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Misty L. Trepke
http://www.searching-alternatives.com
Health Benefits Of Laughter Therapy
It is more than three-and-a-half years now since people have been
practicing laughter therapy all over India. There is a growing demand
for opening laughter clubs at many more places in India and abroad.
Everyday, more and more people are joining laughter clubs. Obviously
there must be some health benefits, otherwise people would not make
the time to participate. Health benefits can be attributed to
positive thinking. Faith healing and autosuggestion are achieved when
we fortify our subconscious minds every day with a positive input.
Most Important: People suffering from a variety of diseases have
benefited in some way or the other. But we don't claim to have cured
long-standing ailments with laughter therapy. Laughter is more of a
supplementary and preventive therapy. We are starting clinical
research on it very soon. It will take a couple of years before we
publish research data on laughter therapy. Based on the interviews of
hundreds of people in India and research done all over the world, we
have found that laughter has helped many people.
Sense of Well Being: The one benefit everybody gets is a sense of
well being. After 15 minutes of laughter in the morning, you will
feel fresh throughout the day. There is no medicine like laughter
therapy which gives you instant results. You start feeling the
freshness straight away. Many people have found that they don't get
irritated over trivial things after starting this therapy. Their
approach towards life changes positively.
Depression, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders: The stress and
strain of modern life are taking a heavy toll on the human mind. Mind
related diseases like anxiety, depression, nervous breakdowns and
sleeplessness are on the rise. Laughter has benefited many people who
were on heavy tranquilizers and sleeping pills. Now they are getting
better sleep and their depression has reduced. People with suicidal
tendencies have started living with more hope.
Meditation and Relaxation: Laughter therapy is one of the finest
anti-
stress measures. It is ideally suited for today's stress ridden
lifestyle. It can be compared to any form of meditation or
relaxation. To achieve the desired end through meditation, one has to
put in a concerted effort to completely detach oneself, on mental and
emotional levels, from one's own feelings and thought process, as
well as from the physical world to prevent distractions. On the other
hand, while laughing, we do not have any conscious thought process
and all our senses naturally and effortlessly combine in a moment of
harmony, to give joy, peace and relaxation. In other types of
meditation you need to concentrate a lot to take your mind away from
distracting thoughts, which is easier said than done. Therefore,
Laughter Therapy is the easiest form of meditation, a form which
brings you instant relaxation.
High Blood Pressure and Heart disease: There are a number of causes
for high blood pressure and heart disease like heredity, being
overweight, smoking and excessive intake of saturated fats. But
stress is one of the most important factors. Laughter definitely
helps to control blood pressure by reducing the release of stress
related hormones and bringing relaxation. In experiments it has been
proved that there is a drop of 10-20 mm. pressure after participating
for 10 minutes in a laughter session. It does not mean that those who
are taking 2-3 tablets for blood pressure everyday will be completely
cured. Maybe, you will require 2 tablets if you are taking 3, or
borderline high blood pressure patients may not require any
medication. It takes years to develop high blood pressure. It cannot
be reversed in a few days or a month. But definitely laughter will
exercise some control and arrest further progress of the disease.
Similarly, if you are at a high risk of developing heart disease,
laughter may be the best preventive medicine. Those who are suffering
from heart disease and have stabilized on medication will find that
laughter therapy improves the blood circulation and oxygen levels to
the heart muscles. Those who have had heart attacks or have undergone
bypass surgery can also participate in laughter therapy.
Strengthens the Immune System: Our immune system plays a most
important role in keeping good health or the development of
infections, allergies and cancers. It has been proved by
psychoneuroimmunologists that all negative emotions like anxiety,
depression or anger weaken the immune system of the body, thereby
reducing its fighting capacity against infections. Laughter helps to
increase the count of natural killer lymphocytes (a type of white
cells) and also raises the antibody levels. Researchers have found
more antibodies in the mucous of the nose and respiratory passages
after laughter therapy. There are many members of laughter clubs who
have noticed that the frequency of common colds, sore throats and
chest infections gets reduced.
Natural Pain Killer: Laughter increase the levels of Endorphins in
our bodies, which are natural pain killers. It may help in reducing
the intensity of pain in those suffering from arthritis, spondylitis
and muscular spasms of the body. Many ladies have reported reduced
frequency of migraine headaches and tension headaches.
Alleviates Bronchitis and Asthma: Laughter is one of the best
exercises for those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. It improves
the lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood. Doctors recommend
chest physiotherapy to bring out mucous (phlegm) from the respiratory
passages. Blowing forcefully into an instrument and blowing balloons
is one of the common exercises given to asthmatics. Laughter therapy
does the same job, more easily and cheaply. There are many
individuals suffering from asthma and bronchitis who participate in
laughter clubs. They have reported reduced frequency of their
attacks. Laughter therapy may cause some discomfort if you have
severe bronchospasm. There is a small percentage of asthma cases who
may get a little aggravation by doing any exercise (exercise induced
asthma). Such individuals should consult their doctors before taking
up laughter therapy. One of the most common causes for frequent
attacks of asthma is infection. Laughter Therapy increases the
antibody levels in the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages,
thereby reducing the frequency of chest infections. It also tones up
the normal mucous clearing system of the bronchial tubes. Stress is
another factor which can bring on an attack of asthma. By reducing
stress, it might improve the prognosis of the disease.
