Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the latest health craze sweeping across the world called “Laughter Yoga,” began using this technique in 1995. It has been featured in numerous publications like National Geographic, Time Magazine, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine involving simulated laughter. According to Dr. Kataria, affectionately called the “Guru of Giggling,” the body can not tell the difference between simulated and genuine laughter. And it places the body in a great state of emotional well-being.

Although Laughter Yoga has been around for approximately fourteen years, it had gone relatively unnoticed here in the United States until a couple of years ago. Extensive media coverage has caused it to rapidly gain in popularity all across the country. And people are enjoying their improved physical and mental health by participating in this joyful activity.

For the uninitiated, observing a group practicing Laughter Yoga for the first time may cause you to think that the entire group is mad. Maybe thinking it silly; however, many people are taken by it at the very first time they try it.

Laughter Yoga Benefits

L aughter releases endorphins, a natural chemical released by the brain which has pain relieving qualities.

A cts as aerobic exercise and gives the body a good work out.


U nleashes inhibitions, breaks down barriers
.

G reat team building tool encourages better communication.

H elps boost our immune system, which in turn helps us resist disease
.

T ones muscles, improves respiration and circulation
.

E ncourages positive thinking and creativity.

R elaxes the whole body by reducing stress and tension.

Dr. Kataria got the idea for Laughter Yoga while doing research on an article, "Laughter the Best Medicine." He started his group with only five individuals. Now, Laughter Yoga practitioners span 60 countries with over five thousand laughter clubs across the globe.

Supporting the theory that laughter really is the best medicine, research conducted by Dr. Lee Berk of Loma Linda University School of Medicine indicates that laughter can make sick people feel better.

He and his college, Stanley Tan, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the university conducted controlled research which suggests that laughter increases the immune system's activity. Here's how it works:

• Natural killer cells (the cells that attack virus and tumor cells) increase in number and activity.
• More T cells (which wait to be told to do something) are activated than normal.
• The antibody immunoglobulin A (which protects the upper respiratory tract) increases.
• Gamma interferon increases. This cytokine tells different components of the immune system to turn on.
• Immunoglobulin G (the immunoglobulin produced in the greatest quantity) and Complement 3 (which helps antibodies pierce dysfunctional or infected cells) increase both during laughter and the next day.

The research also showed that in general, stress hormones--which actually constrict blood vessels and suppress immune activity--decrease in the body as a result of laughter.

What a wonderful way to start your day.  Maybe we should replace the old adage about the apple to "A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away."

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