Tickling and autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR)

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a term used to describe physical sensations that happen because of physical, visual, and audible stimuli. It may be triggered by a person or a device. Physical sensations are described as tingling, tickling, and chills, especially in the scalp. They’re associated with a sense of peace, calm, euphoria, and well-being.

There’s not a lot of research about ASMR. One study identified common triggers used to achieve ASMR such as:

• whispering
• personal attention
• crisp sounds
• slow movements

ASMR may temporarily improve depression and chronic pain symptoms. There may be a potential connection between ASMR and synesthesia, a condition where a sensation in one sense triggers a sensation in another. More studies are needed to determine the physiological reasons for ASMR.