What is Laughter Yoga?

Laughter Yoga began in 1995 when a physician in India, Dr. Madan Kataria, started a laughing club with four other people. Since that humble beginning, this health modality has grown to thousands of Laughter Yoga Clubs in over 130 countries around the world.

5 Benefits of Laughter Yoga

1. By releasing endorphins from our brain cells, Laughter Yoga elevates our mood in a short amount of time, with positive results that last throughout the day.

2. Laughter Yoga creates a stronger immunity system while also decreasing stress. We stay healthier, heal faster and reduce days ill if there is a chronic health challenge.

3. Our brain needs about 25 percent more oxygen for optimal functioning. Laughter exercises can increase our net supply, resulting in more energy and improved efficiency. Feeling cheerful and energetic throughout the day makes everything easier!

4. Laughter Yoga increases our quality of life by acting as a social connector. People connected by laughter form lasting bonds of friendship at the heart level.

5. Laughing through the highs and lows of daily life creates grit and a strong coping mechanism. Laughing unconditionally builds perseverance and a positive attitude no matter what is happening in life!

3 Reasons Why People Should Laugh

1. To get the maximum health benefits of laughter, we must aim for 10 to 15 minutes of sustained laughter daily. Approaching laughter as an exercise, we can extend the amount of time laughing and gain physiological and psychological benefits.

2. Deep belly laughing, coming from the diaphragm, provides the best health benefits. Laughter Yoga provides the perfect space to laugh deeply in a safe environment where hearty laughter is completely socially acceptable!

3. Laughter Yoga is a commitment to laughing and is unconditional. Natural laughter relies upon various reasons and conditions; and may or may not happen. When we laugh unconditionally, regardless of how we are feeling, we can guarantee we will receive the health benefits of laughter.

“The success of laugher yoga and scientific studies across the world have left no doubt that laughter has a powerful and profound effect on the human body and mind. Not only does it help to prevent illnesses but also contributes toward healing chronic diseases – both physical and mental. People enjoy the many benefits of laughter without depending on external conditions and stimulation. It employs a remarkable exercise routine that combines yogic breathing with laughter, making it an ideal tool for complete body-mind wellness. Laughter increases the supply of oxygen to body tissues, boosts immunity, relieves pain, lowers stress and even helps protect against heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, migraines and cancer.

It is a powerful technique: safe, easy, and a lot of fun!

“Mere knowledge about laughter is not enough; you must practice it. It is the regular practice of unconditional laughter that brings about the desired physiological and biochemical changes that sustain a positive mental attitude. Training yourself to laugh regularly can also increase genuineness, compassion and sensitivity. It can make you more effective in dealing with others and with everyday situations. Over time, laughter yoga engenders qualities that can help you live a more sensible and virtuous life.”

Andrew Weil, M.D., wrote the excerpts above in the foreward of the book, Laughter Yoga Daily Practices for Health and Happiness, by Madan Kataria, M.D.