Information about Laughter Therapy/Laughter yogaWhat is Laughter Yoga ?
Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea – simple and profound. An exercise routine, it is sweeping the world and is a complete wellbeing workout.
The brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, a Physician from Mumbai, India, launched the first Laughter Club at a park on March 13, 1995, with merely a handful of persons. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 Social Laughter Clubs in about 60 countries.
Laughter Yoga combines unconditional laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh for No Reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.
Dr Gita Suraj-Narayan is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Social Work and Community Development, who qualified as a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader from the Dr Kataria School of Laughter Yoga in Bangalore, India, did a study, which commenced in September 2008 comprised 120 Laughter Therapy Sessions using various Laughter Techniques, Pranayama (Yogic Deep Breathing Exercises) and Cognitive Restructuring, conducted on Stroke patients between the ages of 40 to 90 years, in the Verulam Frail Care Community.
Initially, some of the Stroke patients viewed Laughter Therapy with skepticism. However by their fourth Session, they were more receptive to this form of therapy, said Dr Suraj-Narayan. Significant findings of the study included:
- a reduction in Post-Stroke Depression, resulting from direct damage to emotional centers in the brain, compounded by Frustration and difficulty adapting to new limitations. These included Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Flat Effect (failure to express emotions) and Apathy, often characterised by lethargy, irritability, sleep disturbances, lowered self esteem and withdrawal, and a reduction in Stroke-related pain.
- enhanced Mobility and the ability to walk without walking aids.
- endorphins released as a result of Laughter helped in reducing the intensity of pain.
- in some cases Laughter Therapy helped patients recover from Cognitive deficits, resulting from Stroke, including Perceptual Disorders, Speech Problems, and problems with Attention and Memory.
- improved Communication and relations between the patient and significant others.
“Stroke patients viewed Laughter Therapy as a safe medium to overcome their problems. They developed a zeal and enthusiasm to do things for themselves. For older Stroke patients, it had given them Inner Joy, and offered them a renewed sense of purpose to live,” said Dr Suraj-Narayan.
In summary, Laughter therapy is useful:
- In reducing High Blood Pressure and Heart disease: Laughter helps to control blood pressure by reducing the release of stress related hormones and bringing relaxation.
- As a Natural Pain Killer: Laughter increases the levels of endorphins in our bodies, which are natural pain killers.
- In Alleviating Bronchitis and Asthma: Laughter is one of the best exercises for those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. It improves the lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood. Doctors recommend chest physiotherapy to bring out mucous (phlegm) from the respiratory passages.
- As an Internal Jog: There are plenty of exercises available for your body muscles, but laughing provides a good massage to all internal organs. It enhances their blood supply and increases their efficiency.
- To curb Depression, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders: The stress and strain of modern life are taking a heavy toll of the human mind and body. Laughter has benefited many people who were on heavy anti depressant pills and tranquillizers.
- To Improve Stamina in Athletes: Since breathing capacity is one of the factors which determines stamina in sports, laughter before any competitive sports activity will increase the relaxation levels and hence, performance.
- To Make You Look Younger: Laughter is an excellent exercise for your facial muscles. It tones up the muscles of the face and improves facial expressions. When you laugh, your face becomes red due to an increase in blood supply, which nourishes the facial skin and makes it glow.
Corporate Laughter Benefits Percentage• Reduce stress 69 %
• Improve personality 57 %
• Improve creativity 43 %
• Improve teamwork 39 %
• Develop trust 35 %
• Improve participation 40 %
• Improve leadership 24 %
http://www.laughteryoga.org/
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