Health

ASMR: Its Benefits Are More Than Just Tingling Sensations

Brain tingles
By: Balqis Ariffin / December 17, 2021

There’s a high chance that you have stumbled across videos on YouTube that solely features tapping and role play sessions. As weird as it sounds, ASMR has become a phenomenon that people secretly enjoy to melt away their stress. Thanks to the tingling sensation, the demands have been saturated with fans looking for euphoric triggers that invoke their all senses. In fact, ASMR made its way to the mainstream with celebrities like Cardi B, Margot Robbie, Cara Delevigne and Zoë Kravitz hopping on the bandwagon with ads. Needless to say, ASMRtists have become a full-time creators fulfilling the myriad demands of triggers. For newbies, ASMR is something that you either hate or are totally in love with. But you are certainly missing out big time if you have not converted into an ASMR aficionado yet. To get you started, Glitz has gathered all the essential details including the benefits of ASMR that will absolutely amaze you.

What Exactly is ASMR?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Autonomous sensory meridian response or commonly known by its abbreviation ASMR is actually a pseudoscience term. Initially, people were calling it brain orgasm since it is associated with tingling sensations.  Primarily, it involves triggering various senses by doing different types of acts like tapping, scratching, brushing, whispering, chewing, role play and visual stimulation. It is similar to what we experience as childhood when someone draws using their fingertips on your back. Moreover, people also claimed that ASMR reminds them of the time that they were being cared for by their parents or loved ones. As people have different preferences when it comes to ASMR, there’s an abundance of videos that cater to different niches including personal attention, mukbang, crisp sounds and role plays. Regardless of that, the primary goal is to deliver tingles, induce relaxation and promote better sleep for the viewers. So, it is not a surprise that it has been making waves across the world.  

The Health Benefits of ASMR

ASMR may seem like a culture that people do not openly admit that they love due to the stigma that comes with it. But actually, its amazing benefits have been supported by various studies. Research conducted by the University of Sheffield’s Department of Psychology in 2018 found that viewers that are exposed to ASMR videos recorded a lower heart rate compared to another group that viewed the non-ASMR videos. Moreover, the participants that watched ASMR videos are also found to be more relaxed which evidently indicates that it delivers therapeutic benefits to our overall well being. 

Additionally, another study published in 2015 also showed that ASMR can help to alleviate chronic pain and negative feelings including depression and stress. Among the known health benefits of it are shown as below:

  • Promotes relaxation and calmness 
  • Reduces depression and stress
  • Ensure better sleep
  • Therapeutic
  • Provides relief for pain
  • Induce a feeling of care for

Despite its whopping benefits, it should not be used as a substitute for any medications or therapies since it only provides temporary relief. Some opt to couple their treatment with ASMR videos as an additional therapy. However, the frequent exposure to these tingling sensations might even make you feel desensitized to it at some point. The majority of people often need to take a break from the ASMR video just to experience the euphoric triggers again. 

Is ASMR Suitable for You?

Unfortunately, not everyone will find that ASMR comforting and relaxing. Due to its nature, some people may find that it is unsettling and boring. Plus, the sound might cause misophonia as it invokes anxiety and stress. Depending on the individual, triggers like tapping, breathing, eating and sniffling may trigger the opposite effects of what it intended to be. Therefore, it is important to keep an open mind and continue to explore the triggers that suit you. With each ASMR artist possessing their own signature skills, you might find yourself inclined towards certain styles like storytelling or personal attention. Generally, ASMR is ideal for those who have high scores on openness-to-experience and neuroticism or low score on conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.

The Best ASMR Artists That You Should Subscribe Now 

Latte Asmr 

Lee Seulgi or commonly known by her followers as Latte has been publishing ASMR content since 2016. With over 1.7 million subscribers, she is highly loved for her cinematographic videos that feature real props and calming ambience. The sweetness of her voice added with outstanding themes, will surely make you fall asleep in a second.

WhispersRed

If you ever find yourself in need of a soothing and comforting voice, we highly recommend you subscribe to Emma Smith. She is a certified reiki practitioner and sound healing therapist that is known for her super calming and tingling videos. 

ATMOSPHERE

ATMOSPHERE the genius creation of Anastasia mainly features role playing game (RPG) videos with impeccable cinematography and storyline. If you’re into low voice, crips sounds and visual stimulation, her videos are definitely worth watching. 

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