Laughter is a good medicine, and now many people are getting a regular dose without any humour. Members of laughter clubs have discovered that simulated laughter can quickly turn into giggles, then side-splitting guffas - benefiting mind, body and spirit.
In group laughter, it's not the content that matters. You can laugh over nothing, even simulate laughter, and still reap the benefits. The body knows no difference. "Fake it till you make it" is the motto.
Incorporating yoga stretches, rhythmic breathing, meditation and a lot of playfulness, a typical laughter club session begins with rhythmic hand clapping along with energetic chants of "ho-ho, ha-ha-ha."
This unique idea was developed by Dr Madan Kataria in 1995. His interest in the health benefits of laughter - its positive impact on healing and how it reduces stress - has led to the creation of 5000 laughter clubs worldwide, where members gather to practice laugh such as the "milkshake" and the "lion"
Numerous studies support the health benefits of laughter in cardiac rehabilitation and alleviating depression. Now, research at Loma Linda University in California suggests simply anticipation humour can contribute to stress reduction and optimise the immune system. Researcher Lee S. Berk says, "if group laughter sounds like fun activit, you've probably already gained some health benefits."
To find a laughter club in your country, visit laughteryoga.org.
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