The Who, What, Where, When, Why of (LIVE) ASMR
WHO
Let's start by talking a little about WHO experiences or can experience ASMR. While it appears that not everyone has the ability to immediately feel the tingles or even the desire to, there are some significant patterns among those that already do, which could offer us some insight on how it could potentially be introduced and occur in more of the greater population.
A vast majority of ASMR-fanatics recognize that they've been experiencing the reaction since childhood but have never paid much attention to it or knew of a term to describe it (until 2010, when the term, "ASMR", was coined by Jennifer Allen, a significant contributor and pioneer to the community).
One prominent characteristic of common ASMR triggers is the nurturing quality, with traits of kindness or gentleness being some of the strongest inducers for the sleepy/soothing reaction. For many, ASMR may have occurred for the first time during a haircut, a classroom lesson from a teacher, watching a television program, being fitted for an outfit, or some other incident where attention to detail was being performed to a high degree, by someone that cared for them deeply (a potential indicator of where the early onset could have originated from). And of course feelings of relaxation and the "warm and fuzzies" are nothing new – it overcomes us when we have a spike of oxytocin in our brain, aka the Cuddle Hormone (produced from acts of care and affection). These reactions have occurred since the beginning of time, but which aspects of it can be pinpointed and attributed as ASMR?
Perhaps the simulation of 1-on-1 interactions in today's most popular ASMR content (role plays of service-based experiences) offers a sense of nostalgia and comforting familiarity, playing on memory recall to an enjoyable time from one's past, which seems to appeal to viewers most. In this case, the demographic may be largely those who have strong relationships with their mothers or a nurturing figure, those who often frequent places of pampering, empaths, introverts who prefer more intimate settings as opposed to being among larger groups, strong listeners or those keen to detail - the possibilities of what makes up a recipient of ASMR could be endless).
While more research is needed to determine the exact distinction between ASMR-enthusiasts and those who are not, fascinating commonalities are revealing themselves daily with countless new members discovering their own receptiveness to this amazing feeling more often as well. With our in-person LIVE ASMR services, we hope to offer an alternative avenue for tingly experiences that strengthens and grows the community, to feel the same beloved connections we felt before, and to do so continually.
WHAT & HOW
For those who potentially have yet to experience ASMR, WHAT is it exactly, and HOW does it feel? Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response is a physical feeling can occur in response to varying forms of physical, audio, or visual stimuli, otherwise known as to the ASMR community as "triggers". Triggers can include whispering, tapping, delicate and slow movement, repetitive tasks or actions, clicky or squishy sounds, hair play, back tracing, face brushing, and more, all elements that have the ability to induce the response in the body.
ASMR is described to feel as a deeply soothing, tingling sensation that flows throughout the body, usually beginning at the top of the scalp, along the spine and throughout the limbs, all the way down to the toes – waves of pure blissful static that can last for a few seconds and continuously reoccur depending on the type of trigger consumed.
WHY
So why is ASMR a thing? As of today, the term "ASMR" is the third most searched term on Youtube (after #1 "BTS" and #2 "pewdiepie" - the site's most subscribed-to content creator). Literally *millions* of people find ASMR content to be helpful with insomnia/trouble with sleeping, stress relief, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and many other personal challenges as it can be deeply soothing, instantly calming and relaxing for the body. With content simulating some of life's most comforting scenarios or even just simple yet mesmerizing actions and moments, people are able to easily access an escape that simply makes them feel better.
While more research needs to be conducted to explain the potential science behind this phenomenon, ASMR content is undoubtedly a very real (even if only just anecdotally for now) and beneficial tool with considerable positive impact on the community.
WHERE & WHEN
With the tinglesbar in-person LIVE ASMR services, we hope to offer an alternative avenue for tingly experiences that strengthens and grows the community, to feel the same beloved connections we may have felt once before, and to do so continually.
At tinglesbar, we strive to continue carrying out all of the perks that exist from the digital world of #ASMR to an in-person space that allows for a more personalized and tangible connection. Currently operating as a pop-up only, you can join our waitlist to see when and where we'll be hosting our next LIVE ASMR event for you to book in your session with us! 😌