Chiqing

Definition of ASMR#

Definition from Wikipedia:

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is also known as spontaneous sensory neural response, which is a tingling sensation that typically starts at the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and above the spine. It is a pleasurable form of skin sensation anomaly that can be compared to auditory-tactile synesthesia and may overlap with the sensation of shivering.

I started listening to ASMR around high school, initially on Bilibili, where I had only listened to creators like Xuanzai and "Sister Fox." Now, after listening to so much, I rarely feel that tingling sensation anymore, which is referred to as immunity among ASMR audiences.

Classification of ASMR#

It is difficult to categorize ASMR in detail because I wouldn't dare say I've listened enough, as it still requires headphones and I worry about straining my ears. Below are some categories based on what I have listened to.

Video and Audio Types#

First, there are visual triggers and auditory triggers. Some ASMR can be enjoyed just by listening, while some creators add their own gestures, props, lighting, etc., which can have additional effects.

Sound Classification#

Sounds can roughly be categorized into oral sounds (kqy, guppy), ear licking, ear cleaning, tapping sounds, friction sounds, nasal sounds, aloe vera gel or other liquids, eating sounds, and sounds from various props. Most videos will include multiple types of sounds to enhance the effect.

Audio Channels#

Mono audio means your ears can only hear the same content, while stereo audio allows your left and right ears to hear different sounds simultaneously or lets one ear rest. Some microphones can create the sensation that sounds are coming from inside the skull.

Microphones#

Among regular-shaped microphones, Røde and Zoom are the ones I encounter most often, as I don't know much about microphones, so I won't categorize regular-shaped microphones.

Others:

• Binaural microphones like 3Dio
• Neumann KU 100, a microphone that simulates the shape of a human head

Voiced and Unvoiced#

This includes speaking, with part being soft whispers and another part being narrative performances.

Visual Trigger Classification#

Includes gesture guidance, specific location triggers (for example, some people like noisy environments like supermarkets or classrooms), lighting changes, use and tapping of props, and some special effect videos.

Special Classification#

Other creators' highlights and collaborations. The difficulty in classifying ASMR likely stems from the continuous inspiration from creators, leading to an increasing variety of ASMR video and audio possibilities. I will also continue to add new directions and classifications as I discover them.

Others#

Of course, the above does not include adult content. In fact, as mentioned on Wikipedia, many creators have released videos classified as ASMRotica (ASMR erotica), which are intentionally designed to be sexually stimulating. This article will neither recommend nor comment on this aspect.

Recommended ASMR Creators#

The following recommendations are in no particular order:

• Zhima 芝麻对辣 asmr
• JY’s ASMR
• coconut 椰砸
• MIAOW ASMR
• 清影助眠
• Aftynrose

Why I Listen to ASMR#

I initially listened to ASMR for that electric-like stimulation. The first time I experienced ASMR was indescribable; hearing a favorite trigger sound would give me a tingling sensation all over my head. But now it has become a habit; listening to ASMR helps me relax quickly, fall asleep fast, and clear my mind of pre-sleep thoughts.

Some Tips for Listening to ASMR#

• In-ear headphones provide a better experience; I personally use AirPods Pro 2.
• Don't listen for too long at once, or you might get ear infections.
• It's best to set a timer to stop listening before sleep. One way to set a timer on an iPhone is to use the timer function - enable stop playback when the timer ends. It’s best to create a shortcut for this, so no matter what player you use, you can easily turn off the screen with one click after playing a video.
• Make sure the volume is low; if it still feels loud at the lowest setting, you can use a shortcut or adjust it to a lower volume with your Apple Watch. Prolonged high volume in in-ear headphones can damage your ears.
• Remember to clean your ear canals infrequently.
• Recommended players: VLC/FileBall.

Other Sounds I Like#

Specifically, sounds that help me sleep:

• Some soothing Lofi Music.
• Instrumental Jazz; I recommend Benect, which can decrease volume linearly or curvilinearly over time. This design is excellent and is a great feature for an ASMR or pre-sleep audio player.
• Handpan.

Some ASMR Websites#

• YouTube, the largest free site.
• Bilibili, for reuploads or domestic creators.
• https://www.asasmr4.com/
• https://www.theasmrindex.com/zh
• Paid videos are generally on YouTube membership channels, Bilibili paid videos, Patreon, and other paid content communities.

In Conclusion#

• There is actually a lot I want to say about ASMR, but I don't need to ramble on.
• There are many content-sharing groups on Telegram, but I still hope that if you have the means, you support your favorite creators.
• Don't wear headphones for too long! Pay attention to the volume!