Have you ever heard of Laughter Yoga? If you have, are you wondering what this could be? Maybe you’ve heard the expression “Laughter is the best medicine.” If you’re familiar with that, then you’re on your way to understanding this new form of yoga.
The Laughter Yoga movement began just a few years ago, 1995, in India. A medical doctor had done some research into the physical science behind laughter being the best medicine. He found that the responses to the act of laughing that occur in the body and the brain truly have healing effects. After publishing the results of the study, demand for a laughter exercise program began. As luck would have it, the doctor happens to be married to a yoga instructor, and together they created Laughter Yoga.
The exercises combine laughter with many movements that will be familiar to a yoga practitioner. For the most part, the exercises are ones that will be accessible to people of any level of physical ability. The feats of extreme strength or flexibility that some of us work toward in other forms of yoga aren’t to be found in Laughter Yoga. The idea is to let yourself go, relax, have fun, laugh at yourself, laugh with your classmates.
Laughter Yoga is said to have the power to reduce stress, improve immune system function, increase positivity, alleviate depression, reduce high blood pressure, improve digestive system, regulate hormone levels, balance blood sugar levels in diabetics, and the list can go on and on. The positive physical affects of yoga on the body are the opposite of the negative physical affects caused by stress. The exercises give participants a low impact aerobic workout, working the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, heart and lungs, even the face muscles. They also include movements that activate the arms, legs and back.
The beauty of Laughter Yoga is that it offers the benefits of yoga (and laughter) without the intimidation that some might feel about joining a more traditional physical yoga class. Although all forms of yoga can be made accessible to people of varying levels of physical strength and flexibility, beginners may feel unsure of themselves. I’ve heard it said of yoga that if you are breathing properly, that is more important than getting into the most perfect version of a pose. This idea is brought to a new level in Laughter Yoga, where if you are laughing, you are doing it perfectly.
It is being practiced around the world in India, Japan, China, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Portugal, throughout the United States and beyond. Groups organize as Laughter Clubs, and its also practiced in surprising places like workplaces, senior centers and even prisons. You can search for “laughter yoga” on You Tube and find videos of people across the globe and of all ages doing the exercises. Check it out. You’ll find yourself laughing, and feeling better, too!
About the Author
Wendy P. Kelly has been practicing yoga [http://www.mostlyyoga.com] since 1999 and has become certified yoga instructor teaching public and private classes on Hilton Head Island, SC. Wendy has a strong belief in the power of yoga and fitness to create positive change. She shares her knowledge and experiences through her website at MostlyYoga.com [http://www.mostlyyoga.com].
About Manifest Excellence, LLC
Health promotion and empowerment company Manifest Excellence®, LLC supports people with optimizing personal wellness by addressing the five key areas that impact health. They combine over 20 years traditional medical experience with a comprehensive & holistic wellness philosophy to provide innovative and effective wellness strategies. They enthusiastically teach a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical well-being.
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A wellness thought leader, she champions a comprehensive approach to health by addressing mental, emotional, social, spiritual & physical well-being with a simple and potent message. Her book Wellness Your Way offers a practical strategy to assist readers in creating a happier, healthier life. For more information or to book Dr. Hamilton for speaking engagements visit www.ManifestExcellence.com or www.DonnaHamiltonMD.com
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