My discovery of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response began with an SNL sketch, of all things. You know the one where Kristen Wiig plays a hippie relaxation guru with, ahem, “unconventional” spa treatments? Despite its absurdity, I found this particular character's voice weirdly soothing, and instead of laughing, I closed my eyes.
After a few nights of falling asleep to this sketch, I began searching for spa/self-care type videos. And YouTube did not disappoint. I found the channel PsycheTruth first, chock full of videos on various holistic health care topics.
Embarrassing as this is to admit, I started watching PyscheTruth’s massage tutorials, given by a therapist named Athena Jezik. Her voice was soft, her words kind and weathered by experience. Under her hands the body became a map. From Jezik I learned about different muscle groups and where they were located, and how to gently palpate the tissue in a way that helped heal rather than harm. Gradually, as I listened and learned, I also fell asleep.
Somehow, through PsycheTruth and Athena Jezik, YouTube led me into the ASMR world. This was six years ago, and today the ASMR community has grown exponentially. Admittedly, I hadn’t ever publically spoken or written about ASMR until now, because frankly, it’s bizarre. Yet I’ve listened to ASMR videos nearly every night for the past six years. And as someone who has benefitted from ASMR, I do want people to hear about it and to give it a chance.
Here are some things you should know:
- ASMR can help people who struggle with insomnia, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and panic attacks, as well as just everyday stress and intrusive thoughts. Listening to ASMR fills your head with a positive and calming presence, providing less room for the negativity to creep in.
- ASMR is more than a coping strategy; it’s a whole community. And probably one of the kindest, most sensitive ones you can find on YouTube or on the internet at large. Many ASMR content creators (or ASMRtists, as they’re called in the community) have struggled from various mental health issues as well, and in some way or another stumbled into ASMR. Some ASMRtists even say it changed their life.
- When you were young, did you ever feel calmed or relaxed by random sounds such as, but not limited to: markers tumbling in a box, tapping, or whispering? What about if someone brushed or played with your hair? Have you ever feel a slight tingly feeling on your scalp when you relaxed? Maybe you didn’t have a name for it. That was ASMR.
- ASMR has different types of “triggers.” The most common trigger is whispering. Other triggers include tapping, role-playing (non-sexual), crinkly sounds, scratching, and even visuals, like drawing, painting, or hand movements. Keep in mind that not all triggers may work for you. I personally like whispers. Crinkles and tapping is just noise to me.
- ASMR is still rather understudied, despite the positive impact it has made to viewers around the world. The term for it was coined only recently, in 2010. While it's no substitute for medication or professional help, it's a good resource to use on the side that doesn't cost any additional money.
- While you may hear ASMR described as “brain orgasms,” it’s not typically seen as sexual. It’s merely a comforting relaxation strategy for most.
- Have an open mind. It’s super weird, okay? But for millions of people, it works. So what? Just give it a chance. If you’re new to ASMR, it may help to start out with more conventional relaxation ASMR videos, such as massage tutorials, whispered/soft-spoken self-care tips, or guided visualizations.
So tingle on, tingle-heads. I hope you find a trigger that works for you!
