Source: ASMR
Victor Liaw
Have you ever been on Youtube and noticed videos of people tapping and scratching ordinary objects, whispering, or even chewing? And wondered why these videos have thousands or even millions of views? People view these types of videos to experience what is labelled autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR). You may have felt it before. It’s when you have a skin tingling sensation that moves from the scalp throughout the body. It can be elicited by certain auditory or visual triggers. People may seek this out for a feeling of euphoria and calm. People find that it helps with their symptoms of depression, anxiety, or loneliness. People also use it when they have difficulty sleeping.
Studies have looked at the brain regions active on fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) during ASMR. The regions that activate are similar to those that are activated during experiencecs like social bonding and other psychophysiological phenomena like goosebumps or chills. There is no evidence that video induced ASMR is better than cognitive behavioral therapy for major depression or general anxiety disorder, but it seems worthy of testing given its popularity. For now, people with substantial psychological distress should seek professional care.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24375123
https://bi.tbzmed.ac.ir/Abstract/bi-17613
https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/asmr/
Good post