sit back, relax

Do you get head tinglies during haircuts? Do pages turning or paper crinkling give you an unexplainable buzz? Friend, you may be experiencing ASMR. Read all about it in Grace Allison’s guest comic on Oh Joy Sex Toy!

Learn more about ASMR and spread the word!

What Is ASMR?

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which is a fancy term for a unique, tingling sensation that can be induced by being exposed to certain visual or auditory stimuli.

1. Origins

The definition of ASMR was introduced only 6 years ago by Jennifer Allen. However, the phenomenon was first mentioned in the 1926 novel “Mrs Dalloway”. Did you ever watch Bob Ross in your childhood and felt surprisingly relaxed and satisfied while listening to his soothing voice? Then you probably felt it yourself.

2. Triggers

In order to feel the tingling sensation, that usually starts in your scalp, you need to expose yourself to a “trigger”. You may experience ASMR through rather intimate interactions of daily life, usually intensified by certain acoustic or visual stimuli.

3. Examples

Listening to a soothing, whispering voice 

Being caressed 

Experiencing tender, personal attention 

Receiving a massage

4. Advantages

ASMR is an incredibly effective way to relax and shut down the mind. Those who experience it, claim that it helps reducing stress, anxiety and even panic attacks. Due to it’s advantages, ASMR is often used as a tool for meditation.

5. Medical Research

While there is no scientific proof of potential clinical advantages or dangers to ASMR yet, a number of scientists have expressed their opinion on the topic already. Currently, there are many documentaries and studies being made to further educate people about it.

6. Community

high heels clacking on the marble tiles of a church

a soda can being opened

a plastic-covered library book being pressed flat, crunching the binding

a marble rolling on a wooden floor