YouTube users are going crazy over videos of people whispering and providing Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) therapy.
The term ASMR was given by the founder of ASMR Research and Support, Jennifer Allen, who defined it as "a physical sensation characterised by a pleasurable tingling that typically begins in the head and scalp, and often moves down the spine and through the limbs." It has also been said to give "brain orgasms," the Independent reported.
Though it is not clear what causes the relaxing sensation, there are certain practices said to stimulate the response like gently brushing the hair or scratching, but whispering seem to be the most common trigger.
As per the practitioners, the therapy aids all manner of ailments, from everyday problems like trouble sleeping to serious issues like depression.
Scott Jessop, who runs YouTube channel True Binaural and ASMR, said that he came across a ASMR video while looking for something to help insomnia, and felt "head hug flooding his skull" within seconds of clicking on the video.
ASMR has been trending on popular websites like Facebook and Reddit, which has a section called Sounds That Feel Good, with over 88,000 subscribers, while one of the most popular ASMR channels on YouTube called GentleWhispering, has been received more than 81 million views.
However, ASMR is yet to be adapted for therapeutic use officially, and its evidence and therapeutic benefits are considered strictly subjective, since there's no hard scientific evidence for the practice.