Improves Stamina in Athletes: Since breathing capacity is one of the
factors which determines stamina in sports, laughter before any
competitive sports activity will increase the relaxation levels and
hence, performance. Laughter Therapy can be introduced as a regular
exercise in any kind of sports activity.
Internal Jogging: There are plenty of exercises available for your
body muscles, but laughing provides a good massage to all internal
organs. It enhances their blood supply and increases their
efficiency. It has been compared to magic fingers which reach into
the interior of the abdomen and massage your organs.
Good for Actors and Singers: Laughter therapy can be very beneficial
for singers and actors. Increased lung capacity, exercise of the
diaphragm and abdominal muscles will help to gain a better control
over speech. It may enhance self confidence and reduce stage fright.
Makes You Look Younger: People do exercise for all the muscles of the
body, but there is no regular exercise designed for facial muscles
except in Yoga. Laughter is an excellent exercise for your facial
muscles. It tones up the muscles of the face and improves facial
expressions. When you laugh, your face becomes red due to an increase
in blood supply which nourishes the facial skin and makes it glow.
Laughing people look more cheerful and attractive. By squeezing the
tear glands through laughter, it moistens the eyes adding a little
sparkle to them. Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps
to improve muscle tone of those with pot bellies.
Snoring: Snoring occurs as a result of lack of tone in the muscles of
the soft palate. Laughter therapy is very good for the muscles of the
soft palate and throat. Some individuals have reported improvements.
We have already started clinical studies on the effects of laughter
on snoring.
Interpersonal Relationships: Laughter brings people together and
improves interpersonal relationships. All the members of a laughter
club meet each other with open minds and they care for each other.
You will get a chance to interact with a number of people with a
positive frame of mind. Today, members of different laughter clubs
are like family members. They know each other well, they share their
griefs and sorrows. They share their joyful moments by meeting each
other, going out for picnics etc. They organize health workshops,
yoga camps and naturopathy seminars from time to time. People from
various walks of life come together and greet each other with smiling
faces.
Self Confidence Through Laughter: When you are laughing in a group in
a public place with your arms up towards the sky, it removes your
inhibitions and over a period of time you become a more sociable,
unreserved and outgoing person. Admittedly, some people are a bit
reluctant to join the laughter group initially, in spite of a strong
inclination towards doing so, for fear of appearing absurd to
onlookers. However, this a passing phase and the very decision to
join a laughter club opens your mind. Gradually, it also adds to your
self confidence. It will also help to develop your personality and
leadership qualities. In a laughter club, many members are encouraged
to conduct the sessions. People who were not able to speak a word in
public, often become very good public speakers. The laughter club of
Johnson Garden (Mulund) has produced more than thirty anchor persons.
With the passage of time, you will observe a transformation in your
personality. You develop a more positive attitude towards life. Minor
setbacks or irritants in every day life no longer cause a serious
disturbance, and you learn to deal with them much more effectively.
[Editor's Note: This article was reprinted with permission from Dr
Aniruddha Malpani, MD Medical Director. Contact Dr. Malpanin at
HELP -
Health Education Library for People Om Chambers, Kemps Corner Bombay
400 036. India Tel: 91-22-23683334. Email: helplib@vsnl.com
Website: www.healthlibrary.com.]
In Reply to: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by Walt Stoll on July 15, 2003 at 05:46:26:
Hi Walt,
I feel sure most people know the benefits of having a good laugh. I do too. But I am one of those people who rarely laughs, simply because I don't find the trivia that makes most people laugh funny. I mean if you are not in any way amused by something, how can you laugh. I don't see how one can just start laughing - you can't act it out, surely?
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by agreed but on July 15, 2003 at 07:50:03:
Hi Agreed,
Try to cultivate an attitude of finding things funny. For example, if you see a comic strip that is just a little tiny bit humorous, overexaggerate your response to it by laughing as loud and as hard and as long as you can about it. If you do this over time, you'll loosen up (I did).
Have you heard of Norman Cousins? He's the fellow that cured his ankylosing spondolosis (itis?) by checking out of the hospital, into a resort hotel, and got better by watching old comic movies and laughing all day long. He also ate much better in the hotel! His book is good reading.
I'm interesting in trying his method of using laughter and humor as a cure. Because, if psychosocial stress aggravates already bad brain chemistry, wouldn't the opposite of stress -- outright happiness and laughter -- then be what would heal it? My plan is, as soon as I can afford it, to take a three-week fun vacation.
Best wishes,
Happygal
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by Happygal on July 15, 2003 at 08:10:19:
Good luck Happygal. I just wish I could see the funny side of things. There are some things that make me laugh, a real belly laugh, but it doesn't happen that often. Don't get me wrong, I'm not miserable, it's just that it takes a lot to make me laugh. Maybe I should just try laughing even if I don't feel like it. But you feel stupid doing that.
