Laughter Yoga

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http://www.laughteryoga.org/health.htm

Health benefits of laughter therapy

It is more than six years now, since the first ‘Laughter Club’ was set up. There

is a growing demand for opening such clubs at many more places in India and

abroad. Almost everyday more and more people are joining Laughter Clubs and are

being benefited. One of the reasons for these benefits is of course that

laughter puts the members in a positive frame of mind and gradually makes them

positive thinkers.

People suffering from a variety of stress-related diseases have benefited in

some way or the other. But we don’t claim that long-standing ailments have been

cured by laughter therapy. Laughter is more of a supplementary and preventive

therapy. We are starting clinical research on it very soon. It will take a

couple of years before we are in a position to publish some very authentic

research data on laughter therapy.

Anti Stress: Laughter is one of the finest, most economical and easy to practice

anti-stress measures. Laughter is one of the best muscle relaxants. Laughter

expands blood vessels and sends more blood to the extremities and other muscles

all over the body. A good bout of laughter also reduces the levels of stress

hormones epineprine and cortisol. It can be said to be a form of dynamic

meditation or relaxation.

For meditation, one has to put in a concerted effort to completely detach

oneself, on mental and emotional levels, from one’s own feelings and thought

processes, as well as from the physical world to prevent distractions. On the

other hand, while laughing, we do not have any conscious thought process and

all our senses naturally and effortlessly combine in a moment of harmony, to

give joy, peace and relaxation. In other types of meditation you need to

concentrate a lot to take your mind away from distracting thoughts, which is

easier said than done. Therefore, laughter is, if I may say so, the easiest

form of meditation and one which brings you instant relaxation.

Strengthens the Immune System: The immune system plays a most important role in

maintaining good health and keeping away infections, allergies and cancers. It

has been proved by psychoneuroimmunologists that all negative emotions like

anxiety, depression or anger weaken the immune system of the body, thereby

reducing its fighting capacity against infections. According to Dr. Lee S. Berk

from Loma Linda University, California, USA, laughter helps to increase the

count of natural killer cells (NK cells - a type of white cell) and also raises

the antibody levels. Researchers have found that after laughter therapy there is

an increase in antibodies (Immunoglobulin A) in the mucous on of the nose and

respiratory passages, which is believed to have a protective capacity against

some viruses, bacteria and other micro organisms. There are many members of

Laughter Clubs who have noticed that the frequency of common colds, sore

throats and chest infections have decreased. The effect of laughter on the

immune system is considered to be very significant with regard to deadly

disease like AIDS and cancer.

Best Aerobic Exercise: The one benefit almost everybody derives is a sense of

well-being. After 15 minutes of laughter in the morning, they feel fresh

throughout the day. There is no medicine like laughter, which gives you such an

instant result. The reason for the sense of well-being is that you inhale more

oxygen while laughing. Laughter can be compared to any aerobic exercises except

you don't have to wear fancy shoes or clothes. You don't need to sweat hard on

the jogging tracks. According to Dr. William Fry from Standford University, one

minute of laughter is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine. In other words,

laughter stimulates heart and blood circulation and is equivalent to any other

standard aerobic exercise. Laughter exercise is suited for sedentary people and

those who are confined to a bed or wheelchair.

Depression, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders: The stress and strain of modern

life are taking a heavy toll of the human mind and body. Mind-related diseases

like anxiety, depression, nervous breakdowns and sleeplessness are on the rise.

Laughter has benefited many people who were on heavy anti-depressant pills and

tranquillizers. Now they are getting better sleep and their depression has

reduced. People with suicidal tendencies have started living with more hope.

High Blood Pressure and Heart disease: There are a number of causes for high

blood pressure and heart disease like heredity, obesity, smoking and excessive

intake of saturated fats. But stress is one of the major factors. Laughter

definitely helps to control blood pressure by reducing the release of

stress-related hormones and bringing relaxation.

In experiments it has been proved that there is a drop of 10-20 mm. pressure

after participating for 10 minutes in a laughter session. It does not mean that

those who are taking 2-3 tablets for blood pressure everyday will be completely

cured. Maybe, you will require 2 tablets if you are taking 3, or borderline

high blood pressure patients may not require any medication after some time. It

takes years to develop high blood pressure. It cannot be reversed in a few days

or a month. But definitely laughter will exercise some control and arrest

further progress of the disease. Similarly, if you are at high risk of

developing heart disease, laughter could be the best preventive medicine. Those

who are suffering from heart disease and have stabilized on medication will find

that laughter improves the blood circulation and oxygen supply to the heart

muscles. Due to improvement of blood circulation there are less chances of

forming a clot. Those who have had heart attacks or have undergone bypass

surgery can also participate in a laughter Club's laughter therapy.

Natural Pain Killer: Laughter increases the levels of endorphins in our bodies,

which are natural pain killers. Norman Cousins, an American journalist who was

suffering from an incurable disease of the spine, was benefited by laughter

therapy when no painkiller could help him. Endorphins released as a result of

laughter may help in reducing the intensity of pain in those suffering from

arthritis, spondylitis and muscular spasms of the body. Many women have

reported a reduced frequency of migraine headaches.

