Laughter Yoga

I became a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader because I understand the importance of laughter as a part of daily self-care. Laughter truly can be the best medicine and I found that to be true in my own life. There was a tremendous need to laugh in the pandemic. I found an on-line group associated with Laughter Yoga International and decided to complete my training on-line. 

Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India, is the Founder and Originator of the worldwide Laughter Yoga Movement. Dr. Kataria first assembled a group of five people in a public park in Mumbai in 1995. Since that first gathering, it has grown into a worldwide movement of more than 6,000 laughter clubs in over 60 countries and Dr Kataria became known as the ‘Guru of Giggling’ (London Times).

Laughter Yoga is a combination of laughter exercises and deep breathing (yoga) techniques that strengthens our immune system and so much more. If we simply start out laughing to ourselves, even when we find no reason, the brain does not know the difference and we are able to achieve positive results. I like to start some sessions, after gaining the client’s consent, with a few minutes of laughter, along with a breath and movement exercise in order to oxygenate the body and brain and begin the relaxation process in the body.

The concept is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. The brain produces the same physiological and psychological benefits whether the laughter is real or fake. Clinical research conducted at Bangalore, India and in the United States concluded that laughter lowers the level of stress hormones (epinephrine, cortisol, etc.) in the blood. It is like an aerobic exercise (cardio workout) that brings more oxygen to the body and brain which in turn makes one feel healthier and more energetic. It has been proven that 30 minutes of laughter yoga in a day is equivalent to 30 minutes of cardio exercises repeated 3 times per week. Additionally, 10 minutes of unrestrained belly laughter is equivalent to 30 minutes of cardio exercises, and 10 minutes of hearty laughter is equivalent to 30 minutes on a rowing machine. https://laughteryoga.org/laughter-yoga-perfect-antidote-to-stress/

In summary, there is proof that the immune system is strengthened through laughter, breath and exercise movements, and Reiki sessions. The immune system not only prevents you from falling sick, but also helps to heal a variety of illnesses like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, depression, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, backache, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, menstrual disorders, and many others. As in Reiki, this does not treat the system / disease, it treats the whole person who is experiencing the malady.

In addition to social laughter clubs, which have primarily been on-line during the pandemic, Laughter Yoga is also practiced in companies and corporations, fitness centers, yoga studios, senior centers, schools, colleges, universities, a variety of care groups, and self-help cancer groups. The goal is to achieve an improved state of well-being in order to heal and / or maintain a balanced life during times of stress.