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by agreed but on July 15, 2003 at 10:26:14:
Hi agreed,
It's really okay to feel stupid. Go ahead and laugh! Have you heard the saying, "Fake it 'til you make it!"?
Best wishes,
Happygal
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by agreed but on July 15, 2003 at 10:26:14:
Hi Agreed - I have a client right now who was once like you, and is changing slowly - growing slowly - out of the similar mindset.
I do however understand your stance.
My client is extremely intelligent, doesn't feel like "the masses" and feels very above them in terms of what he thinks/does (and maybe this is true - not for me to judge per se) BUT I will tell you this - his stance on life outlook has changed as he began to bring walls down that he has built (knowingly, some not knowingly) around him, he now "allows" himself to be silly and "let loose" - there are many types of humor available - even a light satire can be quite funny if you have a very high level of seriousness - and slowly begin to see the lighter and lighter side of things. Much humor is such that it is built from some level of reality anyway - so begin to see reality as humor. I do understand where you are coming from - and hope that you begin to see things lighter.
Hap is 100% on the mark when she talks of Brain Chemistry - in addition to meditation, factoring out triggers and so on - I am looking at life "lighter" which is tough for me. I've always been one to crack up easily at jokes and to appreciate humor - but seeing it in my own life, well, that took some doing... there is a reason that "laughter is the best medicine" - it to me, is similar to people who enjoy what they do from a physical stance.."it may not feel like exercise but is" just as laughter may not seem like therapy but is.... Just last night, I gave a massage, and the person said someone and it struck me funny, then they laughed as well, and we had a great session - better than if it has not happened...laughter is wonderul. It's also a great workout for the face & abs, on the surface :)
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by Michele on July 15, 2003 at 11:34:50:
Thanks, and also thanks to Happygal.
Don't get me wrong. I really love a good laugh, but there doesn't seem much these days that tickles my fancy. I don't know why, it's just that not much seems to amuse me. Sometimes, something happens that really does make me laugh, a lot.
We had some neighbours that were planning to emigrate. We had been hearing this for ages and one Saturday morning, I saw them all out by the car - talking to other people and looking as if they wer "on their way". I said to my partner, who is very friendly with them, I think they are going today. You had better go out there and say goodbye. Knowing how he would want to do that. I'm not bothered.
Anyway, my partner rushed out, there were all the family, seemingly going on a trip. My partner proceeded to wish them a fond farewell. Said it was really nice knowing you and hope you have a good trip. Take care, and all the rest of it. Our neighbour looked a bit spooked and said "We are only going to the supermarket".
Well I can tell you, my partner gave his apologies and rushed back into the house. He said to me "You stupid bitch, they are going to Tescos!!!"
Well I cannot tell you how much I laughed. I was laughing for so long I thought my lungs would burst. I could not stop. This is the type of thing that makes me laugh. But it is quite rare. Oh how I laughed for so long. I really could not stop for ages. And even now, when I think of it, I still laugh.
Anyway, this is the type of thing that really makes me laugh, but as I say it does not happen often, so I don't laugh much. I wish I could but many things that make people laugh just don't make me laugh.
Hope you enjoyed my little story!
Regards.
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by agreed but on July 15, 2003 at 16:27:56:
Hi agreed but,
Great story. Like you, I don't belly laugh very often, but I do try to maximize whatever chuckle comes my way. That's all I'm trying to say. :o)
Best wishes,
Happygal
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by agreed but on July 15, 2003 at 16:27:56:
That was hysterical! LOL
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by agreed but on July 15, 2003 at 16:27:56:
I like your sense of humour! Now, thats what I think is funny. I neither can "put on" a good laugh. Either its funny or its not. I have to really feel it to turn on the laughter, otherwise I feel like a right twit~! :)
How about watching some really funny movies? Do you like classics such as Three Stooges, Laurel and Hardy, Pink Panther, Monty Python, Bill Cosby, Jerry Lewis etc? That could be a starting point for you. I find the more I find things funny and laugh, the more easy it is to laugh at life's funny moments. Its contagious! :)
In Reply to: Re: Laugter - I Cant Put it On either~! . Archive in Stress. posted by Tia Maria on July 15, 2003 at 20:27:45:
Thanks Tia. I have an idea. Ever since I sent that post, I have been thinking about that episode with my neighbours. And I have been laughing to myself. I mean really. So maybe I should do more of that. Try and remember funny things that have happened and just think about them. It changes how you feel inside.
Thanks all, I am now more aware of this and need to try and see the funny side of things, if there is one!
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by agreed but on July 15, 2003 at 07:50:03:
Thanks, Agreed.
Our brain is "hard wired" to the muscles of expression. We do not have to feel something "funny" to get the benefits of brain hormone changes. Just forcing the facial expression of a laugh or a smile causes production of the healthy endorphins that have at least something to so with this phenomenon.
Hope this helps.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Laughter--an inexpensive, safe and effective medicine. Archive in Stress. posted by Walt Stoll on July 16, 2003 at 06:37:48:
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