Laugh your way to good health

July 13, 10:55 PMTampa Mind and Body ExaminerNancy Nahas

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Laughter Yoga simulates laughter with group exercises.

People all across the country are realizing the physical, mental and social benefits of laughter and are reaping the benefits through Laughter Yoga classes.

Research has shown that laughter can reduce stress, boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, increase energy and motivation, decrease pain, and promote a positive outlook. Laughter is universally recognized and understood and virtually anyone can do it. 

Intrigued by scientific studies touting the health benefits of laughter, Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria went to a park in Mumbai one morning in 1995 and persuaded four people to join him in a “laughter club.” Their group grew to over 50 in a few days, but after about two weeks, they ran out of jokes and silly stories to tell. It was then that Dr. Kataria discovered that the body cannot differentiate between real and fake laughter – they both hold the same benefits – and Laughter Yoga (LY) was born.

Laughter Yoga, which combines laughter with yogic breathing to increase oxygen flow to the body and brain, simulates laughter through group exercises focusing on playfulness and eye contact, which, in most cases, leads to actual laughter. Today, there are over 6,000 Laughter Clubs in 60 countries around the world. According to Laughteryoga.org, it provides the “safest, easiest and most economical workout for the body and mind simultaneously.” 

Researchers at Loma Linda University in California, showed that laughter can have physiological benefits by reducing chronic stress hormones and triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters.  “There is an intrinsic physiological intervention brought about by positive emotions such as mirthful laughter, optimism and hope. Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on health and disease and these are choices over which we and the patient exercise control relative to prevention and treatment,” said researcher Dr. Lee Berk

My introduction to Laughter Yoga came at a family reunion where my sister, Karena Lindell, a certified Laughter Yoga instructor, led a session. After learning the history and concept of LY, we began the warm-up exercises. The initial awkwardness quickly dissipated and simulated laughter exercises turned to real belly laughs. By the end of the session, as we were lying on the floor giggling uncontrollably, my 8-year-old niece, who had observed the entire process, yelled, “What is so funny?” which set us all off again. We left feeling lighthearted, uplifted and happy – and my belly muscles ached for two days!

Lindell, who has been teaching LY for two years, said that her students love the stress relief and joyful community created by LY. “I also have several regular students with painful health conditions who participate for the pain-reducing qualities of laughter. Most of the time, I go to LY not even aware that I am stressed out, but every time I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders by the end of class,” she said. “Practicing LY regularly has also improved my sense of humor and made it easier for me to laugh at all aspects of my life.”

Laughter Yoga has now also spread to telephone and internet groups where you can dial or click your way to humor.

Incorporating laughter into your daily life is a great way to relieve stress, boost your mood, lower your blood pressure and strengthen your relationships. It may be the best medicine after all.

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