“3-D Tingles” and Where to Get Them: What It’s Like at an ASMR Spa
ASMR has happened. If you’ve been hearing the term or seeing it trend and you’re still not sure what it is, I have news for you - you might already have it, you probably want it, and now there’s a new way to get it. But first, a brief 101.
ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, refers to the pleasurable sensation a person might get from various stimuli to the senses. We’re talking about certain sounds and visuals which trigger the “tingles”, a sprinkley, sparkly effervescent feeling that usually starts in the head and works its way in waves down the neck and spine, and even to other parts of the body. It’s more than goosebumps. It’s a tickle that goes deeper. Some might say it’s the opposite effect of nails on a chalkboard. Some might even call it a brain-gasm. Lucky them!
Ask any ASMR die hard what their go-to triggers for tingles are and you’ll likely be met with an excited look of where do I start? If you’re new to this global phenomenon and need a little context, you might be wondering the same thing. Common tingle triggers include whispering, tapping, crinkling, and even chewing sounds. Watching someone perform a task slowly, repeatedly, with great attention to detail can be extremely satisfying. (There’s an online community of literally MILLIONS, with “ASMR” being a top search term on all social media platforms). Devotees describe the feelings they get as deeply relaxing, calming, comforting and sleep inducing, perhaps due, as some scientific research suggests, to the brain releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin.
Collage of popular ASMR content and associations
Fans and followers of online content scroll through YouTube and Tik Tok endlessly looking for the just the right video to shiver their timbers. It could be someone playing with a candy wrapper or tapping long fingernails in front of a microphone, or someone methodically slicing kinetic sand. Maybe it’s watching old episodes of Bob Ross’ Joy of Painting, that soothing voice describing those happy trees. Maybe it’s Dr. Pimple Popper’s Sandra Lee gloving up to do what she does best. Amongst the most popular types of ASMR videos are scenarios or role plays (nothing kinky here, you guys) where the creator acts as someone there to give the viewer or a model personal attention. Think doctors, hairdressers and make-up artists. As immensely popular and enjoyable as these virtual visits are, there’s one sensation only the viewer's imagination can provide. Touch. This is where a real life ASMR spa comes in.
At the 5-Star rated tinglesbar in Toronto, (588 Bloor Street West), familiar elements of traditional ASMR are incorporated into a real-life hour-long session that involves scalp tracing, back scratching, hair-play and brushing, and attention to the face with brushes and fingertips. For anyone who’s ever wished they could be an ASMR video model, it’s a dream come true. A gently lit, cozy service room welcomes all guests with tranquil music while a wall-to-ceiling projection of star-like sparkles and cosmic swirls suggests the feeling you’re about to be transported elsewhere. Through consultation, ASMRtists will try and personalize your session with a variety of massage tools. Everything from your basic back roller to something called “the bongers”. Hate crinkles but love tapping? Done. Want whispering or soft speaking? Done. Want to roleplay someone taking your blood pressure or pretending to cut your hair? That can happen too. Layering ASMR with physical touch takes the relaxation benefits of second-hand tingles to the next level - a 3-D experience. Just imagine all of the personal attention of a healthcare or beauty professional with zero attachment to the outcome. No side-effects. No crooked bangs.
tinglesbar ASMR Spa service room located at 588 Bloor St. West in Toronto, Canada
ASMR isn’t just for thrills, (though some may be thrilled at the thought of an in-person service.) It’s credited with reducing stress, soothing anxiety and aiding sleep. Whether it’s been part of your therapeutic toolbox for years or you’re looking for new ways to prioritize your well being, now is a great time to be curious about what a real world ASMR spa like tinglesbar has to offer. Trust me, you really do want to know what those bongers are.
To book a solo or couples session go to tinglesbar.com and get 20% your first visit when you sign up for their mailing list. ClassPass members can also book through the ClassPass app.
Written by ASMRtist, Steff
#tinglesbar #LIVEASMR #ASMRSpa
