Have you tried ASMR for your Wellbeing?

November 04, 2020

At Verite Spa, we embrace the philosophy of wholebeing – nurturing your entire mind and body, not just your skin. Wholebeing includes eating well, staying hydrated, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Relaxation and rest play an important part in your beauty routine, increasing blood flow to your vital organs (like your skin!) and improving your digestion to disperse all those much-needed nutrients.

But when was the last time that you actively tried to relax properly and deeply? How long did it take for you to switch your brain off? Were you able to get away from your thoughts and the stresses of the day? If relaxation and sleep is something you struggle with (and don’t we all, from time to time), then you might like to try ASMR.

What is ASMR? It stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, which is a blissful, sparkly, tingling sensation that starts on your scalp and sometimes travels down your spine and along your arms and legs. It usually happens in response to specific noises, or when you receive personal attention, such as getting a massage or a haircut.

Not everyone experiences ASMR, and for those who do, the things that trigger it can vary wildly from one person to another. But once you find the triggers that work for you, it can open up a whole new world of deep relaxation and sleep. If you’re someone who can achieve ASMR, you’ll benefit from the release of dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin (the cuddle hormone), and a calming of your adrenal system.

Keen to try it out? Well, good news – it’s not going to cost you anything. ASMR content is usually completely free. It’s massively popular and widely available on YouTube. If you’ve ever stumbled across a video, you probably wondered what on earth you were watching. People whispering into the microphone, scratching soft toys, eating pickles, turning pages, tapping on wood or glass, pretending to cut your hair – it takes a bit of getting used to! But take our word for it; pop in your headphones, settle back, and try it out for 10-15 minutes. Chances are you’ll be drooling on your pillow in no time.

As we’ve already mentioned, ASMR has a wide range of triggers that can be very individual, and a sound that gives you tingles might drive another person mad. Interestingly, the way you respond can change over time. If you listen to one type of trigger too often, you may become desensitised. Don’t worry if this happens. The people who make ASMR videos (they call themselves ASMRtists) are constantly finding new, inventive ways to generate those warm, relaxing waves of happiness.

Generally, ASMR videos, which can run anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours, fall into the following categories:

Sound triggers: These clips include a range of noises such as soft whispering, tapping on different surfaces, crinkling paper or cellophane, rubbing hands together, repeating certain words or sounds, reading stories, tongue clicking, humming, singing bowls, and rain sound effects.

Visual triggers: If you can keep your eyes open long enough to enjoy them, these videos include hypnotic hand movements, tracing patterns, touching or brushing the camera (which is a proxy for your face), light-following, energy-pulling or plucking, drifting smoke, and hypnosis for sleep or anxiety.

Personal attention triggers: Role-play ASMR videos are aimed at viewers who respond best to receiving attention. Usually, the role-play involves a relaxing activity like having your hair brushed, receiving a massage or skin treatments, being tucked into bed, getting a manicure or pedicure, and reiki. The dialogue usually includes whispered or softly-spoken positive affirmations and caring questions.

Often, a video will include a combination of all of the above. There are so many different ASMRtists, collectively producing hundreds of videos a day, that it’s easy to find something different each time. Not all of them will be to your liking, and that’s okay because the selection is endless.

How do you add ASMR into your daily wellness routine? We suggest splashing a few drops of our Tranquility Aromascent Blend into a diffuser to set the mood. Then close the curtains, queue up a video on your phone or tablet, and be sure to put in your headphones to get the full 3D sound effect.

If you’re curious to check out the different types of triggers, here are a few examples.

Sound triggers – whispering, tapping and scratching: Gibi ASMR

Visual triggers – reiki cleansing and healing: Ediyasmr

Personal attention triggers – spa role play: ASMR Darling

 

Blog by: Claire Wilkins

 

Share:

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in Journal