Understanding ASMR and sensory experiences
1. Warm-up discussion
Discuss these questions:
- Have you ever experienced a strong, pleasant feeling from a specific sound, a visual, or a gentle touch? Describe it.
- What kind of sounds do you find relaxing or satisfying (e.g., rain, crackling fire, whispering, rustling leaves)?
- Do you know what ASMR is? What are your initial thoughts about people watching videos of whispering or tapping sounds to relax?
2. Listening: Understanding ASMR
Watch the video and fill in the gaps with the exact words you hear. You may need to listen to parts of the video multiple times.
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37IBENyp2F4
A lot of other people do. They videos of this. For a lot of people, members of the ASMR community in particular, it's . They say it stress, insomnia, depression, and even pain. ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, and basically it refers to the feelings of and that people get, especially in response to sensory . And the reason why people think that it helps them is because it tends to this relaxation sort of quality. However, there's no study, so we don't actually know how it works. I have some clients who swear by this though, and they kind of use it as an alternative technique. If you have mild depression or something, and you don't even need medication, then this could be really in those instances too, or in conjunction with medicine.
3. Key vocabulary from the video
Drag the terms from the word bank to match them with their correct definitions.
4. Grammar focus: Conditional Sentences (Type 1 and 2)
Conditional sentences are used to talk about possible or imaginary situations and their results. They often use 'if'.
Type 1: Real Conditionals (Present or Future)
We use Type 1 conditionals to talk about real and possible situations in the present or future.
Structure: If + simple present, will/can/may + base verb
Example: "If you listen to ASMR, you will feel relaxed." (It's a real possibility.)
Example: "If I have free time tonight, I might watch an ASMR video."
Type 2: Unreal Conditionals (Hypothetical Present or Future)
We use Type 2 conditionals to talk about hypothetical or imaginary situations in the present or future, and their results. These situations are often unlikely or impossible.
Structure: If + simple past, would/could/might + base verb
Example: "If I had insomnia, I would definitely try ASMR for sleep." (I don't have insomnia now.)
Example: "If ASMR were a proven medical treatment, doctors would prescribe it more often." (It's not a proven medical treatment yet.)
Note: In Type 2 conditionals, 'were' is often used instead of 'was' for all subjects, especially in formal English, after 'if'.
Choose the correct verb form to complete each conditional sentence:
1. If you ______ (try) ASMR, you might feel some pleasant sensations.
2. Many people ______ (feel) less stressed if they listen to these sounds regularly.
3. If I ______ (have) insomnia, I would definitely try ASMR for sleep.
4. If ASMR ______ (be) a proven medical treatment, it would be prescribed by doctors.
5. If you ______ (are) curious, you can find many ASMR videos online.
6. If the research ______ (show) a clear benefit, more people would accept it as a therapy.
5. Practice with idioms
Complete the sentences using the idioms below, which are related to senses and feelings.
2. The sound of fingernails on a chalkboard always
3. After a long, stressful day, listening to calming ASMR sounds makes me feel
4. Sometimes, I just need to all the background noise and focus on relaxing.
6. Vocabulary in context
Use the vocabulary words from exercise 3 to complete the sentences below. Make sure to use the correct form if necessary.
2. The different whispering and tapping sounds act as various sensory for people.
3. She felt a deep sense of and peace after her meditation session.
4. Some viewers love to entire playlists of their favorite ASMR content.
5. The doctor assured me that the slight sensation was and nothing to worry about.
6. There's an ongoing debate whether the calming effect of ASMR is real or just a
7. A gentle often spreads through her scalp, a common ASMR sensation.
7. Grammar practice: Conditional Sentences
Complete the following sentences using the correct form of the verb in parentheses to create appropriate conditional sentences (Type 1 or Type 2).
2. If you to the right sounds, you might experience a calming effect.
3. She much better if she didn't have so much stress.
4. If ASMR more popular, more research will be conducted.
5. If I a quiet place, I would listen to my favorite ASMR artist now.
6. People often if they listen to these relaxing sounds before bed.
8. Speaking practice: Sharing Sensory Experiences
Discuss these questions with a partner. Use the vocabulary and grammar (especially conditionals) from this lesson.
- What specific sounds or visuals from the video do you think could trigger ASMR for some people? If you experienced ASMR, what would it feel like?
- Do you agree that ASMR videos can be a "healing" or "therapeutic technique"? If you had a friend struggling with stress, would you recommend ASMR? Why or why not?
- The video mentions that there's no "controlled study" on ASMR. How important is scientific proof for you to believe in the benefits of something like ASMR? If something made you feel good, would you need scientific proof to continue doing it?
- Can you describe a time when you experienced `euphoria` or a deep sense of relaxation due to a sensory input? If you could design your perfect ASMR trigger, what would it be?