Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a physical sensation characterized by a pleasurable tingling that typically begins in the head and scalp, and often moves down the spine and through the limbs.
Most ASMR episodes begin by an external or internal trigger, and are so divided for classification. Type A episodes are elicited by the experiencer using no external stimuli, and are typically achieved by specific thought patterns unique to the individual. Type B episodes are triggered involuntarily by an external trigger, via one or more senses, and may also involve specific thought patterns associated with the triggering event. Both types of triggers vary between individuals, but many are common to a large portion of ASMR enjoyers.
Common external triggers:
- Exposure to slow, accented, or unique speech patterns
- Viewing educational or instructive videos or lectures
- Experiencing a high empathetic or sympathetic reaction to an event
- Enjoying a piece of art or music
- Watching another person complete a task, often in a diligent, attentive manner - examples would be filling out a form, writing a check, going through a purse or bag, inspecting an item closely, etc.
- Close, personal attention from another person
- Haircuts, or other touch from another on head or back
My pal Mark Houston stumbled across an assortment of clips meant to induce this state of mind, and we couldn't stop watching them. I posted it to a friend in Australia who used to be driven mad by things like people who chew cereal loudly, and even she was oddly lulled.
Liliwhispers is my fave.
Haha.. I experience this phenomenon quite a bit, but didn't know it had a name.. Good stuff!
Posted by: Tom Bogdon | February 08, 2012 at 10:53 PM
Rain and thunders are a very powerful triggers for me. I guess the combination of both (soft and intimidating) are a strong release of sudden body reactions.
Do you like the rain? How does it make you feel? Listen to the following video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO3uhAPL8Oo
Peace.
Posted by: raptor | April 16, 2012 at 05:12 PM
I'll just leave this here:
http://www.asmrelax.com/
Posted by: ASMRelax | April 22, 2012 at 10:57 AM
This guy is my favorite.
I would watch him all the time when I was just a kid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPPOpWBMFx4&feature=relmfu
Posted by: Fred G | May 03, 2012 at 02:08 AM
Goosebumps are another one. Not sure if yawning is considered one or not, but sometimes I've noticed that after watching the same video over and over I'll yawn at specific points, not because of boredom or tiredness.
Posted by: MrKappa | February 12, 2013 at 04:22 PM
Nice to see some ASMR'tists I've never seen before.
Posted by: MrGamma | March 09, 2013 at 12:05 PM