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Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a neologism coined to describe "a physical sensation characterized by a pleasurable tingling that typically begins in the head and scalp, and often moves down the spine and through the limbs." The term ASMR was originally coined to consolidate a variety of terms among those claiming to have experienced the sensation. Other terms have included Attention Induced (Head) Orgasm, Head Orgasm, Braingasm, Attention Induced (Observant) Euphoria, Goose Looping, and Celestial Wash.

Characteristics

Most ASMR episodes begin by an external or internal trigger, and are so divided for classification. "Type A" episodes are elicited by the experiencer using no external stimuli, and are typically achieved by specific thought patterns unique to the individual. "Type B" episodes are triggered involuntarily by an external trigger, via one or more senses, and may also involve specific thought patterns associated with the triggering event. Both types of triggers vary between individuals, but many are common to a large portion of those who claim to experience ASMR.

ASMR typically involves some or all of the following:

• An initial trigger or thought pattern that begins the sensation
• A tingling sensation that generally originates from the scalp/head
• Often (but not always) waves of pleasurable tingling that descend from the head down
• A warmth, sense of euphoria, and often a sense of well-being
• Often acts as a stress-reliever, can assist in achieving sleep, has also been cited as relief from minor episodes of depression or agitation

The duration and intensity of an ASMR episode can vary greatly from individual to individual, and even from episode to episode. The integrity of the trigger (as matched to the individual) can also have an impact on the length, intensity, and distribution of the sensation over the body.

Consistently, ASMR has been cited as non-sexual in nature.

Triggers

Triggers are any internal or external thought pattern or stimuli that induces an ASMR episode. Triggers are very individualized, though common themes and specific triggers, (e.g. Bob Ross videos) have been identified. Common triggers cited from those who claim to experience ASMR often include:

• Exposure to slow, accented, or unique speech patterns
• Viewing educational or instructive videos or lectures
• Experiencing a high empathetic or sympathetic reaction to an event
• Enjoying a piece of art or music
• Watching another person complete a task, often in a diligent, attentive manner—examples would be filling out a form, writing a check, going through a purse or bag, inspecting an item closely, etc.
• Close, personal attention from another person
• Haircuts, or other touch from another on head or back
• Exposure in various forms to a topic or sensory input that creates a sense of awe or overwhelms the individual
• Discussions on those who claim to experience ASMR
• Listening and/or watching another person eating/chewing food or swallowing
• Listening to someone whisper

Potential causes

A number of speculations have been made as to the case of ASMR. These include both physiological explanations as well as supernatural ones.

Speculations on the physiological nature and function of ASMR are varied, and include the following:

• The sudden release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin (pleasant, euphoric sensation; sense of well-being, descending warmth)
• Goose bumps in response to the above release, or as related to an emotional or shocking event (tingling sensation following the path of the CNS)
• Amygdala response to positive events (some have termed this "amygdala clicking")
• Left-over evolutionary mechanism to reinforce social grooming (related to empathetic or physical touch-based triggers)
• Function of mirror neurons
• Evolutionary advance in social and empathetic rewards in an ever-more connected race
• An expansion of the parameters for musical frisson

The above lists are not exhaustive, but contain the most commonly offered speculations from those who claim to experience ASMR, and those interested in the phenomenon.

Research

Research for further documentation and profiling of ASMR is currently without funding or backing from the scientific fields relevant to the subject, and is being attempted through grass roots efforts and collaboration of the experiencing community.

Some areas of interest for future research are as follows:

• Physiological monitor (EEG, GSR, pupil dilation, etc.) during ASMR experience
• Health screening of those claiming to experience ASMR to determine possible linked medical conditions
• Controlled profiling of triggers to isolate areas of the brain active during ASMR experience
• Controlled survey of serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels before and after ASMR experience
• Psychological profile and benefits or problems associated with routine ASMR experience
• The social and anthropological implications of ASMR

Notes

1. ASMR Research & Support Forum
2. 'AntiValentine'. ASMR: What is This Tingling Sensation in my Head?. HubPages hubpages.com/hub/ASMR article
3. Multiple Sources Reddit - SubReddit ASMR
4. ASMR Group Facebook
5. L. Mason. "Human mind responds to unique stimuli, excites, stimulates sense". Daily Nebraskan, Mar. 1, 2011 article
6. ASMR Research & Support Home page
7. A. MacMuiris. ASMR: A Glossary of Terms. The Unnamed Feeling Blog, Jul. 2011 article
8. Multiple sources SoS Yahoo! Group

• Use dmy dates from September 2011
• Symptoms and signs: General