Photo: Wenn
A psychological study has suggested that certain music can illicit a biological reaction known as skin orgasms. Yes, skin orgasms.
In their 2014 paper, 'Thrills, chills, frissons, and skin orgasms: toward an integrative model of transcendent psychophysiological experiences in music', psychologist-musician Psyche Loui and Wesleyan student Luke Harrison attempt to locate, define and model 'transcendent psychophysiological moments in music.'
David Robson from the BBC has looked into their work in greater depth. Examing how musical features affect us biological like sudden changes in harmony, melodic appoggiaturas (purposely dissonant notes) and dynamic leaps. These trigger certain regions of the brain and cause reaction, sometimes 'trembling, flushing and sweating, and sexual arousal'.
Tracks like 'Someone Like You' by Adele and 'My Heart Will Go On' by Celine Dion are part of a curated playlist made especially to stimulate "skin orgasms". Speaking about the why the selection is so effective, Loui said: “Musical frisson elicits a physiological change that’s locked to a particular point in the music,”
The playlist contains tracks from Oasis, Adele, Rufus Wainwright and Celine Dion. Have a listen below, just remember to lock the door first.
