Laughter yoga is a type of well-being exercise that uses breathing, movement, yoga postures and playful exercises to expose participants to the healing power of laughter. Dr. Madan Kataria developed laughter after writing an article about laughter's health benefits. In his research, he learned that the body cannot distinguish between genuine and artificial laughter: Both deliver benefits such as relief from stress and pain, the release of endorphins and improved immune system function. Kataria developed a series of exercises to help participants overcome inhibitions, cultivate a sense of playfulness and transform simulated laughter into genuine laughter.
Clapping and Warm-up Exercises
Laughter yoga sessions typically begin with clapping exercises that incorporate rhythm, movement, and simple chanting, such as "ho, ho, ha, ha, ha," to help participants loosen up and overcome shyness. In this stage, participants are encouraged to move around the room and make eye contact with each other. In a greeting laughter exercise, participants engage in laughter while performing the Namaste gesture--palms together with the thumbs facing the chest--and shake hands. According to Laughter Yoga International, the enthusiasm generated in this part of the session builds positive energy, creates a positive group dynamic and begins to warm up the diaphragm in preparation for deeper breathing and laughter exercises.
Deep Breathing Exercises
Following the warm-up, participants engage in deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises with prolonged exhalation to expand the lungs and promote relaxation.
Childlike Playfulness
The third stage of a laughter yoga session involves exercises to cultivate a sense of childlike playfulness. These exercises involve more clapping, swinging the arms over the head and chanting simple words and phrases to boost feelings of happiness and joy.
Laughter Exercises
Laughter exercises used in laughter yoga sessions include exercises derived from yoga, exercises based on childhood games and value-based exercises designed to associate positive feelings with gestures. "Milkshake laughter" is an exercise in which participants simulate pouring and drinking a milkshake while laughing. In "one-meter laughter," participants stretch their arms wide while laughing. "Lion laughter" involves laughing while imitating a roaring lion. Nonsensical words or gibberish may accompany the motions. Some laughter yoga clubs may incorporate physical exercises and stretching into this portion of the session. Laughter clubs with a more energetic approach may also perform invigorating yoga postures.
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