It seems like everyday we discover a different type of technique floating around out there in the endless sea that is massage therapy.
One of our most recent discoveries is the ASMR massage which, compared to most other massage techniques, is quite new – but it’s something you are going to want to try for yourself.
Before heading out to find your nearest ASMR masseuse, however, you are probably wondering to yourself, “what is an ASMR massage?” and luckily for you, we are here to teach you all about them.
Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?
What Is ASMR?
This one will throw you for a loop – but ASMR doesn’t describe a type of massage at all. AMSR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.
Huh?
Here, let’s break it down for you.
Autonomous, in this case, means spontaneous and self governing, with or without control; Sensory pertains to the senses or certain sensations; Meridian signifies a peak, climax, or point of highest development; and response refers to an experience triggered by something external or internal.
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, then, as a whole, refers to an uncontrolled experience characterized by static-like or tingling sensations that are triggered by a combination of different stimulants.
In the case of ASMR, the tingling sensations are most commonly felt over the head, back of the neck, and upper spine.
This sensation has even been referred to as being a type euphoric experience – with those who have experienced it calling it pleasurable, relaxing, and even sleep inducing.
How Does ASMR Work?
This is the tricky part. There is really no concrete scientific reasoning as to how ASMR works – or why it happens in the first place.
What we do know is that ASMR is different for everyone who experiences it – and that some people don’t actually experience ASMR at all.
For those who do experience ASMR, the tingling sensations are typically triggered by a variety of both auditory and visual stimuli. This does not mean that our other senses are not involved. Depending on the person, it might even be touch or smell that triggers the sensations.
Currently, videos triggered towards ASMR are blowing up in popularity across the web – containing visually pleasing motions, relaxing or repetitive sounds, etc. These videos aim to trigger the audio and visual stimuli.
In a more direct approach, ASMR massages are also becoming quite popular. Massages aim to trigger, essentially, all of our senses.
So What Is An ASMR Massage?
An ASMR massage is intended to target the stimuli that bring about the desirable tingling sensations and intense state of relaxation.
What to Expect
This is where ASMR massages vary quite a bit from other forms of massage therapy – they are more diverse and experimental and don’t have one certain way of doing things.
Upon entering the room for your ASMR massage, you will most likely be greeted by some type of soft music or relaxing sounds playing in the background. The masseuse will usually begin by applying a combination of specifically chosen oils to your face, neck and shoulders.
The massage will focus mostly on these areas, using a combination of light feather-like touches, repetitive motions, and area specific massaging. Commonly during an ASMR massage the masseuse will choose areas such as the earlobes, nose, temples, and scalp to focus on – areas that are maybe less common during other types of massage.
Your masseuse may also incorporate gently playing with your hair, whispering lightly to you, or even speaking to you in another language.
The physical touch involved, whether it is the massaging of the temples, the rubbing of the scalp, the gentle pulling of the hair, or the light tapping over your face, works to reduce tension in your body. Pair these physical touches with the aromatics in the room, the background music, and the incomprehensible yet lulling sound of another language being whispered to you and it’s no surprise that you can feel yourself let go of all of your thoughts and just be in the moment.
Feel The Tingle Today
If you know you experience ASMR, this type of massage is most definitely for you; but even if you are unsure of whether or not you are capable of reaching this near euphoric state of tingly, sleep-like relaxation, an ASMR massage is still worth your time.
Perhaps you will discover you do in fact react to the ASMR stimuli; or perhaps you won’t… but that does not mean the massage was a waste – there is no doubt you will have benefited in some other way. You still got a lovely and relaxing hour away from the real world – so it’s a win-win either way.
References
- https://www.massagetique.com/explore/benefits-of-massage/
- https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/real-life/asmr-massage/
- https://www.vox.com/2015/7/15/8965393/asmr-video-youtube-autonomous-sensory-meridian-response
