Laughter is economical, easy and possibly the best way to practice anti-stress measures. Laughter is one of the best muscle relaxants, it expands blood vessels and sends more blood rising to the extremities and other muscles all over the body it also reduces the levels of stress hormones; epineprine and cortisol.
Strengthening the Immune System:
According to Dr. Lee S. Berk of Loma Linda University, California, USA; laughter increases the count of natural killer cells (NK cells - a type of white cell) and an increase in antibody levels. Researchers have also found that after laughter training there is an increase in antibodies (Immunoglobin A) in the mucous of the nose and respiratory passages, which is believed to protect in some way against some viruses, bacteria and other micro organisms. Many people who suffer from respiratory problems, AIDS and Cancer have been greatly helped by regular laughter training attendance.
Best Aerobic Exercise:
According to Dr. William Fry of Stanford University, 1 minute of laughter corresponds with 10 minutes of activity on a rowing machine. Depression, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders: the reduction of mind related diseases such as anxiety, depression, nervous breakdowns and insomnia and the possible reduction of using anti depressants and tranquilisers (Please consult your doctor before reducing any medication!)
High Blood Pressure and Heart disease:
By reducing the release of stress related hormones and bringing relaxation, increasing blood flow and oxygen there is less chance of a blood clot forming. People who have had bypass surgeory or suffered a heart attack can also participate in laughter sessions. (Please consult you doctor before attending a laughter session should you be suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease)
Natural Pain Killer:
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 and tension headaches. (See Norman Cousins book “Anatomy of an Illness” in book list)
Alleviates Bronchitis and Asthma:
The improvement of 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 more easily and is much more fun without the need for such a device. Stress levels sink and correspondingly the frequency of asthma attacks can also sink.
Improves Stamina in Athletes:
Due to the increase in lung capacity and blood flow brought about by laughter exercises performed before a sports event, the athlete can feel more relaxed and therefore release more focussed energy on the event. The exercises also massage the lower abdomen and correspondingly a better blood flow is received in this area too.
Good for Actors and Singers:
Increased lung capacity and exercise of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles can help gain more control over speech. An additional benefit can be enhanced self-confidence and reduced stage fright due to the increase in the body’s state of relaxation.
Makes You Look Younger:
By exercising the many face muscles, the aging process can be hindered and skin sagging lessened, the increase of the oxygen supply to the face adds a healthy glow, the flow ot tears to the eyes gives a lustre to the eyes and unwished for grumpy facial expressions can be exchanged for more friendly ones when doing laughing exercises regularly.
Interpersonal Relationships:
Connecting with others doing the same exercises as you and the importance of eye contact during a laughter session leads to a sense of fun and ease when talking to others and has often been remarked upon by laughter participants. People from all walks of life meet and laugh to together.
Self Confidence Through Laughter:
The removal of inhibitions, becoming more sociable, less reserved and more outgoing through the laughter activities and expressive exercises which are done in the group.
Social Benefits of Laughter:
Social isolation and diminishing family values often lead to depression. The increase of this modern mental sickness can be countered by laughter groups. The activities are very social and the participants celebrate the joy of life by doing the exercises together. Depression adversly affects the immune system and once again the wonderfully enervating laughter yoga exercises activate and strengthen the body’s coping mechanism. The idea of a laughing family which, as the participants or members get to know each other, begin to build a laughing friendship, these same people often remark on how easy it is to talk to others after a laughter session within the laughter group although they’ve never met each other before and this, with practice, can lead to a more outgoing nature and more contact with others outside their own immediate environment. The eye contact, many partner exercises and the sense of fun all lead to a rapid playful feeling of togetherness.
