What We Really Know About ASMR
If you spend time on YouTube or TikTok,you may have come across videos of someone whispering into a microphone,carefully slicing stacks of slime,or slowly ripping strips of paper.These videos are designed to trigger an autonomous sensory meridian(经络)response,or ASMR,a pleasant feeling that travels from the top of the head down the back of the neck to the upper spine.
Watching videos that trigger ASMR is thought to lead to positive responses throughout the body including enhanced mood,relaxation,and even pain relief.But can you really achieve these benefits just by watching a short video?A systematic review published seeks to answer that question.German researchers combined the data from 54 studies to better help us understand ASMR and its effects.
But first,where did this idea come from?There are references to feelings similar to ASMR in classic literature dating back to the early 1900s.The contemporary definitions of ASMR sprang from a discussion forum on a health-focused website in 2007.A YouTuber named Jennifer Allen coined the term in 2010.
Based on the previous studies,the researchers concluded that examples of triggers include whispering,tapping,and natural sounds,and it is important to note that specific triggers of ASMR and the intensity of the response vary widely by individuals.They also explored its benefits.Clear evidence shows that ASMR can reduce stress and anxiety.Data also shows that it can improve short-term memory.In specific cases,participants watching ASMR videos had lower heart rates and blood pressure,physical signals of relaxation.In addition,they found that ASMR triggers brain activity patterns associated with relaxation and stress relief.
Despite the encouraging results,the authors noted that many of the ASMR studies had small sample sizes and a lack of diversity among participants; more research is needed to truly understand the impacts of ASMR.
Luckily,it's true that watching sensory videos of people brushing their hair,whispering,and making soft repetitive noises can lead to relaxation and stress relief.The best thing about ASMR is that there are minimal side effects.So if you're feeling anxious or stressed,it might be worth watching a few minutes of ASMR videos to see if they help!
