It refers to the tingling sensation one experiences due to various kinds of feel-good sounds.
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a term that describes a spontaneous, enjoyable, and relaxing tingling sensation that begins in the scalp and radiates down the spine to your upper back shoulders, and legs. The sensation is triggered by various stimuli such as gentle whispering, brushing hair, soft finger tapping, crumpling or folding of paper, etc. The term was coined by Jennifer Allen in 2010 when she formed a Facebook group dedicated to ASMR. It is colloquially known as ‘brain massage, head tingle, brain tingle’, or ‘spine tingle. ASMR is being currently studied by scientists and psychologists.
According to an ongoing online survey, ASMR is experienced by people of all ages across the globe irrespective of race or culture, suggesting it is a sa biological response. So far scientists can’t explain why it works for many people or why it doesn’t affect some people. ASMR has, of late, become a YouTube phenomenon with millions of ASMR videos flooding the Internet. They feature someone talking softly, making soothing sounds, gently scratching various surfaces with fingernails, etc. People watch these videos to induce sleep or relaxation. However, professionals caution against depending much on ASMR, as its drawbacks, if any are yet to be fully ascertained.
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