About ASMR ARTISTRY ANGUS

A 2018 study performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans on ASMR-sensitive participants while they watched different types of ASMR videos. The researchers found that the following areas of the brain were activated: 

• Dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC): This region of the brain is associated with social cognition and caring for others. 
• Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC): This region of the brain is linked with self-awareness, social cognition, and social behaviours. Oxytocin binds to mPFC receptors and promotes relaxation.
   
• Nucleus accumbens (NAcc): This part of the brain is also linked with controlling feelings of reward, satisfaction, and other emotions. 

The mPFC and NAcc, along with the insular cortex and left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), were parts of the brain activated in participants while they watched ASMR videos. This is significant because they're also parts of the brain that are known to activate when people engage in affiliate behaviours, which are care-receiving or caregiving acts. 

When people engage in these affiliate behaviours, the brain releases dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, which promote comfort, relaxation, and sleepiness. This could explain why ASMR-sensitive people report less anxiety and stress as well as better sleep as a result of experiencing personal attention.
 

Previous research also suggested that people who experience ASMR may have higher levels of empathy than those who don't. This likely relates to the fact that the parts of the brain linked with social cognition and social behaviours are activated during ASMR experiences. (https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-asmr-4582673) 

Have you ever been to the hairdresser/barber and felt completely relaxed? Having your hair brushed, shampoo massaged into the scalp and so forth. However, it’s usually for a brief period, and nowhere long enough to what many of us would very much like, and more importantly need. 

Have you ever felt the need to ask them to do something else, for example, a scalp massage or gently scratch your head?  

Do you find getting your back scratched, arm’s scratched, hands massaged very relaxing but not accessible when you really feel overly stressed or anxious?  

These are the most common examples of relaxion many people can relate to, however the simple truth is, every single one of us will have something we find truly relaxes us. There appears to be an extreme lack of professional knowledgeable and experienced ASMR artists that practice the methods of ‘ASMR’ treatments that can offer tailored experiences that truly relax us. UNTIL NOW 

The Elderly – We have extensive experience with working with the elderly, with capacity and little to no capacity, for instance, various forms of dementia. ASMR has been proven to combat loneliness, which is unfortunately all too common in our society. Safeguarding is paramount; therefore, we would like to express that we only work one-one with the elderly if they have full capacity. If the person, doesn't have full capacity, for example dementia or has a condition or illness, it’s particularly important for a caregiver or family member to be in the vicinity. This is crucial to ensure everyone is comfortable and to promote trust. 

As humans ‘personal attention’ or ‘human interaction/touch’ is crucial for our wellbeing. Personal attention creates ‘Neurochemical changes’ therefore, making you feel happier and less stressed.  

Research suggests that direct human contact can also-  

*Lower your heart rate and blood pressure  

*Lessen depression and anxiety 

*Boost’s the immune system 

*Relieve pain 

* Combat loneliness  

* Helps battle insomnia  

* Relieve everyday life stresses 

Experiencing personal attention can have significant benefits for your overall mental and physical wellness. Some of the most research into ‘ARMR’ suggest the benefits can have a profound positive impact on many individuals.  

The most recent data indicates that when someone receives personal attention, they will experience a positive benefit from the brain's responses from direct stimulation, that many of us sadly do not receive or experience frequently.