Video of sand cut into slices prompts bizarre reaction

Drawing lines in sand: Video of coloured shapes being cut into slices has prompted a bizarre reaction from viewers

A fascinating video of sand being cut into slices has had thousands of views online.

The video, titled Sand.isfying Kinetic Sand Video Compilation #1, is a nearly four minute long video of coloured sand being manipulated in many ways.

The sand is seen being chopped into slices, scraped until it crumbles, stabbed, pressed and cut with scissors.

Kinetic Sand is a special type of sand that is mixture of sand and silicone oil and has the texture of wet sand.

Originally created for sculpting, it is now sold as a child‘s toy as it is easy to play with but doesn‘t stick to other surfaces. 

Experts say the footage appeals to people due to it‘s ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) properties.

ASMR is described as a relaxed sensation people feel when they hear certain sounds or see certain things.

With this video, the grainy sound of the kinetic sand being cut and manipulated triggers a relaxed response in many people, so much so it has been viewed nearly 8,500 times.  

Several YouTube users called the video ‘relaxing‘ while others praised the account.

Cloe said: ‘This is so relaxing, looking forward to more of your work on here. :)‘

Another user, called Katie, wrote a comment which said: ‘I love these vids def my fav insta account!‘

HufflePuff LPS added: ‘This is so relaxing.‘

WHAT IS ASMR? 

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an enjoyable or relaxing sensation often accompanied by a ‘tingly‘ feeling.

It is most commonly triggered by whispering, but can be brought about by an array of stimuli, including gentle touches, observing mundane tasks, and hearing crinkling/tapping sounds. 

The phenomenon is characterized as a distinct, pleasurable tingling in the head, scalp, back, or peripheral regions of the body.

Researchers say it can be a response to visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, or cognitive stimuli.

The term ASMR dates back to 2010, although it is believed the sensory phenomenon has been around for years. 

Krisztina Farago, an ASMR massage therapist based in Hammersmith, London, explains why she believes it has become more popular in recent years.

She told the MailOnline: ‘I believe ASMR is connected to spirituality as I think it has some kind of connection to the energy we work with.

‘As more people are opening up to spirituality, more people believe in ASMR.

‘We have no idea why some people can sense it and some people can‘t, but since the videos (ASMR videos on YouTube) started, it has created a community, so people no longer think what they feel is weird or they‘re a freak.‘ 

Krisztina began doing ASMR massage herself, under the name ASMR Massage London, after trying and failing to find a therapist in the UK.

A trained masseuse, she has been treating clients with the ASMR techniques since January last year and also posts videos on her . 

She said: ‘We still don‘t know what it is that causes ASMR as there is little research on it. However, my friend, who is psychologist, says she believes it is connected to mothers soothing children when they were babies.

‘There are so many different triggers. Some people like watching people draw, while others like the sounds of different words being said.‘