Dr Madan Kataria started laughter Yoga with 5 people in a Mumbai park in India in 1995, and there are now over 1200 free laughter clubs in 120 countries including New Zealand, and the Bay of Plenty.
According to researcher Matthew Wappett, laughter can turn off the continuous release of stress hormones that lead to a decline in mental and physical health. They found laughter reduced cortisol levels and increased endorphins (happy hormones) that increased the healing mechanism within the body. So it’s no laughing matter that laughter medicine can be good for your health.
“There’s not much laugher in medicine, but much medicine in laughter.”
Dr Madan Kataria
Laughter Yoga uses laughter as an exercise where anyone can laugh for no reason without humour. Using playfulness and eye contact, pretend laughter becomes genuine and contagious.
It’s a great way to reduce stress and improve positive emotions by lifting our mood and energy. There are also significant benefits for your body: improved breathing, digestion, and immune function.
The yoga part combines with deep breathing and some simple stretching, which increases oxygen to the brain for energy and health.
It’s based on science that our body cannot differentiate between pretend and real laughter when done willingly with intention, so people get the same physiological and psychological benefits.
In a town near you, people gather in a local park or hall in a free club just to stand around and laugh. These social clubs allow people to connect in a fun, friendly way that really makes a difference. It’s not possible to laugh and be grumpy at the same time!
Tony is a qualified Laughter Yoga Leader. For information on upcoming Workshops.
Seek out and contact your local laughter yoga club
Learn more about laughter yoga here:
Authors & Blog Contributors
Tony is a certified Radical Remission Health Coach and workshop facilitator. His key takeaway point from this article is to …
Allow yourself to laugh and have fun. Everything has an alternative side; like happiness and sadness; darkness and light.
Radical Remission Workshops
Wainui Wellness offer Radical Remission Workshops and Coaching throughout the year in person and online. Of the 10 key factors researched, releasing suppressed emotions is a fundamental part of your healing journey. Our Certified Radical Remission Health Coach is here to guide you on your healing journey. To learn more about coaching and workshops, click here.
I LOVE DOGS & WALKING..
Dogs make us laugh and appreciate the joy of being. They intuitively know how you are and want to make you happy. Walking with my best mate and wife at my side I’m in my happy place.