Laughter Yoga Explained

WHY LAUGHTER YOGA?

We all know that laughter makes us feel good. When we laugh our bodies release a cocktail of hormones & chemicals that have startling positive effects on our system. Studies show that stress and pain are reduced, heart health is improved, depression is lifted and the immune system is boosted. Laughter improves your communication skills, creativity and sense of self worth.

Unfortunately, we adultsdon't laugh enough. Reports show that children laugh approximately 300 times per day. By the time we have grown we are down to about 15.  Laughter Yoga is a good prescription for this ailment. It provides numerous mental and physical health benefits and gives us tools to deal with the daily challenges of life. In our workshop we will cover some of the studies about the health benefits of laughter. 

WHAT IS LAUGHTER YOGA?

Laughter Yoga is a new approach to health and happiness. With it you learn that anyone can laugh for no reason - you don't need jokes or comedy. In Laughter Yoga you combine laughter exercises with yoga stretching, breathing and meditation. When done in a group the laughing exercises become contagious and real laughter quickly develops. Laughter Yoga can also be done alone and we cover this technique in our workshops.

HISTORY OF LAUGHTER YOGA

Laughter Yoga was developed by an Indian medical Doctor, Dr. Madan Kataria and his wife Mahduri in Mumbai, India in 1995. He was researching an article he was writing called "Laughter is the Best Medicine" when he got the idea to start a laughter club. What began with 5 people in a Mumbai Park rapidly spread to over 6000 different laughter clubs in 60 different nations. Laughter Yoga is a powerful force that transcends language barriers and connects people from different cultures and countries. 

WHAT LAUGHTER YOGA ISN'T

Laughter Yoga is not about any religion or particular belief. We believe these are private and entirely up to the individual. But they are about raising the Laughter "spirit" in healthy, fun ways that transcend race, religion, nationality and even language. 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Laughter Yoga is not a miracle cure and should not be considered as a substitute for medical consultation for physical, mental and psychological illnesses, but it is a powerful natural complementary form of healing. Laughter Yoga may not be suitable for everyone. It involves some physical exertion and a rise in intra-abdominal pressure. It is contraindicated for people suffering from diseases that are in a severe and uncontrolled stage such as, but not limited to: Advanced piles and hemorrhoids, Any kind of hernia, any persistent cough, epilepsy, heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, major psychiatric disorders, severe backache. People who have undergone major surgery should wait at least three months before doing Laughter Yoga. If in doubt consult a medical professional for guidance.

Anyone undergoing physician-prescribed therapy that experiences improvements through laughter should seek the advice of their doctor before reducing dosage or stopping treatment.

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