THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER YOGA

The health benefits of Laughter Yoga include:

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 epinephrine and cortisol.



A natural relaxant: 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. Laughter is the easiest form of meditation and one that brings 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. 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 and also raises the antibody levels. Research has shown that, after laughter therapy, there is an increase in antibodies in the mucous of the nose and respiratory passages, which is believed to have a protective capacity against some viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. There are many members of Laughter Clubs who have noticed that the frequency of common colds, sore throats and chest infections has decreased since undertaking Laughter Yoga.

Best Aerobic Exercise: The one benefit almost everybody derives from Laughter Yoga 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 such an instant result! The reason for this sense of well being is that one inhales more oxygen while laughing. Laughter can be compared to any aerobic exercise. According to Dr. William Fry from Stanford 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.

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.

High Blood Pressure and Heart disease: 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. Those who are suffering from heart disease and have stabilised 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.