Laughing Yoga is an original concept created in India by Dr. Madan Kataria. His motto is, “Let go and laugh out loud, it is therapy.”
Almost anyone can laugh without a specific reason, with no need for jokes, humour, or comedy.
Health Benefits of Laughing Yoga
Clinical findings consistently support the positive physical, physiological, and psychological effects of Laughing Yoga, widely known as an effective way to release the body’s “feel good” chemicals boosting mood, aiding the immune system, reducing stress and blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, elevating pain tolerance, diminishing depression, and creating happiness.
In fact, within the first few minutes of practicing Laughing Yoga, your brain releases endorphins, the neurotransmitter that makes you feel happy. As your session continues, more benefits begin to accrue. Laughing Yoga delivers natural pain-killing effects and it also improves your respiratory function.
The aerobic benefits of yogic breathing during laughing yoga enhance your intake of oxygen-rich air which revitalizes and strengthens the efficiency of the lungs. Further, the increased circulation and additional fresh oxygen exercises the muscles while invigorating the skin making it glow. In fact, oxygen is one of the primary catalysts for all metabolic reactions in the human body. Scientific studies continue to show lack of oxygen as a major cause of most diseases.
Heart health also improves as your blood vessels expand during laughing yoga. Your blood pressure is reduced along with the level of stress hormones (cortisol, epinephrine, adrenaline) in your blood. The muscles in your abdomen also expand and contract, in similar ways to abdominal exercises. The diaphragm, abdomen, and face muscles actively flex and release during laughing yoga toning your abs and face. In fact, 10-minutes of hearty laughter is equal to 30-minutes on a rowing machine.
A weak immune system is a significant cause for almost all sickness and ill health. Laughing Yoga jumpstarts and can improve your immune system by up to 40% according to studies done at the National Cancer Centre in California and the Linda Loma Medical Centre at Indiana State University. Sustained laughter increases the flow of lymphatic fluid and increases the number of lymphocytes, the “killer cells” that fight infection and the free radical-scavenging capacity in saliva. In short, laughing yoga can give you immune system super-powers!
In addition, laughter makes you feel relaxed and energized, your mind sharper and clearer; you’re more grounded and feel more connected to people around you, and your self-esteem is boosted making you more trusting and at peace.
Neurologists confirm Laughing Yoga as a potent combination that can markedly improve physical and psychological health. Laughter changes our internal biochemistry, releases suppressed emotions, and delivers clarity of mind.
14 Main Benefits of Laughing Yoga
1. Makes you happy!
2. Improves your immune system
3. Increases oxygen intake
4. Very effective aerobic exercise
5. Improves concentration
6. Lowers blood pressure
7. Improves pain tolerance
8. Reduces stress
9. Improves respiratory system
10. Enhances positive emotions
11. Improves heart health
12. Controls blood sugar
13. Improves lung function
14. Eases trauma and improves healing
Laughing Yoga Exercises
Laughing Yoga is a unique series of exercises which combine laughing techniques with yogic breathing, bringing more oxygen to the body and brain, resulting in more energy and good health. It truly is a powerful cardio workout, simultaneously improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Remember that depression is the number one illness in the entire world and stress is the number one killer. Why not laugh both of those away?
Laughter therapy is a genuinely powerful modality and an effective social isolation solution.
There truly isn’t a better time for this.
Where can I find Laughing Yoga near Me?
Join Hilarapy certified teachers, Tanya Horne and Siobhan Coates for Laughter Yoga Sessions via Zoom. You can join from anywhere! Laughter Yoga is for kids, too. The simplicity of it even extends to the actual session; you don’t need a yoga mats or fancy workout gear, or even previous experience, all you need is a desire to laugh! Leave your sensible side at the door and bring that wild child inside to play – it’s the best core workout ever!
