy perfume on a certain type of lady
White cotton sheets drying on a clothesline
I could go on and on, but if I think of anymore really good ones I'll post again.

 

[798686]

Correct me if I'm wrong but is it sense memory? I posted this in another thread, In terms of scents this is what pushes my buttons...

I think it can be - a brain association sets it off, as with all sorts of state-dependant memories.

I get mine usually when I'm specifically doing relaxation - and there's a certain part of it (attached to a certain word, weirdly) that sets it off.

A similar, but not quite as nice one, is when you shiver for no reason, in a 'someone's just walked over my grave' moment.

 

[Scorpiokink86]

I have felt that, way before I even knew its name, haha.
But it's never been on a sexual level, only a pleasant sensation when I hear something, especially whispered voices.