Autonomous sensory meridian response or more commonly known as ASMR is a phenomenon that produces a tingling sensation throughout the body. Different visual and audio triggers such as fingernail tapping, whispering, or watching a brush stroke a surface can produce this tingling feeling.
Surprisingly, ASMR can do more than make you feel good. Some research indicates that ASMR might also have the potential to help ease feelings of anxiety in some people. This is great news for those people who are extremely anxious like those people with dental anxiety.
It is common for individuals with dental anxiety to not be comfortable especially if they will undergo treatments like dental implants. While proven extremely safe and has a high success rate, those who are not familiar with the dental implant procedure might feel anxious about it. This is where ASMR can come in handy.
ASMR: Limited Potential to Ease Anxiety
The entry of this phenomenon into public consciousness is fairly recent and many experts are just starting to explore the potential benefits ASMR can offer. Depending on receptivity and sensitivity, the ASMR experience has the potential to provide a great sense of calm and well-being.
Some research also discovered that ASMR has helped relieve negative symptoms including stress and depression. It has even helped reduce chronic pain in some people. Some studies also indicate that watching ASMR videos can slow the heart rate, helping viewers achieve a state of calm and relaxation.
Another research indicate that ASMR has helped viewers:
- Get ready to sleep
- Relax and unwind
- Feel cared for and comforted
- Experience less pain or anxiety
- Feel better when upset or sick
ASMR Options You Can Try
You might observe getting a similar tingling sensation when you do everyday things like getting a haircut, hearing someone whisper in your ear, or stroking a purring cat. It is important to keep in mind that the same triggers will not work for everyone so you would have to do some experimenting to find out the ASMR triggers that can help you.
Sound-based triggers
Many people notice that videos of certain sounds can help them feel calmer and less anxious.
- The person in the video will slowly whisper certain words or phrases that you can’t make out while doing another ASMR trigger like brushing the microphone.
- You might hear fingertips or fingernails tapping on different surfaces like a glass bottle or a desk. Some videos will also include tapping on the typewriter or keyboard keys.
- The sound of a fountain pen or pencil scratching across paper is calming and relaxing for some people.
Visual triggers
Some ASMR videos combine both audio and visual triggers but there are also videos of visual triggers without any sound. Some of the visual triggers that have been known to help relieve anxious feelings include:
- Stroking a pet. Watching a pet receive cuddles especially when combined with the sound of purring has been known to help people feel comforted and relaxed.
- Folding laundry. Some people will find this activity calming and relaxing as it reminds them of their childhood.
- Hair brushing. Do you feel relaxed when someone strokes, combs, or plays with your hair? Hair brushing videos have been known to provide the same sense of calm and comfort.
- Paint mixing. Many people find watching colors blend to be both satisfying and relaxing.
While ASMR has been known to help people with symptoms of anxiety or stress, it should not be a replacement for therapy or other anxiety treatments such as medication.