Alleviates Bronchitis and Asthma: Laughter is one of the best exercises for

those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. It improves the lung capacity and

oxygen levels in the blood. Doctors recommend chest physiotherapy to bring out

mucous (phlegm) from the respiratory passages. Blowing forcefully into an

instrument and blowing balloons is one of the common exercises given to

asthmatics. Laughter does the same job, more easily and almost free of cost.

There are many individuals suffering from asthma and bronchitis who are members

of Laughter Clubs. They have reported a reduced frequency of their attacks.

Laughter therapy may cause some discomfort if you have severe bronchospasm.

There is a small percentage of asthma cases who may get a little aggravation by

doing any exercise (exercise induced asthma). Such individuals should consult

their doctors before taking up laughter therapy. One of the most common causes

for frequent attacks of asthma is infection. Laughter Therapy increases the

antibody levels in the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages, thereby

reducing the frequency of chest infections. It also tones up the normal mucous

clearing system of the bronchial tubes. Stress is another factor, which can

bring on an attack of asthma. By reducing stress, laughter can improve the

prognosis of the disease.

Improves Stamina in Athletes: Since breathing capacity is one of the factors

which determines stamina in sports, laughter before any competitive sports

activity will increase the relaxation levels and hence, performance. Laughter,

I think, can be beneficially introduced as a regular exercise in any kind of

sports activity.

Internal Jogging: There are plenty of exercises available for your muscles, but

laughing provides a good massage to all internal organs. It enhances their

blood supply and increases their efficiency. It has been compared to magic

fingers, which reach into the interior of the abdomen and massage your organs.

The best massage it gives is to the intestines. It improves the blood supply

and helps the bowels to move properly.

Good for Actors and Singers: Laughter Therapy can be very beneficial for singers

and actors. Increased lung capacity and exercise of the diaphragm and abdominal

muscles will help to gain a better control over speech. Another benefit would

be enhanced self-confidence and reduced stage fright due to an increase in the

body’s relaxation level, which results from laughter.

Makes You Look Younger: People do exercise for all the muscles of the body, but

there is no regular exercise designed for facial muscles except in Yoga.

Laughter is an excellent exercise for your facial muscles. It tones up the

muscles of the face and improves facial expressions. When you laugh, your face

becomes red due to an increase in blood supply, which nourishes the facial skin

and makes it glow. Laughing people look more cheerful and attractive. By

squeezing the tear glands through laughter, it moistens the eyes adding a

little sparkle to them. Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps to

improve muscle tone of those with pot bellies.

Interpersonal Relationships: Laughter brings people together and improves

interpersonal relationships. All the members of a Laughter Club meet each other

with open minds and they care for each other. You will get a chance to interact

with a number of people with a positive frame of mind. Today, members of

different Laughter Clubs are like family members. They know each other well;

they share their griefs and sorrows. They share their joyful moments too, by

meeting each other, going out for picnics etc. They organize health workshops,

yoga camps and naturopathy seminars from time to time. People from various

walks of life come together and greet each other with smiling faces.

Self Confidence Through Laughter: When you are laughing in a group at a public

place with your arms up towards the sky, it removes your inhibitions and over a

period of time you become a more sociable, unreserved and outgoing person.

Admittedly, some people are initially a bit reluctant to join the laughter

group, in spite of a strong inclination towards doing so, for fear of appearing

absurd to onlookers. However, this is a passing phase and the very decision to

join a Laughter Club opens your mind. Gradually, it also adds to your self

confidence. It will also help to develop your personality and leadership

qualities.

Social Benefits of Laughter: Ongoing research shows that people suffering from

depression are more prone to many illnesses like high blood pressure, heart

disease and cancer. Depression also affects the immune system adversely. Common

causes of depression are social isolation and a diminishing family value system.

These are much more in western countries but are now slowly affecting the east

also. Laughter Clubs have helped many people to get rid of their antidepressant

pills in a short period of time. The magic which has worked wonders is the

friendship and brotherhood gained from Laughter Clubs. Laughter Clubs are fast

developing into close-knit communities. With the spread of Laughter Clubs in

every locality, each club has taken the shape of a small community, wherein its

members experience a sense of affiliation and belonging to the group. Laughter

Clubs are turning into large "Laughing Families".

http://www.laughteryoga.org/health.htm

SY Zenith <syzenith .au> wrote:

Hi Barbji, The link below features "Genghis Blues" and there's Paul Pena (from

San Francisco) who was the blind gentleman who travelled to the Republic of

Tuva whom I mentioned days ago. On this site, he recounts his journey and

experiences. I saw a documentary about his trip long ago. It was very

touching. Lots of info on this site. Link: http://www.fotuva.org/gb/paul.html

Love, Sy

Tax Center - File online, calculators, forms, and more To

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