Mindfulness

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a phenomenon characterized by a tingling sensation in the scalp that spreads throughout the body in response to specific audio or visual stimuli, usually everyday objects or actions.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a type of tingling, static-like sensation that is triggered by special audiovisual stimulation. The sensation passes through the scalp and the back of the neck, sometimes even spreading to the ends of the extremities. In recent years, research on ASMR has been gradually increasing.

The present study examines whether this experience is indeed specific to these ASMR videos, or whether it can also be triggered by other types of videos, e.g. walking tour videos. A further goal was to investigate differences between ASMR-responders and ASMR-non-responders regarding their ASMR sensation and to compare ASMR and walking tour videos with regard to the elicitation of positive affect and state relaxation.

Findings indicate that ASMR is a reliable and physiologically-rooted experience that may have therapeutic benefits for mental and physical health.

Brain Matters columnist Richard Sima explains what’s happening in the brains of the estimated 15 to 20 percent of people who feel ASMR