ASMR is the acronym for the English expression Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response , or in Portuguese, Autonomous Sensory Response of the Meridian, and represents a pleasant tingling sensation that is felt in the head, neck and shoulders when you hear someone whispering or making repetitive movements.
Although not everyone feels that ASMR is pleasant, those who manage to have this feeling affirm that it is able to relieve anxiety and depression crises, being increasingly used as a relaxation technique, even if it is just to sleep better, for example.
This technique should be avoided by those who suffer from misophonia or similar problems, in which sounds such as chewing, swallowing or whispering cause increased agitation and anxiety. Better understand what misophonia is and how to identify it.
Check out some examples of ASMR in this video:
What is ASMR for
Normally ASRM is used to relax and promote sleep, but as ASMR causes a deep sense of relaxation, it can be used to complement the treatment of:
- Insomnia; Crisis of anxiety or panic; Depression.
Normally the feeling of well-being caused by ASMR disappears in a few hours and, therefore, it is considered only a temporary technique that helps to complete the medical treatment of any of these conditions, and should not replace the instructions given by the doctor.
How does the ASMR feel
The sensation created by ASMR does not appear in all people and its intensity can also vary according to the sensitivity of each person. In most cases it is described as a pleasant tingling sensation that starts at the back of the neck, spreads to the head and that finally goes down the spine.
Some people may still feel the tingling in the shoulders, arms and the back, for example.
What can cause ASMR
Any repetitive and methodical sound or movement can end up causing a sensation of ASMR, however, the most frequent is that it happens due to light sounds like:
- Whisper close to the ear; Fold towels or sheets; Leaf a book; Comb your hair; Hear the sound of falling rain; Tap lightly with your fingers on a table.
In addition, it is still possible that the sensation and relaxation caused by ASMR is also caused by the activation of other senses, such as sight, touch, smell or taste, but most people seem to be more sensitive to auditory stimuli.
What happens in the brain
It is not yet known the process by which ASMR works, however, it is possible that in more sensitive people there is the release of endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin and other neurotransmitters that quickly relieve stress and anxiety.
Watch the following video to help relax your body and mind and to help you fall asleep faster:
