Somewhat surprisingly, pictures were the least evocative in this study – though it may just be that they require more of a back story. Later research allowed participants to pick their song or their favourite film scene before undergoing tests for frisson and chills, including measures of piloerection (goosebumps) and heart activity. Sure enough, both the music and the films triggered a characteristic shift in the heartbeat (which we may experience as that fluttering sensation) as well as shivers across the skin. Nor does it have to be a blockbuster; some people even report “autonomous sensory meridian responses” that seem to come from watching long, involved videos of others at work during painstakingly detailed tasks. (I never fail to enjoy a prolonged frisson whenever I see a barista carefully filling my coffee cup, for instance.)

That’s five different ways to trigger a frisson, if you include music, sounds, movies, food, and a sensual touch. There may be others. Indeed, 17 of the subjects in Grewe’s study could bring about a frisson simply by imagining a pleasant personal experience – a phenomenon the researchers call a “mind chill”.

Given that frisson are thought to bring a range of benefits – including raising our pain threshold and increasing altruism – that may be a skill worth cultivating. At the very least, the sweet tingle of a skin orgasm is one more reason to take a moment and appreciate life’s simplest pleasures.

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David Robson is BBC Future’s feature writer. He is @d_a_robson on Twitter.