Developed in 1995, Laughter Yoga is a type of exercise that combines unconditional laughter with deep breathing and stretching to deliver the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of laughter. Laughter Yoga may be incorporated into a regular yoga exercise routine, but it is more commonly offered by groups, known as Laughter Clubs.
History
Laughter Yoga was created by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai, India. While researching the healing power of laughter for an article, Kataria decided to gather a group together to field test the impact of laughter on the human mind and body. The first Laughter Club consisted of five people who met in a park in Mumbai. The group began inciting laughter by telling jokes and stories, but after a few meetings, participants started running out of material or began telling negative or offensive jokes. Armed with research suggesting that the body cannot distinguish between genuine and simulated laughter, Kataria developed a series of exercises that used eye contact, role playing and a sense of playfulness to stimulate pretend laughter. Group members discovered that this simulated laughter soon turned into genuine, infectious laughter.
Concept
Laughter Yoga builds on the idea that laughter is not dependent on jokes or comedy; anyone can benefit from the power of laughter, regardless of an individual's sense of humor. Kataria's Laughter Yoga sessions involve exercises derived from yoga poses, method acting techniques, rhythm, clapping, movement, and pranayama (yogic breathing) to cultivate playfulness and help participants overcome inhibitions. Laughter Yoga sessions may include exercises, such as hearty breathing, open-mouth silent laughter, humming laughter, laughter accompanied by swinging arm movements, and meditation. Each laughter exercise is sustained for up to 45 seconds, then followed by breathing and stretching exercises.
Benefits
Kataria maintains that sustained laughter can improve lung capacity and abdominal tone, contributing to a strong digestive system. He also states it helps stimulate the circulatory system and strengthen the respiratory system. Participants in Laughter Yoga Clubs report feeling happier, healthier and more energized. Some claim they experience improved overall health, relief from chronic medical problems and a reduction in the frequency of colds and the flu. The Mayo Clinic reports that laughter can stimulate the heart, lungs and brain; activate the body's stress responses; soothe tension and stomach aches; boost the immune system; and relieve pain. Research conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that laughter may also prevent help heart disease.
Teacher Training
Laughter Clubs are led by certified Laughter Yoga teachers, who work on a volunteer basis. Laughter Yoga teacher training is considerably shorter than training for other yoga disciplines. In the United States, Laughter Yoga teacher training is offered by Kataria's organization, Laughter Yoga International, or by the American School of Laughter Yoga. Kataria's school offers two options: a two-day certification taught by a certified Laughter Yoga teacher or a five-day program conducted by Kataria, which includes in-depth information on different areas of Laughter Yoga applications, as well as sessions in promotion, marketing, public relations and instructor training. Certified Laughter Yoga teachers will be authorized to teach other leaders, start their own Laughter Clubs and conduct Laughter Yoga seminars and workshops in various settings, such as corporations, schools, nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living facilities. Certification from the American School of Laughter Yoga involves a two-day program that incorporates concept and philosophy, core methods, history and special techniques for using Laughter Yoga with children and the elderly.
Laughter Clubs
As of 2010, Laughter Yoga has grown to more than 6,000 Laughter Clubs in 60 different countries. Laughter Clubs are non-profit, non-religious and non-political groups that are free to join. The aim of Laughter Clubs is to spread health, joy and world peace through laughter. Laughter Clubs typically meet in parks or other public areas and are open to anyone regardless of age, fitness level or physical limitations. To find a Laughter Club near you, visit Laughter Yoga International.
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