What is Laughter Yoga?

Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea – simple and profound. It is an  exercise routine that’s sweeping the world and is a complete wellbeing workout.

Laughter Yoga combines “unconditional” Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can "Laugh for No Reason"; without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.

Laughter Yoga is the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, a Physician from Mumbai, India, where he launched the first Laughter Club at a Park on March 13, 1995, with merely a handful of persons. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 Social Laughter Clubs in about 60 countries.

Physiological healing power of Laughter Yoga

Weak immune system: The weakening of the immune system due to physical illness or mental stress and depression undermines health and leads to frequent infections and disease.

Regular practice of Laughter Yoga boosts the immune system. Laughter increases the natural killer cells that have the ability to destroy tumors and viruses. It increases disease-destroying antibodies and also increases the concentration of salivary immunoglobulin A, which defends against the entry of infectious organisms through the respiratory tract. Laughter Yoga basically brings balance to all the components of the immune system and heals the pain.

Oxygen: Oxygen is one of the primary catalysts for biological energy in the human body. Stress reduces breathing and starves the body of oxygen, promoting the spread of illness. Laughter Yoga flushes the lungs and fully oxygenates the blood and major organs leaving one bursting with energy and vitality and free from disease.

Research has also shown that cancer cells are destroyed in the presence of oxygen. In fact, many parasites and bacteria don't survive well in the presence of oxygen; therefore an increase in the oxygen levels with laughter exercises is a great way to combat certain killer diseases.

Pain: Laughter triggers the release of a natural opiate called endorphin into the bloodstream. This provides immediate pain relief typically lasting for two hours. It can relieve headaches, muscular and joint pain and is powerful enough that a number of practitioners have undergone surgery using laughter instead of anesthetics!

Diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart related problems, asthma and respiratory complications, arthritis, senile dementia and even cancer to some extent have also been largely affected by laughter.

Laughter chemistry: The impact of laughter is based on a wealth of healing biochemicals. One minute of laughter produces body chemicals which are immune boosting and generate a healthy chemistry. Some of these are brain-altering chemicals created by engaging in healthy laughter would actually carry a hefty price tag if one went out to purchase them. But, once again, one can create these chemicals at no cost by simply laughing.

Lymphatic system: Stress switches off the lymphatic system while laughter moves the lymph fluid around the body simply by the spasms during laughter. This helps clear out old, dead waste products from organs and tissues.

A Laughter Yoga Session

Laughter Yoga Sessions are led by a Laughter Leader or Teacher, who controls the Laughter Session, explains and gives commands to start and complete different Laughter Exercises. The Leader guides the members to start and complete Laughter Exercises together for improved group dynamic.

During most Laughter Yoga Exercises, group members keep moving, and establish eye contact with others in the group. Most Laughter Sessions focus on enjoyment, rather than force, when doing Laughter Exercises. The Laughter Session strives to cultivate childlike playfulness during Laughter Yoga Exercises.

What Should I Bring To Class?

Bring a water bottle and an open heart and mind.