Have you ever used a scalp massager made of long, thin wires? For most people, it causes quite the sensation, sending tingles from the back of their neck down their spine. Or maybe you have this reaction when someone whispers in your ear? This pleasurable response to specific auditory and visual stimuli is known as autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), and is likened to meditation.

ASMR is exploding on the internet right now because it is deeply relaxing, extremely pleasurable, and can serve to relieve anxiety and depression in some cases.

The ASMR movement is mostly made up of YouTubers and DIY fanatics, but there are also a handful of researchers out there gathering information about the real, therapeutic benefits of this response.

On this week's show, you'll meet Craig Richard, PhD, the founder of ASMR University.

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Listen & Learn:

• Why ASMR might be helpful to relieve stress and anxiety
• Why ASMR audio tracks could be more effective than the viral videos online
• How this deeply relaxing, neck tingling sensation can help you relax

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Craig Richard, PhD, first learned about ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) in 2013, but has been experiencing its triggers and effects since childhood. In 2014, he launched ASMRUniversity.com to encourage and report ASMR research and to provide helpful resources to assist with the further understanding of ASMR.

Craig is the cofounder of the ASMR Research Project and has produced several ASMR podcasts. He is a professor in the department of biopharmaceutical sciences at Shenandoah University, School of Pharmacy in Winchester, Virginia and the author of a new book, Brain Tingles, available soon on Amazon.

Nutritional Tip of the Week:

• Chili Peppers

Links & References from the Show:

• ASMR University
• The ASMR Podcast

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