*Tapping fingernails, begins speaking in a whispered voice with sounds of rain in the background*
Hello, TSL readers!
*Tongue clicks*
*Crinkles napkin, takes a bite of apple, makes hand movement towards face*
I hope you are all doing well and I am excited to take you on this informative and sensory journey today.
*More tongue clicks, more tapping*
What do mouth sounds, tapping fingernails, roleplay, light patterns and ambient sounds have in common? They are all considered forms of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).
If any of the actions mentioned above provided you with a tingling sensation that began on your scalp and moved down the back of the neck and upper spine, then ASMR has done its job — and it’s time we treat ASMR with respect.
I have been a proud proponent of the ASMR community for almost six years and I owe many a good night’s sleep to ASMR videos.
In my body media class my sophomore year, I presented ASMR as a body practice by screening a beloved video where FrivolousFox ASMR slowly whispered comforting affirmations to her listeners using a highly sensitive microphone.
The class’ discomfort was evident.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with disliking ASMR, but I was confused by the apparent undermining of ASMR’s impact as a body practice.
Sure, ASMR definitely seems outlandish in comparison to the usual body practices of yoga, meditation, tai chi and breathwork that my classmates presented. However, just because ASMR may not be my classmates’ cup of tea should not reduce its value as a body practice.
What many people fail to recognize is that ASMR serves the same purpose as all body practices: to emphasize the connection between the mind and body, reduce stress and focus on cultivating awareness of bodily sensations, movement patterns and breath.
Although the scientific research on ASMR is limited, there is evidence that proves ASMR is effective at lowering heart rate, easing insomnia and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
ASMR’s positive physical and mental impact has even influenced certain professionals to incorporate ASMR into therapeutic practices.
For example, Curt Ramsey is a licensed counselor who provides ASMR therapy sessions for individuals and couples struggling with personal stress or relationship challenges.
Rebecca Benvie, an expert in somatic therapy, energy healing and ASMR, owns a practice in New York City called WhisperWave that offers ASMR therapy sessions. In the testimonials, clients raved about all of their senses being activated in an unbelievable way that left them feeling relaxed, safe and rejuvenated.
Clearly, there are many people that practice ASMR regularly to calm their minds and bodies. To invalidate ASMR is to invalidate these people’s body practices. ASMR as a body practice should be judged by the positive impact it has on its loyal community — not by its content.
FrivolousFox ASMR’s up-close whispering barely scratches the ASMR surface. ASMR triggers are more ubiquitous than people think.
Natural sounds, such as water droplets, waves, or crackling wood, are popular for triggering ASMR. The noises and visuals of daily activities, such as page turning, preparing a meal and painting can trigger ASMR as well. Think about all of the times you’ve tapped your fingernails while thinking or waiting for something — you may not have noticed it, but you were practicing ASMR. Many of us are oblivious to the fact that we are enjoying ASMR in normal, everyday situations.
The body practices we choose to incorporate uplift us when we are at our most vulnerable. Calm, safe spaces are crucial for healing and the ASMR community has been a consistent source of relaxation for me. No matter what that body practice is, it is beautiful so long as it is restorative. Even if it involves listening to somebody take a bite from an apple.
Tess McHugh PO ’25 is from Denver, Colorado. She loves Ruth Ware’s murder mystery novels, Pepo Melo and Cowboy Carter.
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