Laughing Yoga is a type of "well-being workout" designed by Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai, India. While writing an article on the healing benefits of laughter, Dr. Kataria decided to gather a group of people together to form the first Laughter Club. Eventually, Dr. Kataria added yogic breathing exercises to his Laughing Yoga practice, and the Laughter Yoga movement was born.
Since its creation in 1995, Laughter Yoga has grown into an international movement practiced by an estimated 6,000 Laughter Clubs in 60 different countries.
Benefits of Laughter
Laughter may be good for your heart, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. In a 2000 study of 300 people, researchers found that those who suffered from heart disease tended to laugh less, and generally behaved with more anger and hostility in everyday situations. A 2005 study at the same university found that laughing also improves blood vessel function and circulation. According to Laughter Yoga International, laughter has also been shown to reduce the level of stress hormones in the blood.
Applications for Seniors
Laughter Yoga may be particularly helpful for seniors, who are likely to feel useless or depressed after retirement. Laughter Yoga can help foster a sense of bonding for those living in extended care facilities and may also help improve the quality of life for seniors who are mostly or completely sedentary. According to Laughter Yoga International, regular laughter can help boost the immune system, increase muscle movement, trigger the release of endorphins, and improve memory and intellectual capacity.
Laughing Exercises
Laughter Yoga sessions usually include warm-up exercises, deep breathing techniques, and laughter exercises. Many Laughter Yoga exercises involve pantomiming certain activities -- such as pretending to row a boat or pour a milkshake -- while pretending to laugh. Such exercises are designed to stimulate a sense of playfulness that often leads to genuine, infectious laughter.
Laughter Yoga Certification
In order to teach Laughter Yoga -- whether in a Laughter Club or in a setting such as an assisted care facility -- you must be certified as a Laughter Yoga Teacher. Laughter Yoga Teacher certification consists of a two-day training event in which you will learn the philosophy of Laughter Yoga, the basics of leading Laughter Clubs, and the various applications of Laughter Yoga.
References
- Laughter Yoga International: What Is Laughter Yoga?
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Laughter Is the "Best Medicine" for Your Heart; Michelle W. Murray; July 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; University of Maryland School of Medicine Study Shows Laughter Helps Blood Vessels Function Better; March 2005
- Laughter Yoga International: Laughter Yoga With Seniors
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