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What is a brain orgasm?
Triggering sounds include chewing, tapping, scratching, crinkling, and electronic noises.
Allen then created a Facebook group called “ASMR Group” that attracted participants worldwide.
Mike Kemp / Getty Images
Once Allen gave a name to this pleasurable phenomenon, interest surged.
Soon, content creators began making videos describing the experience and leading people through it.
ASMR-triggering videos abound, tailored to just about every conceivable trigger.
For the most popular ASMRtists, posting content has become a lucrative full-time job.
Unknowns
Anecdotal evidence is plentiful, but exactly how or why ASMR happens remains unknown.
Studies have confirmed that distinctive brain activity occurs during ASMR.
Not surprisingly, many people useASMR videos that promote sleep.
Is ASMR Sexual?
Although “brain orgasm” implies a sexual response, the experience is not sexual.
Usually, where it’s felt depends on the intensity of the response.
Most people do not liken it to a sexual response.
Others embrace the term and believe it accurately articulates the sensation.
Personal Attention
However, intimacy and personal attention can play a large role in triggering this sensation.
ASMR content often features caring, gentle encounters (in person or simulated in videos) with others.
How Do You Know?
Interestingly, some people find it annoying or merely distracting, whereas others find it calming and tingle-inducing.
Others require more effort or simply can’t seem to experience it.
The strength of the sensation varies among people and areas stimulated.
Triggers vary with personal preferences, but a few are particularly and commonly effective.
People who practice ASMR tout it as calming, relaxing, meditative, and enjoyable.
Better Sleep
ASMR is also effective for combating insomnia.
Increased Connectedness
ASMR may alsofight loneliness.
There is significant research showing thatsocial isolation and lonelinesscontribute to health decline.
Stress Relief
Some people respond more to the sounds, while others seek more visual stimulation.
Try the following strategies to up your chances of experiencing this tingly feeling.
Pick a place that is distraction-free and feels safe and comfortable.
Low light and limited background noise are optimal as well.
Focus
Aim to give the video total focus.
This is true with ASMR as well.
Many people report that they may become less receptive to videos the more they watch them.
So, it’s helpful to vary your triggers and content providers to continue to experience the desired response.
You’ll find makeup artists, sound therapists, former insomniacs, and everything in between.
What’s not to like?
For those who experience it, the answer is usually nothing.
Instead, they sing the praises of this deeply relaxing, restorative sensation.
Even better, this phenomenon is easily accessible to many simply by watching free ASMR content online.
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