ASMR is short for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Most who experience ASMR describe it as "tingles, generally starting in your scalp and working it's way down your spine, sometimes into your limbs." It's used to relax, comfort, relieve anxiety and help you sleep, not for sexual things. The reason some confuse it with sexual motives is because videos can be quite "intimate"/"sensual", like cuddles - YouTubers often whisper close to the camera and/or microphone, as though they are whispering in your ears and many do role plays of skincare, hairdresser, doctor, friend, etc.
Some common "triggers":
- someone playing with your hair
- tracing shapes on your back with their fingers
- watching someone fold towels, clean something delicate, do origami, draw, write in calligraphy, etc. (slow, "mundane" tasks)
- soft tapping on certain materials
- makeup being put on someone/themselves or pretending to put it on you
- certain sounds things make (hair brushing, rain, etc.)
- head massage
- guided meditation
- etc.
I usually watch/listen to some videos before bed to help me relax, like people who have white noise on (a fan, sound machine, hypnotherapy CD, quiet music, audio tapes, etc.), but I very rarely get any "tingles". Anyone else?
If you've never tried it, maybe give it a go - with or without headphones (many use binaural microphones, so they can make sounds in one ear at a time). It may feel a bit creepy, at first, but you may find someone who's voice does actually help you relax, even if you're just trying to meditate or calm down, rather than sleep. Some noises may make you cringe, like nails on a chalkboard (though I don't know any ASMR YouTubers who do that!) or eating sounds, whereas others may give you tingles or help you sleep/relax.