Laughter Yoga

A few months ago I saw a piece on TV about laughter yoga. I had heard of it through my friend Jane, who told me several years ago she had started doing it. There's a woman in Carlsbad who teaches it, and Jane was taking her classes and enjoyed it very much. I didn't think much of it again until I saw the short piece on TV, which emphasized the benefits of laughter.

Laughter Yoga was founded by Dr. Madan Kataria in India, and has spread worldwide. Laughter is initiated as an exercise in a group where intentional laughter leads to natural, contagious laughter and a sense of playfulness. Laughter Yoga combines laughter exercises and yoga breathing, whith no yoga mats needed. Ten to twenty minute sessions of hearty laughter provide an energy boost to your body, mind and spirit.

For the most part, when you go to the doctor, a clinician is not going to tell you to take two aspirins and watch Laurel and Hardy, but the reality is that may be just what you need. Laughter leads to the release of endorphins, which create a positive state of mind and boosts optimism, self-confidence and feelings of self-worth. Blood and all major organs are fully oxygenated leaving us bursting with energy. Laughter is a combination of deep inhalation and full exhalation, inspiring excellent ventilation, wonderful rest and profound release. Laughter also causes an "internal jogging" that massages the internal organs and promotes circulation to the digestive and lymphatic systems. Laughter strengthens the immune system, promotes cardio vascular health, and lifts depression. It sounds like such an easy to solution to so many medical and emotional problems.

After just one laughter yoga session many people feel the difference. After some Laughter Yoga mediation sessions people describe surging feelings of joy and happiness. According to Stanford University studies, laughter stimulates the parts of our brain that use the "feel good" chemical messenger dopamine.

When was the last time you really had a big belly laugh, the kind where you can't catch your breath and tears are streaming down your face? If you're like me, it's been way too long. Laughter yoga is adaptable for all ages and abilities (don't say you can't do it because of your bad back). It's for everyone, and especially helpful to those who are dealing with grief, pain or medical illness. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, laughter yoga could help lower American health care costs. That's a bold statement, but why not try it? It doesn't cost a thing and it certainly can't hurt. Go to www.laughteryoga.com for more information on this unique form of therapy.