ASMR Head Massages

You may have heard of it: ASMR (this stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), that tingling, soothing sensation that some people experience with soft sounds or light touches.

Often associated with whispering videos on YouTube (According to the Dec 26, 2024 article titled, "The Top YouTube Searches in 2024", 'ASMR' was the most searched term.) ASMR is sometimes still placed in a taboo atmosphere or seen as 'strange'. But did you know that this sensation can actually have a deeply relaxing effect and even has a proven calming effect on body and mind?

My First Encounter with ASMR: From Instagram to Inspiration

To be honest, I had never heard of the term ASMR – until last week. While scrolling through Instagram, I came across it. Something in the description immediately piqued my interest, and before I knew it, I had booked a Webinar with Nienke from ASMR Head Spa Academy to learn more about it. Even Titokkers knwo for sure; we will book ASMR instead of a traditional massage. Read here: article in the Jan Magazine

During dinner, I enthusiastically told my husband and children what I was planning. To my great surprise, my sons already knew exactly what ASMR was! Admittedly in a completely different form than what I was curious about – they mainly knew it from those YouTube videos in which people smack and whisper into microphones. Still, it was a confirmation for me: ASMR is not just a trend, it is something people experience in different ways. And I wanted to discover how I could apply it in my massages.

What does ASMR stand for?

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a self-reported Multi Sensory Phenomenon that is described as a pleasant tingling sensation caused by certain sounds, smells or touches. This sensation typically begins in the scalp and then spreads throughout the body, creating a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Scientific evidence for effectiveness

Although it is still a fairly new phenomenon and not much research has been done on it, there are studies that prove that ASMR is an effective way to release tension and promote your well-being. Read more about this in this recent study

Is ASMR suitable for everyone?

Not everyone experiences ASMR in the same way. Some people feel an immediate soothing tingling, while others are less sensitive to it. In addition, everyone has their own unique triggers. Common stimuli that can induce ASMR include soft whispering sounds, rhythmic tapping, brushing hair, or the soothing sound of falling rain.

I myself can completely relax with a wonderful wash at the hairdresser when the scalp and my hair are run over with the fingers, gentle hairplay as it were, blissful! Or when the beautician not only cleans my face and puts on a mask, but uses jade rollers and Gua Sha stones to give me different sensations. On the other hand, I can't fall asleep peacefully when hard rain falls on my skylight, and our bed is in the attic under the skylight and you know how often it rains, grrr!

The beauty of an ASMR Head Massage is that it responds to these subtle stimuli, allowing it to offer deep relaxation to those who are sensitive to it. And no, I'm not going to make smacking noises or whisper softly to your ear, don't worry.

Tingles

Yet there are still many prejudices attached to ASMR. Some think it's something 'strange', 'uncomfortable' or a ticklish massage, simply because they have never experienced it before. But just as a good relaxation massage loosens your muscles, an ASMR head massage can help you release mental tension.

As a massage therapist, I am always looking for ways to deepen my treatments and provide even more relaxation. That's why I'm excited to add ASMR Head Massages to my current offering. In March I will follow the expert training at ASMR Head Spa Academy of Nienke (academy) and after that it will also be available to book online at Adeo Massage Pregnancy & More. A treatment that not only provides physical relaxation, but also has a deeply soothing effect mentally.

Why choose ASMR?

An ASMR Head Massage is not just an ordinary head massage. Through subtle, rhythmic touches and gentle techniques, it can:

• Provide deep relaxation: The light, rhythmic touches provide a soothing tingling sensation and reduce stress, anxiety and is effective for headaches.
• Ensure better sleep: ASMR is known for improving your night's sleep and helping to release tension and help with chronic pain complaints.
• Boost your mood: Give yourself a moment of peace and bliss. Proven effective for depression and burnout complaints.

What to expect during the ASMR Head Massages

Let yourself be carried away into a deep state of relaxation with a calming massage of your décolleté, neck and face, combined with subtle ASMR triggers. While gentle, rhythmic touches calm your nervous system, extra attention is paid to pressure points in your face and the smooth stretching of your neck and neck muscles.

Enjoy relaxing stimuli such as gentle hairplay, caressing with soft brushes and brushes, or using hair spiders and soft sounds. Each element has been carefully chosen to soothe your senses, release tension, and give you an ultimate sense of calm and well-being.

Finally

If I have managed to convince you to let your body completely relax without booking a Deep tissue or body massage, come by and let you feel tingles that can offer you deep relaxation.