Developed in 1995, Laughter Yoga is a type of well-being workout practiced by Laughter Yoga clubs around the world. Laughter Yoga was created by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai, India, after researching the healing power of laughter for an article. If you wish to become certified in Laughter Yoga, you can choose to train as a certified Laughter Yoga leader, or as a certified Laughter Yoga teacher who can then train other leaders.
About Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga combines the practice of unconditional laughter with yogic breathing to promote increased health and well-being. Through experimentation with his original Laughter Yoga club, Kataria developed a series of exercises that can be used to foster genuine, infectious laughter without relying on jokes, comedy or humor.
Benefits
According to Kataria, laughter offers multiple benefits, including increased self-confidence and a more positive attitude, a strengthened respiratory system and improved digestion. Dr. Gita Suraj-Narayan, senior lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, tested the effects of Laughter Yoga on stroke patients and found "a reduction in stress levels, depression, sugar diabetes and blood pressure among some of the participants." Some patients also reported a reduced frequency of asthma attacks. "Laughter therapy may be used as a supplementary treatment to patients who are already on medication for their ailments," said Suraj-Narayan.
Laughter Yoga Teacher Training
Laughter Yoga Teacher Training is offered by Kataria's Laughter Yoga International or by the American School of Laughter Yoga. Certification from Laughter Yoga International involves a two-day or five-day course. Students who complete the two-day course become certified Laughter Yoga leaders (CLYL), while students in the five-day course become certified Laughter Yoga teachers (CLYT) who are authorized to certify Laughter Yoga leaders. The American School of Laughter Yoga offers a two-day CLYL program.
Curriculum
In Laughter Yoga leader training, you learn the history and philosophy of Laughter Yoga and meditation, basic facilitation and presentation skills, organization and communication skills, and various Laughter Yoga techniques. You also learn how Laughter Yoga can be applied to a variety of situations, how to lead people through guided relaxation, and how to start and lead a Laughter Yoga club.
Application
According to Laughter Yoga International, Laughter Yoga can be used to boost morale, relieve stress, increase energy and foster improved cooperation and teamwork in a variety of settings. Kataria has conducted Laughter Yoga sessions in schools, prisons, nursing homes, business and hospitals. Laughter Yoga facilitation skills may be of benefit to social workers, occupational therapists, health care workers, professional speakers, human resources professionals, psychologists and therapists.
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