What is LAUGHTER YOGA?
Laughter Yoga is a body-mind-spirit practice of unconditional laughter that combines simple and playful laughter exercises with gentle yoga breathing to enhance health and happiness.
Why not use jokes?Jokes are dependent on individual humor and don’t necessarily make everyone laugh. Unconditional laughter can be done anywhere, anytime and with any group of willing participants. Jokes elicit a 2.5 second laugh on the average, whereas laughter exercises continue for 40-60 seconds or more. It’s a real physical and emotional workout. Jokes empower the comedian, whereas creating your own laughter is self-empowering.
What are the benefits of unconditional laughter?
• Boost to the Immune System
• Stimulation to the Brain
• Strengthening of the Lungs and Respiratory passage
• Workout for the Heart
• Lowering Blood Pressure
• Massage to the Internal Organs
• Pain Reduction
• Toxic Cleanse to the body
• Stimulation and Relaxation of the Muscle System
• Oxygenation to the body for more Energy
• Reduction of Stress
• Psychological Boost
(Melts away anger, irritation and depression; creates joy and hope; fosters a positive attitude; enhances confidence and bonding with others.)
How did this all begin?
The Laughter Yoga movement began in India on March 13, 1995 when Dr. Madan Kitaria gathered five people in an outdoor park to “laugh for no reason”. As a physician he understood the immense benefits of laughter, noticing that his patients who healed the fastest also laughed the most. He developed a method of organized laughter that has spread around the world.
Where can I learn more?
Laughter Yoga International: www.laughteryoga.org
World Laughter Tour: www.worldlaughtertour.com.