ASMR stand for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. That is a very complicated an distinctly non-erotic name for something that has been colloquially been given much more self-explanatory names like Brain Orgasm, Brain Tingle and Spine Tingle. It refers to the tingling feeling that manifests itself on the scalp and travels down the back of the neck, and possibly lower down the back.
The term was coined in 2010 by Jennifer Allen who explained the acronym:
- Autonomous – it is an independent phenomenon;
- Sensory – it affects the senses;
- Meridian – signifying 'peak', it is used as a euphemism for orgasm;
- Response – it is triggered by external stimulus.
Erotic ASMR
Like all things erotic, ASMR is sweeping the internet, albeit rather more quietly than traditional forms of online erotic stimulation. Several channels have sprung up on YouTube.
First-time explorers are surprised to find that these channels are rather 'PG' and feature women (overwhelmingly, and all rather young and pretty) engaging in rather mundane acts like folding towels or simply staring at the viewer with loving eyes and making small, feminine sounds. Yet, they work. These channels have subscriptions in the thousands. Needless to say, men’s needs seem to be rather easy to fulfil.
Sex Work?
Implying that ASMR is akin to trading sexual favours in return for financial gain (YouTube ads etc.) is generally met with a bristling response from ASMR channel creators and performers. They liken their industry to what performers like Beyonce and Miley Cyrus do on stage and point out that they generally wear more clothes in their videos than these mainstream artistes. Of course, the sensation of ASMR does not have to be sexual in any way for the listener/watcher. If you have had the experience of that tingle of excited nerve endings tickling your skin, you know that the pleasure is in the sensation and can occur in response to the most innocuous stimuli. As it becomes more mainstream, ASMR is now being incorporated into massage with masseuses even offering specific ASMR-inducing sessions.